Prepare for a culinary journey to the Emerald Isle with our ultimate Guinness Glazed Corned Beef recipe. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of rich flavors and festive traditions, perfectly crafted for your St. Patrick’s Day dinner. We transform a simple corned beef brisket into a tender, succulent centerpiece, boasting a caramelized, savory-sweet glaze infused with the iconic Irish stout. The magic happens right in your oven, bringing together the robust depth of Guinness, the molasses sweetness of brown sugar, and the classic comfort of tender red potatoes and carrots. It’s a dish that promises to impress with minimal fuss, ensuring your holiday feast is both delicious and memorable.

Crafting the Perfect Guinness Glazed Corned Beef for St. Patrick’s Day

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the anticipation for traditional Irish fare grows, and this Guinness Glazed Corned Beef stands out as a true culinary gem. This recipe has quickly become a beloved annual tradition in our home, often enjoyed with a celebratory glass of green beer. Its appeal lies not only in its exquisite flavor but also in its surprising simplicity. Don’t let the gourmet taste intimidate you; this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, yielding consistently fantastic results that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

The secret to its depth of flavor is the harmonious marriage of corned beef with Guinness Draught Stout. The stout’s malty richness and subtle bitterness cut through the saltiness of the beef, while brown sugar creates a glistening, irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The result is a brisket that’s unbelievably tender and bursting with a complex sweet-and-savory profile. Plus, with a standard bottle of Guinness required for the recipe, you’ll have plenty of leftover stout to enjoy alongside your meal!

Versatile Cooking Methods: Oven-Baked or Slow Cooker

While our featured recipe highlights the oven-baked method, which produces that desirable caramelized crust, this dish is wonderfully adaptable. For those days when you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can easily prepare this Guinness corned beef in a slow cooker or Crockpot. The slow, gentle cooking of a Crockpot ensures the meat is incredibly tender and moist, making it another excellent choice for busy weeknights or extended holiday preparations. For detailed instructions on this alternative, be sure to explore our dedicated Crockpot Guinness Corned Beef Recipe, which often includes the traditional addition of cabbage.

Perfect Pairings and Customizations

This recipe is designed to be a complete meal, with red potatoes and carrots roasting alongside the corned beef, soaking up all the delicious pan juices and developing a rich, savory flavor. The tender, earthy potatoes and sweet carrots create a balanced and satisfying accompaniment. However, feel free to customize your side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent alternative, offering a comforting texture that beautifully complements the tender beef. If you’re catering to a larger gathering, simply double or even triple the amount of potatoes and carrots to ensure everyone gets a generous serving.

For those who prefer their corned beef unadorned, or plan to use it primarily for sandwiches, you can certainly omit the vegetables. The glazed corned beef stands strong on its own, providing a versatile base for countless culinary creations. It slices up perfectly for next-day sandwiches, transforming a simple lunch into an extraordinary experience.

Essential Ingredients for an Authentic Taste

The magic of this Guinness Glazed Corned Beef lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its iconic flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Corned Beef Brisket: The foundation of our dish. Choose a flat-cut brisket, which tends to be leaner and cooks more evenly. A good fat cap is beneficial as it renders during cooking, keeping the meat moist and adding flavor. Most briskets come pre-brined with a crucial spice packet.
• Brown Sugar: This is more than just a sweetener; it’s the key to the rich, caramelized glaze. Brown sugar’s molasses notes perfectly balance the savory beef and bitter stout, creating a harmonious sweet and tangy profile. Dark brown sugar will intensify this depth.
• Guinness Draught Stout Beer: Absolutely indispensable for that authentic Irish flavor. Guinness is not just a liquid; it’s a tenderizer and a flavor enhancer, infusing the beef with its characteristic malty, slightly roasted notes. Avoid substitutions if you want the genuine Guinness taste.
• Red Potatoes: These firm, waxy potatoes are ideal for roasting as they hold their shape beautifully and absorb the delicious pan drippings. Quartered, they become tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Yukon Gold or small new potatoes are also excellent choices.
• Mini Carrots: Sweet, vibrant, and convenient, baby carrots add a pop of color and natural sweetness that complements the savory beef. Larger carrots can be used, simply chopped into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
• Spices from the Corned Beef Packet: Do NOT discard this! This small packet contains a carefully curated blend of pickling spices that are integral to the traditional flavor of corned beef. Rubbing these spices along with the brown sugar ensures maximum flavor infusion.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic yet essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Use sparingly if your corned beef is particularly salty; always taste before adding more.
• Low Sodium Beef Broth: This is used to create a moist braising environment for the brisket. It helps prevent the meat from drying out and contributes to the pan juices. Add enough broth until the brisket is nearly immersed, leaving the top slightly exposed to allow for optimal glazing.

