The aroma of slow-cooked corned beef wafts through the house, promising a feast that warms both the belly and the soul. Imagine tender slices of beef, bathed in a rich Guinness reduction, melting in your mouth with every bite. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that can turn any ordinary day into a celebration.
Every time I make this slow cooker corned beef with Guinness reduction, it takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where my family would gather around the table. The laughter, the stories, and of course, the delightful food made those moments unforgettable. pairing with garlic herb mashed potatoes Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy gathering, this recipe promises to create memories worth savoring.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can set it and forget it until dinner time
- The flavor profile combines savory beef with the deep richness of Guinness
- Visually appealing, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its inviting colors
- Perfect for family dinners or festive celebrations, it’s versatile enough for any occasion
There’s nothing quite like serving a warm plate of slow cooker corned beef with Guinness reduction to friends and family—watching their faces light up is priceless! For more inspiration, check out this Instant Pot Shredded Beef recipe.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious au gratin potatoes.
- Beef Brisket: Choose a good-quality brisket for maximum tenderness and flavor; look for marbling.
- Guinness Stout: This adds depth and richness; opt for the classic stout for best results.
- Onions: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they caramelize beautifully during cooking.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add color and sweetness; chop them into hearty pieces to hold their shape.
- Beef Broth: A flavorful base adds moisture; choose low-sodium to control saltiness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic intensity; crush them for maximum flavor infusion.
- Bay Leaves: These enhance the overall flavor profile; remove them before serving as they are not edible.
- Black Peppercorns: Whole peppercorns provide an earthy spiciness that complements the dish perfectly.
- Brown Sugar: Just a touch balances acidity from the Guinness and adds depth to the sauce. zesty cranberry sauce.
- Cabbage (optional): Add chopped cabbage towards the end of cooking for a classic Irish twist.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Start by placing your slow cooker on a stable surface, ensuring it’s ready for action. Plug it in and set it to low heat.
Sear the Beef Brisket: In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, sear your brisket until browned on all sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in flavors.
Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Layer sliced onions, chopped carrots, minced garlic, and bay leaves at the bottom of your slow cooker. These will infuse the beef with delicious aromas.
Pour in the Liquids: Carefully pour in your Guinness stout and beef broth over the brisket, ensuring everything’s submerged under liquid for even cooking.
Add Seasoning & Cook : Sprinkle black peppercorns and brown sugar over everything. Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 8-10 hours until tender.
Savor & Serve!: Once done cooking, carefully slice the brisket against the grain—it should be melt-in-your-mouth tender! Ladle some sauce over each serving along with veggies.
This slow cooker corned beef with Guinness reduction isn’t just food—it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy life’s simple pleasures!
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Guinness Reduction is a hearty dish that’s perfect for gatherings
- The rich flavors and tender meat will impress your guests and make you the culinary star of the evening
- The aromas that fill your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the corned beef to lock in flavors, then add vegetables and Guinness before slow cooking for hours. This sequence maximizes taste and tenderness.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s seasonal or in your fridge. Add extra spices or fresh herbs for a personal twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to preserve texture and flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve tender corned beef, ensure it cooks low and slow for optimal flavor absorption
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking; this keeps heat inside
- Lastly, let it rest after cooking for juicy results
Cooking this dish always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig into that tender, flavorful corned beef.
FAQ
Can I use other types of beer instead of Guinness?
Absolutely! Other stouts or dark ales can work well in this recipe.
How long does it take to cook corned beef in a slow cooker?
Typically, it takes about 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high heat.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Corned Beef?
Serve with cabbage, potatoes, or crusty bread to complement the meal perfectly. creamy potato soup to start your meal.
Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Guinness Reduction
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in a comforting dish that merges tenderness and rich flavors. This Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Guinness Reduction transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. The beef brisket is slow-cooked to perfection, bathed in a savory sauce that features the deep notes of Guinness, complemented by aromatic vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef brisket
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups chopped cabbage (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by plugging it in and setting it to low heat.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the brisket for about 3–4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Layer the sliced onions, chopped carrots, minced garlic, and bay leaves at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the seared brisket on top and pour in the Guinness stout and beef broth.
- Sprinkle black peppercorns and brown sugar over everything. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours until tender.
- Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with ladles of sauce over the meat and veggies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg







