Is Corned Beef Good in the Instant Pot? Absolutely—Here’s Why

Yes, and once you try it, you’ll never want to cook it any other way. The corned beef instant pot recipe wins on both flavor and texture. Traditional boiling or baking often leaves the brisket either too dry or too chewy. The Instant Pot changes all that. It gives you fall-apart tenderness in under two hours and locks in the briny, spiced goodness with every bite. Unlike the oven or slow cooker, pressure cooking saturates the meat with flavor. That’s why this method is so popular for recipes like Instant Pot Smothered Pork Chops—it delivers big results with minimal time.

How Long Do You Cook Corned Beef in a Pressure Cooker?

Cooking time depends on the weight. A 3–4 pound brisket usually needs 90 minutes on high pressure followed by 15–20 minutes of natural release . This combo gives you that perfect fork-tender texture while letting the fibers relax before slicing. If your cut is on the smaller side (2–3 lbs), start with 75–80 minutes. Larger cuts (up to 5 lbs) may need 100 minutes. Just don’t skip the natural release. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in moisture and flavor.

Is It Better to Pressure Cook or Slow Cook Corned Beef?

Both methods work, but pressure cooking wins for busy cooks. Slow cooking can take 8–10 hours to reach that same melt-in-your-mouth softness you get from 90 minutes under pressure. Plus, slow cookers can sometimes leave the veggies mushy or the meat underwhelming in flavor. The Instant Pot keeps everything bold and balanced. It's the same reason I recommend it for hands-off meals like Instant Pot Cajun Red Beans. So if you want better flavor in less time? Pressure cook it. Hands down.

What Happens if You Don’t Rinse Corned Beef Before Cooking?

Skipping the rinse step isn’t the end of the world—but it might make your dish a bit saltier than you expected. Most store-bought corned beef is packed in brine, which contains salt and curing agents. Giving it a quick rinse helps wash off excess surface brine and makes the seasoning more balanced. If you forget to rinse, you can always dilute your cooking liquid a bit more or skip adding extra salt. Either way, it's not a deal breaker, especially if you’re cooking in broth or beer where the flavors can mellow each other out.

Corned Beef Instant Pot Recipe – Amazing 90-Minute Family Favorite

Description

Tender, juicy corned beef made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Full of flavor and ready in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 lb corned beef brisket (with spice packet)

1 medium onion, quartered

3 garlic cloves, smashed

2 bay leaves

1 tbsp whole peppercorns

2 cups beef broth or water

1 cup Guinness or dark beer (optional)

1 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 head cabbage, cut into wedges

3 large carrots, chopped

6 baby potatoes, halved

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Instructions

1. Rinse corned beef under cold water and pat dry.

2. Place brisket in Instant Pot, fat-side up.

3. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, broth, beer, and brown sugar.

4. Seal lid and cook on High Pressure for 90 minutes.

5. Allow a natural release for 20 minutes.

6. Remove beef and set aside to rest.

7. Add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to broth.

8. Pressure cook for 3 more minutes and quick release.

9. Slice beef against the grain and serve with vegetables.

Notes

If you don’t want to use beer, substitute with extra broth.

Store leftovers in cooking liquid for best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: Irish-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 1120mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg