Savory, No-Fuss Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe for Beginners

Nothing beats a hearty corned beef prepared with an instant pot magical precision.

Pressure cooking transforms tough cuts into tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Every home chef wants a foolproof method for this classic dish.

Succulent meat becomes a reality with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Salt, spices, and carefully timed cooking create a memorable meal.

Irish-inspired comfort awaits when you master this simple technique.

Expect a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Instant Pot Corned Beef for Quick, Tender Results

• Speed Up Cooking: Instant Pot dramatically reduces traditional cooking times, transforming a lengthy process into a quick and efficient meal preparation.
• One-Pot Wonder: Prepare an entire hearty meal in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making dinner preparation incredibly convenient for busy families.
• Foolproof Flavor Infusion: The pressure cooking method ensures tender, perfectly seasoned corned beef with rich, deep flavors from spices and herbs, creating a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Versatile Veggie Addition: Easily customize the recipe by adding various vegetables like turnips and parsnips, making it adaptable to personal preferences and seasonal produce availability.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Corned Beef

• Corned Beef Brisket: A classic cut of beef that is salt-cured and perfect for traditional Irish-American dishes.

• Spice Packet, Bay Leaves, Black Peppercorns, Mustard Seeds, Allspice Berries: These spices add depth, warmth, and complex flavor to the corned beef.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Garlic, Turnips, Parsnips, Celery, Cabbage: A hearty mix of root vegetables and cabbage that complement the rich meat and absorb the delicious cooking liquid.

• Fresh Parsley, Horseradish Sauce: Parsley adds a fresh touch of color and brightness, while horseradish sauce provides a zesty and tangy accompaniment.

• Water: The liquid that helps create steam and tenderize the corned beef during cooking.

How to Prepare Instant Pot Corned Beef Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Corned Beef Base

Unwrap the corned beef brisket and sprinkle the included spice packet generously over the meat.

Place the seasoned brisket directly into the Instant Pot’s inner cooking chamber.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Liquid

• Bay leaves
• Black peppercorns
• Mustard seeds
• Allspice berries

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Meat

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure.

Cook the corned beef for 90 minutes, allowing the meat to become tender and infused with deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release

After cooking completes, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 15 minutes.

Then carefully quick release any remaining pressure to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Prepare Hearty Vegetables

Transfer the cooked corned beef to a cutting board.

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Onions
• Garlic
• Optional: Turnips
• Optional: Parsnips
• Optional: Celery

Step 6: Add Cabbage Topping

Gently place cabbage wedges on top of the vegetable mixture.

Step 7: Quick Vegetable Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and cook vegetables on high pressure for 5 minutes, ensuring they remain crisp and flavorful.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Quick release the pressure.

Slice the corned beef against the grain and arrange on a platter surrounded by the colorful vegetables.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with zesty horseradish sauce for an authentic Irish-inspired meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Corned Beef Every Time

• Trim excess fat from the corned beef brisket before cooking to reduce greasiness and improve overall taste.
• Enhance flavor by using the included spice packet and adding extra whole spices like bay leaves and peppercorns for depth.
• Allow the corned beef to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking, then slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Add root vegetables in the second cooking stage to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture and nutrients.
• Replace water with low-sodium broth and use less of the provided spice packet to reduce salt content for health-conscious diners.

Variations to Try with Instant Pot Corned Beef

• Low-Sodium Version: Replace the spice packet with homemade herb blend using dried thyme, rosemary, and reduced-sodium seasonings. Use low-sodium broth instead of water to control salt intake.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Perfect for those without an Instant Pot.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap starchy vegetables with low-carb options like cauliflower, radishes, and zucchini. Use beef broth and add extra herbs for flavor enhancement.
• Gluten-Free Option: Confirm spice packet ingredients are gluten-free. Use gluten-free mustard seeds and ensure all added seasonings meet gluten-free standards.

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Corned Beef

• St. Patrick's Day Feast: Serve this hearty corned beef with traditional Irish soda bread for an authentic meal that celebrates Irish culinary heritage.
• Sandwich Spectacular: Slice the tender corned beef thinly and create mouthwatering sandwiches on rye bread with tangy mustard and crisp pickles.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining corned beef into delicious hash by chopping meat and sautéing with potatoes for a next-day breakfast treat that will energize your morning.
• Sauce Symphony: Pair the dish with multiple dipping sauces like creamy horseradish, spicy brown mustard, and cool green herb sauce to enhance every savory bite.

Storage Advice for Instant Pot Corned Beef

• Store leftover corned beef and vegetables in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum.
• Wrap sliced corned beef tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Vegetables freeze less successfully, so consume within 1 month.
• Place corned beef slices on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use point or flat cut corned beef brisket. Point cut is more marbled and flavorful, while flat cut is leaner and easier to slice.

• Do I need to rinse the corned beef before cooking?

Rinsing helps remove excess salt. Briefly rinse the brisket under cold water before placing it in the Instant Pot to reduce saltiness.

• How can I make the meat more tender?

Cooking in the Instant Pot for 90 minutes with natural pressure release helps break down tough muscle fibers, ensuring a tender and juicy corned beef.

• Is it necessary to use all the spices mentioned in the recipe?

While the spice packet and additional spices enhance flavor, you can adjust or reduce them based on your taste preferences without compromising the overall dish.

Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Instant Pot Corned Beef brings Irish-American classic comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Home cooks can quickly prepare this tender, flavorful meat using simple ingredients and convenient pressure cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4–5 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head cabbage, cut into wedges
• 8–10 small red potatoes, halved
• 4–6 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 large onions, peeled and quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2–3 medium turnips, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
• 2–3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
• 2–3 stalks celery, cut into chunks (optional)

Spices and Liquids:

• 4 cups water
• 2–3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Horseradish sauce (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Position the corned beef brisket inside the Instant Pot, sprinkling the accompanying spice packet over the meat.
2. Create a flavorful liquid base by pouring water and incorporating aromatic spices like bay leaves, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and allspice berries.
3. Secure the lid and program the Instant Pot to generate high pressure, cooking the brisket for 90 minutes at an optimal temperature.
4. After the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to decrease naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
5. Carefully extract the tender corned beef and set it aside for later serving.
6. Utilize the remaining cooking liquid to transform the Instant Pot into a vegetable cooking environment by adding root vegetables including potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and optional ingredients like turnips, parsnips, and celery.
7. Arrange cabbage wedges strategically atop the vegetable medley.
8. Reattach the lid and initiate a high-pressure cooking sequence for 5 minutes to perfectly steam the vegetables.
9. Swiftly release the pressure and prepare for serving.
10. Slice the corned beef against the grain into appealing portions.
11. Plate the meat alongside the colorful, tender vegetables and enhance with fresh parsley.
12. Accompany the dish with zesty horseradish sauce for an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

• Select a well-marbled corned beef brisket for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption during pressure cooking.
• Rinse the brisket before cooking to remove excess salt and reduce potential sodium overload.
• Consider using low-sodium broth instead of water to enhance the meat’s depth without excessive saltiness.
• For gluten-free diets, ensure all packaged spices and added ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Trim visible fat before cooking to reduce overall calorie content and create a leaner dish.
• Allow the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help redistribute internal juices and improve slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg