Corned beef Instant Pot style is the game-changing upgrade every home cook needs. Instead of spending hours tending a simmering pot, you can have fork-tender, flavor-packed brisket on your table in under two hours—no babysitting required. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers all the classic briny goodness with none of the wait. In this guide, I’ll show you how to choose the best cut, cook it perfectly in your Instant Pot, and serve it up in ways that’ll wow your family—and give you leftovers worth fighting over.
Table of Contents
Corned Beef Instant Pot : Juicy, Easy, Flavor-Packed Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This corned beef Instant Pot recipe gives you fork-tender brisket full of bold flavor in just 90 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive family dinners.
Ingredients
3–4 lb corned beef brisket with spice packet
1 ½ cups beef broth or water
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 lb baby potatoes
4 carrots, chopped
½ head cabbage, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Place brisket in Instant Pot on trivet or directly in pot. Add broth, garlic, bay leaves, and spice packet.
2. Seal lid, set to High Pressure for 90 minutes.
3. Allow natural pressure release for 15–20 minutes.
4. Remove brisket and rest under foil.
5. Add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to broth.
6. Pressure cook on High for 5 minutes, quick release.
7. Slice brisket against the grain and serve with vegetables.
Notes
Flat cut brisket is best for slicing.
Use Guinness or apple cider in place of broth for deeper flavor.
Store leftovers in broth to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 95 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Corned Beef Instant Pot: From Tradition to Time-Saver
Where Old-School Flavor Meets New-School Speed
Growing up in New Orleans, corned beef wasn’t exactly a regular on our table. We were all about gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans on Mondays. But once a year—right around St. Patrick’s Day—Mama would pull out her biggest pot and start simmering that corned beef low and slow. The whole house would smell like cloves, peppercorns, and love. It was tender, juicy, and worth the wait.
But let’s be real—ain’t nobody got time for all-day cooking anymore. That’s why I turned to the Corned Beef Instant Pot method, and y’all, it changed the game.
Now, I can make corned beef that’s just as flavorful and fall-apart tender—in a fraction of the time. With the Corned Beef Instant Pot technique, I get that same depth of flavor in just about 90 minutes, no babysitting required. Whether it’s for a holiday spread or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe always delivers.
The best part? The leftovers are a dream. Reuben sandwiches, corned beef hash, or even sliced thin for lunch wraps—Corned Beef Instant Pot opens the door to endless mealtime magic.
Why Corned Beef and Instant Pot Are a Perfect Match
Tender in Less Time
Corned beef Instant Pot recipes shine because pressure cooking turns a tough, brined brisket into a tender, flavorful feast—fast. In the old-school stovetop or slow cooker methods, corned beef needs 6 to 8 hours to break down the connective tissue and soak up flavor. With the Instant Pot? You’re talking 90 minutes of hands-off cooking that still yields slices so juicy they nearly fall apart.
The Instant Pot locks in moisture, which is key for a lean cut like brisket. And because everything happens in a sealed environment, spices, garlic, bay leaves, and that little seasoning packet have nowhere to escape—your beef gets infused deeply. Add a splash of beer or beef broth, and it’s like cooking with liquid gold. The result? A bold, beefy bite with just the right amount of salt and spice.
Honestly, the Instant Pot has become my go-to for everything from smothered pork chops to buttery garlic mashed potatoes, and corned beef fits perfectly into that quick-cook, big-flavor zone.
Choosing the Right Cut & Ingredients
Let’s talk meat. When buying corned beef for your Instant Pot, you’ll usually see two cuts: flat cut and point cut. Flat cut is leaner, slices beautifully, and is my pick for most Instant Pot recipes. Point cut is fattier, more flavorful, and great if you’re making shredded sandwiches or hash. Whichever you choose, just make sure it comes with that little spice packet—it’s small but mighty.
As for veggies, toss in carrots, potatoes, and cabbage—but do it after the beef has cooked. Why? Because if you cook them for 90 minutes, they’ll turn to mush. I remove the beef, then pressure cook the veggies in the remaining broth for about 4–5 minutes. The flavor? Incredible.
Corned Beef Instant Pot: Cook Times, Flavor Tips & Pressure Secrets
Mastering the Timing for Perfect Corned Beef
When it comes to making flavorful and perfectly tender Corned beef Instant Pot meals, timing is everything. Below is your go-to guide to ensure foolproof results every single time:
- 2 to 3 pounds: Cook for 85–90 minutes on High Pressure
- 3 to 4 pounds: Cook for 90–100 minutes on High Pressure
Always follow up with a natural pressure release for at least 15–20 minutes. This critical step helps the brisket reabsorb all the savory juices, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
If you’re using the trivet that comes with your Instant Pot, great—but if not, just add about 1½ cups of liquid (broth or water works). Want to boost flavor? Try using Guinness, apple cider, or beef broth for extra richness in your Corned beef Instant Pot recipe.
