When it comes to making corned beef, the Instant Pot is a game-changer. Traditional stovetop or slow cooker methods can take hours, but with the Instant Pot, you can have perfectly tender and flavorful corned beef in under two hours.
This recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth corned beef with a balance of spices, a rich broth, and just the right amount of saltiness. The pressure cooking method locks in moisture, ensuring that every bite is juicy and delicious. Plus, you can cook potatoes, carrots, and cabbage in the same pot, making this a complete one-pot meal.
Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a hearty, comforting dinner, this Instant Pot corned beef will quickly become your go-to recipe. Let’s get started!
Table of contents
What is Instant Pot Corned Beef?
Corned beef is beef brisket that has been salt-cured with a blend of pickling spices, giving it its signature pink color and distinctive flavor. Traditionally, it’s slow-cooked for several hours to break down the tough fibers, but the Instant Pot speeds up the process without sacrificing tenderness.
Cooking corned beef in a pressure cooker not only saves time but also infuses the meat with intense flavors, making it juicy, fork-tender, and incredibly delicious. If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking corned beef, the Instant Pot makes it completely foolproof!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Cuts cooking time in half compared to traditional methods.
- Incredibly Tender – Pressure cooking ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Flavorful & Juicy – The Instant Pot locks in moisture and spices.
- One-Pot Meal – Cook potatoes, carrots, and cabbage alongside the beef.
- Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day – A classic holiday dish made effortlessly!
How to Make Instant Pot Corned Beef
Quick Overview
Cooking corned beef in the Instant Pot is simple: season, cook, rest, and serve. Follow this foolproof method for the best results.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Corned beef brisket | 3-4 lbs | Rinsed and patted dry |
| Water or beef broth | 4 cups | For cooking liquid |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Onion | 1 large | Quartered |
| Pickling spice | 1 tbsp | Usually included with corned beef |
| Bay leaves | 2 | Adds depth of flavor |
| Carrots | 3 large | Peeled and cut into chunks |
| Baby potatoes | 1 lb | Left whole or halved |
| Cabbage | ½ head | Cut into wedges |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the corned beef – Rinse the brisket under cold water to remove excess brine. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Layer the Instant Pot – Place the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and pickling spice at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add the brisket on top.
- Add liquid – Pour in 4 cups of water or beef broth to help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Pressure cook – Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to High Pressure for 90 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for 15 minutes before opening.
- Cook the vegetables – Remove the brisket and tent it with foil. Add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the pot. Pressure cook for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Slice and serve – Slice corned beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with the cooked vegetables and drizzle with some of the cooking broth.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Corned Beef
Instant Pot corned beef is flavorful, tender, and rich, making it the perfect main dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for St. Patrick’s Day or a hearty family dinner, the right side dishes can elevate your meal. From classic Irish sides to light and refreshing options, here are the best pairings for your corned beef.
Traditional Hearty Sides
- Chicken and Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a perfect match for corned beef, helping to soak up all the flavorful juices.
- Irish Soda Bread – A traditional side with a slightly sweet and tangy taste that complements the salty richness of corned beef.
- Ham Gravy – If you love extra sauce, try this Ham Gravy Recipe for a savory drizzle over the corned beef and potatoes.
Fresh and Light Sides
- Cabbage and Sausage – A delicious and slightly smoky side that enhances the cabbage in the corned beef meal.
- Roasted Carrots and Parsnips – The natural sweetness of roasted root vegetables adds balance to the savory meat.
- Coleslaw – A crisp, tangy slaw with vinegar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of corned beef.
Bread and Comforting Pairings
- Cornmeal Pancakes – These slightly sweet and hearty pancakes offer a unique twist on a traditional bread pairing.
- Dinner Rolls – Soft, fluffy rolls help complete the meal, perfect for soaking up extra broth.
- Rye Bread with Butter – The classic bread choice for corned beef, adding a slightly nutty and earthy taste.