Decoding the Corned Beef Seasoning Packet

For many, the small seasoning packet included with corned beef brisket is a mystery. However, it’s a treasure trove of flavor! This blend of spices is expertly chosen to complement the brined beef, enhancing its unique taste profile. While specific ingredients can vary, a typical corned beef spice packet often includes a fragrant mix of:

• Mustard Seeds: Offering a sharp, piquant flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat.
• Coriander Seeds: Providing a warm, citrusy, and slightly sweet aroma.
• Black Peppercorns: For a robust, classic peppery kick.
• Bay Leaf: Adding a subtle, aromatic, and slightly bitter herbal note.
• Cinnamon: A warming spice that brings unexpected depth and a hint of sweetness.
• Dill Seeds: Lending a distinctive, slightly anise-like freshness.
• Cloves: Delivering a strong, sweet, and intensely aromatic spice.
• Allspice: A versatile spice that tastes like a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
• Fennel Seeds: Contributing a delicate, sweet licorice-like essence.
• A hint of Chili Powder: Often included for a subtle background warmth, rounding out the spice blend without making it spicy.

This intricate blend works synergistically with the Guinness and brown sugar, creating layers of flavor that elevate this corned beef from simple to spectacular.

Recommended Kitchen Equipment

Having the right tools can simplify the cooking process and ensure a successful outcome for your Guinness Glazed Corned Beef. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Measuring Tools: Essential for precise ingredient measurements, particularly for the brown sugar glaze and liquids. This includes tablespoons, teaspoons, and liquid/dry measuring cups.
• Roasting Pan or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed roasting pan with a tight-fitting lid or a large Dutch oven is crucial. These vessels ensure even heat distribution and trap moisture, which is key for braising a tender brisket. The lid is vital to prevent the meat from drying out during the long cooking time.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy and stable cutting board is indispensable for safely prepping your vegetables and, most importantly, for carving the hot, tender corned beef after it has rested.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: A good quality, sharp knife is necessary for clean cuts, whether it’s quartering potatoes or thinly slicing the cooked brisket across the grain.
• Serving Platter: A large, attractive serving platter will help you present your impressive Guinness Glazed Corned Beef feast in style.
• Meat Thermometer: While not strictly listed, an instant-read meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the brisket reaches the desired internal temperature for optimal tenderness.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Guinness Glazed Corned Beef

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Guinness Glazed Corned Beef from good to absolutely unforgettable:

• Thorough Rinsing is Key: Corned beef is cured in brine, making it quite salty. A good rinse under cold running water before patting it dry is essential to remove excess surface salt. This prevents your final dish from being overly saline and allows the glaze flavors to shine.
• Pat Dry for Better Glaze: After rinsing, thoroughly pat the brisket dry with paper towels. A dry surface helps the brown sugar and spice rub adhere better, leading to a more effective and delicious glaze.
• Always Slice Across the Grain: This is paramount for achieving tender corned beef. Once cooked and rested, locate the direction of the muscle fibers (the grain). Using a sharp knife, slice perpendicular to these fibers. This shortens the meat strands, making each bite incredibly tender and easy to chew.
• Don’t Skip the Rest Period: After removing the corned beef from the oven, resist the urge to slice it immediately. Allow it to rest, covered, for at least 10-15 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist, flavorful, and incredibly tender.
• Mind the Liquid Level: When adding the Guinness and beef broth, ensure the brisket is mostly immersed but not completely submerged. Leaving the top surface exposed allows the brown sugar to caramelize and form that beautiful, sticky glaze.
• Customize with Additional Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other root vegetables. Parsnips, turnips, or even large chunks of white or green cabbage can be added alongside the potatoes and carrots during the last hour of cooking for added flavor and variety. Quartered onions are also a wonderful addition, lending a savory sweetness.
• Achieve Optimal Tenderness: For truly fall-apart tender corned beef, aim for an internal temperature of around 180-190°F (82-88°C). While beef is technically safe at 145°F (63°C), corned beef benefits from being cooked to a higher temperature to break down connective tissues, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Creative Ideas for Leftover Corned Beef

One of the best things about making Guinness Glazed Corned Beef is the potential for incredible leftovers! This flavorful meat can be reinvented into a variety of delicious dishes, ensuring no morsel goes to waste:

• Classic Corned Beef Hash: A timeless breakfast or brunch favorite. Dice your leftover corned beef, combine it with sautéed diced potatoes and onions, then fry until crispy. Serve with a perfectly fried or poached egg on top.
• Gourmet Reuben Sandwiches: Thinly slice the cold corned beef and layer it on toasted rye bread with sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a generous spread of Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Grill or toast until golden and gooey.
• Hearty Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup: Transform your leftovers into a comforting soup. Combine diced corned beef, any remaining cooked vegetables, beef broth, and fresh chopped cabbage. Simmer until heated through and flavors meld.
• Savory Corned Beef Tacos or Quesadillas: Shred or finely dice the corned beef and use it as a flavorful filling for tacos or quesadillas. Add your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings like salsa, avocado, or pickled onions.
• Quick Corned Beef and Eggs: For a simple yet satisfying meal, chop the leftover corned beef and quickly sauté it before stirring into scrambled eggs.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mix diced corned beef with cooked rice, a little tomato sauce or beef broth, and seasonings. Stuff into bell pepper halves and bake until tender.