Once your meat finishes cooking, let it rest under foil. In the meantime, toss your chopped cabbage, carrots, and baby potatoes into the leftover broth. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release. What you get: veggies packed with flavor, not mush.
Why Choose Corned Beef Instant Pot Over Slow Cooking?
Let’s compare. Is pressure cooking really better than using a slow cooker for corned beef?
- Texture: Yes. Corned beef Instant Pot results in a firm, juicy cut that slices beautifully. Slow cookers often create a shredded texture—which can be tasty but doesn’t always hold structure on the plate.
- Time: No contest here. What would take 8 to 10 hours in a Crockpot finishes in about 90 minutes using the Instant Pot (plus the natural release).
This method also works wonderfully for other meats—like Instant Pot turkey wings or pressure cooker beef tips—using the same layered cooking logic and timing strategy.
Corned Beef Instant Pot: Serving Ideas, Leftovers & Prep Tips
From Cabbage to Creativity—Here’s How to Serve It Right
Your Corned beef Instant Pot is done, rested, and ready to shine—now comes the best part: plating it up. For maximum tenderness, always slice the brisket against the grain. I like to serve mine over creamy baby potatoes with tender cabbage wedges and sweet carrots—all cooked in that savory broth. Don’t forget to ladle a bit of that hot broth on top. It’s bold, briny, and pure flavor.
Want to level things up? Add a spoonful of horseradish sauce, a smear of grainy mustard, or a drizzle of melted butter right over the cabbage. Serve it all with slices of toasted rye bread to soak up every drop of that delicious Corned beef Instant Pot juice.
If you’re planning a full meal, pair your Corned beef Instant Pot with Instant Pot mac and cheese or some Southern green beans. These comforting sides make any dinner feel like a celebration. You’ll find all these recipes and more on Happiest Recipes for an easy, flavorful feast.
What to Do With Leftover Corned Beef Instant Pot
Honestly? The leftovers are where Corned beef Instant Pot meals become next-level. Slice thick pieces for Reuben sandwiches—add Swiss, sauerkraut, and a swipe of Russian dressing between slices of grilled rye. Or cube the meat and fry it up with onions and potatoes for the ultimate corned beef hash breakfast.
Need a crowd-pleaser? Toss chopped Corned beef Instant Pot into slider buns with cheese and mustard. Bake until melty, then brush the tops with garlic butter for pull-apart mini melts no one can resist.
Storage tip: Keep leftovers juicy by storing them with a splash of the cooking broth in an airtight container. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet or covered in the oven to preserve the moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
Corned beef Instant Pot style is one of those rare dishes that feels like a cheat code—bold, comforting, and done in less time than it takes to fold laundry. Whether you’re celebrating St. Paddy’s Day or just craving a satisfying, salt-kissed dinner, this method delivers every single time. From tender brisket to broth-infused veggies and next-day Reubens, there’s nothing this dish can’t do. And trust me—from one busy mama to another, you’ll want to keep this recipe close. The Instant Pot isn’t just a tool in your kitchen—it’s the secret to bringing soulful meals to life on your schedule.
For more recipes follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
Is corned beef good in Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Corned beef Instant Pot recipes are some of the best ways to make this classic dish. The pressure cooking process locks in moisture and infuses the brisket with spice and brine, making it fall-apart tender in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. You get consistent results every time with minimal effort.
How long do you cook corned beef in a pressure cooker?
It depends on the size. For a 3–4 pound brisket, cook it for 90–100 minutes on high pressure. Always use a natural pressure release for at least 15–20 minutes to keep the meat tender. Afterward, you can pressure cook the vegetables in the same flavorful broth for 5 minutes. This two-step approach gives perfect results.
Is it better to pressure cook or slow cook corned beef?
Both methods have their perks, but for flavor, texture, and time savings, pressure cooking wins. Corned beef in the Instant Pot is tender yet sliceable, not mushy. Slow cooking works too, especially for shredded applications, but takes 8–10 hours. If you want a faster path to that traditional flavor, go Instant Pot.
What is the best cooking method for corned beef?
The best method for cooking corned beef depends on your schedule, but for weeknights or busy holidays, the Instant Pot is hard to beat. It combines speed with deep flavor. You can also braise it in the oven or simmer it on the stovetop, but those methods require more attention and time.