Desserts to Complete the Meal
- Italian Christmas Cookies – A sweet treat with warm spices, perfect for rounding out the meal.
- Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake – A creamy, decadent dessert infused with Irish flavors.
- Apple Crisp – A classic, warm dessert with cinnamon and brown sugar that pairs well with the hearty main dish.
With these delicious side dishes, breads, beverages, and desserts, your Instant Pot corned beef meal will be perfectly balanced and satisfying!
Top Tips for Perfecting Instant Pot Corned Beef
Cooking corned beef in the Instant Pot is quick and easy, but a few key techniques will ensure the best results. Follow these tips to make your corned beef tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
- Rinse the brisket – Corned beef is cured in a salty brine, and rinsing it under cold water helps remove excess salt. Skipping this step can result in an overly salty dish.
- Use beef broth for extra flavor – While water works fine, cooking corned beef in beef broth adds depth and enhances its richness. You can also mix broth with a splash of beer for a more complex taste.
- Slice against the grain – Cutting the brisket against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, resulting in tender, easy-to-eat slices. Slicing with the grain makes the meat chewier.
- Let it rest before slicing – After cooking, let the corned beef rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Cook vegetables separately – Adding potatoes, carrots, and cabbage after the meat is cooked prevents them from turning mushy. Pressure cook them for 5 minutes after removing the beef.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have a perfectly cooked Instant Pot corned beef every time!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover corned beef, proper storage and reheating methods will help maintain its flavor and texture. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.
Refrigeration
Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keeping it in the cooking broth helps retain moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
Corned beef freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months. For best results, slice it before freezing so you can thaw only what you need.
Reheating
- Oven: Wrap slices in foil with a little broth and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Stovetop: Simmer slices in a small amount of broth or water for 5-10 minutes to keep them juicy.
By storing and reheating corned beef properly, you can enjoy it for days without losing its tender, flavorful texture!
FAQs About Instant Pot Corned Beef
Is corned beef good in the Instant Pot?
Yes! The Instant Pot makes corned beef tender, juicy, and full of flavor in a fraction of the time compared to boiling or slow cooking.
How long do you cook corned beef in a pressure cooker?
A 3-4 lb corned beef cooks in the Instant Pot on High Pressure for 90 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release.
What is the best cooking method for tender corned beef?
Pressure cooking is one of the best methods for achieving fork-tender corned beef. It locks in moisture and breaks down tough fibers faster than boiling or baking.
What happens if you don’t rinse corned beef before cooking?
Skipping this step may result in an overly salty dish. Rinsing removes excess brine while still keeping the flavor intact.
How long to cook corned beef in the Instant Pot?
Cook for 90 minutes on High Pressure, then let it naturally release for 15 minutes before opening the lid.
Try this Instant Pot corned beef for a fast, foolproof, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Print
Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Corned Beef is a tender, flavorful dish cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or a comforting family meal, this corned beef is seasoned with aromatic spices and served with cabbage, carrots, and potatoes for a classic Irish-inspired dish.
Ingredients
3 to 4 lbs corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet)
4 cups beef broth or water
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 lb baby potatoes, halved
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges
Instructions
1 Prepare the Corned Beef Rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove excess brine Place the brisket in the Instant Pot, fat side up Add beef broth or water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the top
2 Pressure Cook Close the lid and set the valve to sealing Select Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 90 minutes Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure Remove the corned beef and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing
3 Cook the Vegetables Add the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the Instant Pot with the cooking liquid Close the lid and pressure cook on High for 5 minutes Quick release the pressure and carefully remove the vegetables
4 Serve Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with the cooked vegetables Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the top for extra flavor
Notes
If you prefer a crisper texture for the vegetables, you can steam or roast them separately
Leftover corned beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and used in sandwiches or hash
Adjust the seasoning to taste, as corned beef can be naturally salty
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Keywords: Instant Pot Corned Beef, Pressure Cooker Corned Beef, Easy Corned Beef Recipe, St. Patrick’s Day Dinner