Instant Pot Corned Beef: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Instant Pot Corned Beef: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

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Instant Pot Corned Beef – There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of simmering corned beef. Growing up, my grandmother would only make it once or twice a year—usually for St. Patrick’s Day or a big Sunday dinner. But these days, with the Instant Pot, I make this dish all year round, especially in summer when I don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen. The pressure cooker locks in flavor and tenderness while cutting hours off the traditional cooking time.

This Instant Pot Corned Beef recipe is quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—perfect for a summer meal prep session or a festive gathering. Served with tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and soft cabbage, it’s a one-pot wonder that checks every box: hearty, easy, and deeply nostalgic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: The Instant Pot turns a traditionally long-cooked dish into a weeknight-friendly dinner.
  • Perfect for Summer: Minimal stovetop use means a cooler kitchen.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy sandwiches, hash, or sliders later in the week.
  • Family Favorite: Tender beef and seasoned veggies are always a hit.

Ingredients

For the Corned Beef

  • 3–4 lb corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
  • 4 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons pickling spice (if spice packet is missing)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds (optional for extra tang)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances the brine)

For the Vegetables

  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • ½ head of green cabbage, cut into wedges
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for finishing veggies)

Equipment

  • Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart)
  • Trivet (helps elevate the brisket)
  • Knife & cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

  1. Rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove excess brine.
  2. Place the brisket on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. If your corned beef came with a spice packet, sprinkle it over the brisket. If not, use pickling spice.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot

  1. Pour beef broth into the Instant Pot.
  2. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and brown sugar.
  3. Place trivet inside and lay the corned beef on top.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Corned Beef

  1. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing.
  2. Cook on High Pressure for 85 minutes.
  3. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

  1. Remove the cooked brisket and set aside to rest (tent with foil).
  2. Add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the pot. Season with salt & pepper.
  3. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Slice corned beef against the grain into thin slices.
  2. Plate with vegetables, drizzle with broth from the pot, and add butter if desired.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Corned Beef

  • Use the trivet: It prevents the brisket from sitting in the liquid and becoming too soft.
  • Slice against the grain: This ensures tender, juicy slices.
  • Let it rest: Like all meats, corned beef benefits from a 10-minute rest after cooking.
  • Broil if desired: For crispy edges, place sliced beef under a broiler for 2–3 minutes.

Variations and Additions

  • Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño to the broth.
  • Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic cloves.
  • Beer Broth: Substitute 1 cup of beef broth with a bottle of Irish stout.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the potatoes and add more cabbage or use turnips.

Make-Ahead and Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Slice beef and wrap well. Freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Gently warm in broth or microwave with a splash of water.

Serving Ideas

  • Classic Plate: Serve with grainy mustard and a slice of Irish soda bread.
  • Sandwiches: Layer beef on rye with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese for a quick Reuben.
  • Corned Beef Hash: Fry diced beef with leftover potatoes for a breakfast win.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 38g
  • Carbs: 22g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: High (due to brine)

FAQs

Can I cook the vegetables with the meat?
Not recommended. They’ll get too soft. Adding them after ensures perfect texture.

What if my beef isn’t tender?
Cook it longer! Some briskets need up to 90 minutes depending on thickness.

Is corned beef gluten-free?
Most are, but always check the label—especially the spice packet.

External Resources & Further Reading

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