Rinse the corned beef and pat dry. Add the corned beef to the slow cooker.
Sprinkle over the seasoning packet that came with the roast. Sprinkle over the brown sugar. Add the potatoes, carrots, garlic and bay leaf on top of the roast. Pour over the beer.
Add the lid to the slow cooker. The total cooking time is 8 hours on low. You can choose when to add your cabbage. I put my cabbage in at the 6 hour mark and cooked for the remaining 2 hours, that's how I like it. Some like to add it at the beginning, and some at the last 30 minutes.
Serve by removing the veggies and removing the corned beef on to a cutting board. Cut the corned beef into slices and serve with the veggies.
Video
Notes
You can substitute Guinness with another dark beer or stout if desired. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may differ slightly depending on the beer chosen. Choose a beer with a similar richness and depth to achieve similar results.
You can cook the vegetables separately if preferred. You can steam or boil the vegetables separately and serve them alongside the corned beef.
To store leftover corned beef and cabbage, cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving, and for longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The seasoning packet that comes with the corned beef brisket usually contains enough spices to flavor the dish. However, some people prefer to add additional spices such as black pepper or thyme for extra flavor. Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.