More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes to Elevate Your Feast

Extend your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with these other delightful and festive recipes from our collection:

• Reuben Dip: All the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich, transformed into a shareable, cheesy dip.
• Crockpot Guinness Stew: A hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful Irish stew, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Guinness Beer Bread: An incredibly easy, rustic bread that pairs wonderfully with any Irish meal.
• Easy Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes: Decadent chocolate cupcakes infused with Guinness for a rich, moist dessert.
• Homemade Irish Cream: Craft your own creamy, delicious Irish liqueur, perfect for sipping or in coffee.
• Guinness Glazed Pecans: A unique sweet and savory snack, ideal for entertaining or as a salad topping.
• McDonald’s Shamrock Shake: Recreate this beloved minty, creamy seasonal treat at home.
• St. Patrick’s Day Drinks: A diverse collection of festive beverages to complete your holiday celebration.

Guinness Glazed Corned Beef

This easy oven-baked Guinness Glazed Corned Beef recipe requires just a few main ingredients and delivers an incredibly flavorful, tender, and perfectly glazed brisket. It’s an ideal choice for a festive St. Patrick’s Day dinner or any time you crave comforting Irish-inspired cuisine.

Average Rating: 3.92 from 12 votes (Consider rating this recipe after trying it!)

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 677kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 4 pounds corned beef brisket (flat cut recommended)
• 1 Cup Brown Sugar (dark brown sugar for richer flavor)
• 1 bottle Guinness Draught Stout Beer (approx. 11.2 oz / 330ml)
• 6 Medium Red Potatoes, quartered
• 2 Cups Baby carrots (or chopped large carrots)
• 1 Spice packet from corned beef brisket (do not discard!)
• Low sodium beef broth (approximately 2-3 cups, as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2. Thoroughly rinse the beef brisket under cold running water to remove any excess brine. Pat the brisket completely dry with paper towels. Place the dried brisket in a large Dutch Oven or a sturdy roasting pan with a lid.
3. Generously rub the entire surface of the corned beef brisket with the brown sugar and the contents of the spice packet. Ensure the beef is well-coated on all sides, including the bottom.
4. Arrange the quartered red potatoes and baby carrots around the corned beef in the Dutch Oven, distributing them evenly.
5. Carefully pour the entire bottle of Guinness Draught Stout Beer around and gently over the beef, taking care not to wash off the brown sugar coating. Add enough low sodium beef broth until the brisket is nearly immersed in liquid, but the top portion of the beef should still be visible to allow for glazing.
6. Cover the Dutch Oven or roasting pan tightly with its lid or aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 2 ½ hours, or until the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 180 degrees F (82 degrees C) and the meat is fork-tender.
7. Once cooked, remove the Dutch Oven from the oven. Keep the beef covered and allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
8. Slice the corned beef against the grain into desired thickness. Serve immediately with the roasted potatoes and carrots, drizzling with any pan juices from the pot.

Kitchen Tools

• Dutch Oven (or a large Roasting Pan with a tight-fitting lid)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Chef’s Knife
• Meat Thermometer (optional, but recommended for accuracy)

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Guinness Glazed Corned Beef

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Amount Per Serving (based on 8 servings)

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Calories 677 (Calories from Fat 306)

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% Daily Value*

Fat 34g 52%

Saturated Fat 11g 69%

Cholesterol 122mg 41%

Sodium 2822mg 123%

Potassium 1513mg 43%

Carbohydrates 55g 18%

Fiber 4g 17%

Sugar 30g 33%

Protein 37g 74%

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Vitamin A 4424IU 88%

Vitamin C 76mg 92%

Calcium 65mg 7%

Iron 5mg 28%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

We sincerely hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this incredible Guinness Glazed Corned Beef recipe. It’s a truly satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply enjoying a hearty, home-cooked dinner any time of the year. If this recipe sparks your culinary creativity, be sure to explore our wider collection of copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and convenient CrockPot Recipes for more inspiration and easy meal ideas.

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Recipe originally posted on February 18, 2013. Updated for clarity, additional content, and SEO optimization in March 2020, November 2022, and March 2024.