“Rich, Tender, and Ready in No Time”
Introduction: A Taste of Tradition, the Fast Way
Corned beef Instant Pot recipe lovers, rejoice—this quick and flavorful twist on a traditional dish is here to warm your kitchen and heart. Every winter, my home fills with the comforting aroma of corned beef, just like it did in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. Though my roots are Italian, our Irish-American neighbors would always invite us to their annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner—a celebration I came to cherish.
What once required hours of stovetop simmering can now be ready in a fraction of the time with the Instant Pot. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a cozy solo dinner, this recipe delivers the classic, savory goodness with modern-day ease.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Cook Time: 90 minutes (including pressure build-up and release)
- Total Time: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
🧾 Ingredients
For the Corned Beef:
- 3 to 4 lbs of corned beef brisket, complete with its spice packet.)
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
For the Vegetables:
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 6 baby potatoes or 3 medium potatoes, halved
- ½ head green cabbage, cut into wedges
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add the beef broth (or water) to the pot, then toss in the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
Step 2: Add the Corned Beef
Set the corned beef brisket onto the trivet Sprinkle the included spice packet over the top.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to Manual/High Pressure for 85 minutes.
Step 4: Natural Release
Once the cooking time is done, let the pressure naturally release for 15–20 minutes. Then carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Remove the corned beef and wrap it in foil to rest. Add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the Instant Pot. Set to Manual/High Pressure for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the rested corned beef against the grain. Serve with vegetables and a bit of the flavorful broth spooned over top.
🥣 Tips & Variations
- For added depth of flavor, combine beef broth with Guinness stout.
- For a low-carb option, replace potatoes with turnips or cauliflower..
- Add Mustard Glaze: After cooking, brush the beef with Dijon mustard and broil for a crisp finish.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I cook frozen corned beef in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Just add 20–30 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time. You can add the seasoning packet while the beef is still frozen, but it’s best to rinse off any excess ice with warm water first.
What cut of corned beef is best for this recipe?
The flat cut is leaner and offers cleaner slices, making it perfect for presentation, while the point cut has more marbling, resulting in a juicier texture. Either works great in the Instant Pot.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Corned beef reheats well and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in broth to keep it moist.
“Is it necessary to rinse corned beef before cooking?
It’s optional. Rinsing removes some of the saltiness, so if you’re sensitive to sodium, a quick rinse under cold water is a good idea.
How do I prevent mushy vegetables?
Always cook vegetables after the meat. If cooked together from the start, they’ll become overly soft. A quick 5-minute high-pressure session is all they need.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve this Instant Pot corned beef alongside warm Irish soda bread, a fresh green salad, or a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce for the perfect meal. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight or festive holiday table.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Corned beef freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
- Reinvent Leftovers: Turn slices into sandwiches or dice them up for a delicious hash..
🥕 Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 33g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 1450mg |
📝 Conclusion
There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving up a meal that’s both comforting and rooted in tradition—especially when it comes together with ease in your Instant Pot. This corned beef instant pot recipe is a delicious nod to Irish-American heritage, with all the hearty flavors and none of the fuss. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply chasing the chill away, this dish delivers on taste, nostalgia, and convenience.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out! Did you add a glaze? Switch up the veggies? Share your tweaks and tips in the comments—I love hearing how these classics live on in your kitchen.
