Guinness Corned Beef is a savory-sweet twist on classic corned beef that melts in your mouth, and couldn’t be easier using only 3 ingredients and one dish!
A hearty Corned Beef Dinner is warm and comforting, and makes enough leftovers for amazing sandwiches or Corned Beef Hash! This Guinness Corned Beef will become an instant favorite for how easily just 3 ingredients combine to pack a ton of flavor into this fall-apart meat. It can easily be made in the slow cooker or instant pot too!
GUINNESS CORNED BEEF
Corned beef is well known as a St. Patrick’s Day staple, but it is so versatile it can really be enjoyed year round. This recipe uses Guinness to infuse the corned beef with even more Irish flavors as well as keep the meat moist and tender. The brown sugar also helps to tenderize the meat, balances the bitterness from the beer, and adds a rich caramelized coating to the beef.
I like using Guinness in this recipe because it is easy to find in most grocery stores and has a mild creaminess that complements the corned beef well. If you have a preferred stout you love, go ahead and use it! There are many craft varieties to choose from these days, including some with notes of coffee or chocolate that would be interesting. Avoid any stouts with sweet dessert flavorings such as vanilla or cinnamon, as those would likely clash with the beefy flavors. If you’d like to avoid alcohol altogether, simply substitute beef broth for the Guinness.
Corned beef is made from the brisket cut of the cow, which is why it lends itself to a slower cooking process to break down the meat. It has already been cured and brined with some herbs and spices, which gives it that distinct flavor. By adding brown sugar and Guinness, you’ll balance those strong flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Guinness Corned Beef would be the perfect centerpiece to an Irish feast served with Roasted Cabbage Steaks, Roasted Carrots, and Scalloped Potatoes. Turn the leftovers into the best Reuben Sandwich you’ve ever had!
CLASSIC SIDES TO SERVE WITH GUINNESS CORNED BEEF
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SLOW COOKER GUINNESS CORNED BEEF
- Prepare the corned beef according to the instructions in the insert for a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-9 hours.
INSTANT POT GUINNESS CORNED BEEF
- Prepare the corned beef according to the instructions in the insert for a pressure cooker.
- Set to high pressure for 90 minutes.
- After cook time is complete, quick release the steam, unlock the lid, and transfer corned beef to a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
MORE BEEFY DISHES WITH BEER
HOW TO STORE GUINNESS CORNED BEEF
- Serve: Guinness Corned Beef can be kept at room temperature up to 2 hours before needing refrigeration.
- Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze Guinness Corned Beef in a freezer safe container for 2-3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or stovetop. You may want to add a half cup of Guinness or beef broth when reheating.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs corned beef brisket, flat , with packet
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 12 ounces Guinness beer
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Rinse corned beef from the package and dry well with paper towels then sprinkle packet seasoning over the beef.
- Place into baking dish and cover with brown sugar.
- Pour beer and beef broth around brisket and cover tightly with foil.
- Cook for 3 hours and rest 10 minutes before slicing.
This was the juiciest, most delicious meat I have ever consumed! I melted in my mouth, and the flavors were so intense! I will definitely be making this to impress my man!
lol, your comment made me chuckle. We love it too!
I was pleasantly surprised with this dish. It looked and tasted like it took me way longer to make than it really was. I am very impressed with the flavor of it as well. Overall just a big win! Thanks for posting!
love the Big Wins in life!!
This corned beef was incredibly delicious and flavorful. Our new family favorite!
Hi! Question: If I wanted to do this recipe in the slow cooker, would you suggest doing this recipe but put it in the slow cooker, or doing your slow cooker recipe and replacing the water with the Guinness? Thank you.
Made this last year and it turned out great! The answer to my question is buried in the page and I found it. Thanks for the recipe. Going to try this in the Instant Pot this year. Based on past experience, I’m going to sear the beef (in the IP or on the stove if the IP is to small) about 3-5 min on each side while the IP is on the sauté function prior to doing your directions. 🙂
Hi Sabrina,
Looking forward to making this. What is in the spice packet and where does one usually find a spice packet for this recipe??
Thanks,
Niki
Just wanted to let you know I like to pride myself in cooking, but you’ve bailed me out a lot. I’m making Reubens tomorrow night because I’m from Omaha lol. If you ever need a protege, look me up!! I’ll send pics of the Reubens lol
Fantastic!