Why This Dish Brings Me Home
How to cook corned beef in Instant Pot isn’t just a method—it’s a memory for me. Every time I make it, I’m taken right back to my mama’s kitchen on Magazine Street in New Orleans, where the air would fill with the savory steam of spiced brisket bubbling on the stove. It wasn’t a holiday-only dish in our house; it was soul food for chilly evenings, family visits, or just when we needed something warm and filling.
Back then, though, making corned beef was a slow ritual. Mama would start early, simmering it low and slow until the flavors sank deep into the meat and the entire house smelled like comfort. But these days? That kind of time is hard to come by.
Everything changed when I learned how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot. I couldn’t believe I could get that same tenderness—fall-apart texture, bold flavor, and all—in under two hours. No babysitting the pot. No hovering over the stove. Just rich, juicy beef with the press of a button.
I spent time testing, tweaking, and finally perfecting how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot until it matched Mama’s version bite for bite. The result? Tradition, convenience, and pure flavor all in one pot.
And the best part? It’s not just about saving time—it’s about keeping family food traditions alive, even on busy weeknights. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or planning meals for the week ahead, knowing how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot means you can deliver deep flavor without spending your whole day in the kitchen.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through it step by step—just like Mama would’ve, but faster.
Table of Contents
How to Cook Corned Beef in Instant Pot – Tender, Juicy & Easy
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender, flavorful Instant Pot corned beef made easy. Juicy brisket spiced and pressure-cooked to perfection with vegetables like cabbage and potatoes.
Ingredients
3–4 lb corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
1 onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tsp peppercorns
2 cups beef broth (or 1 cup broth + 1 cup beer)
1 lb potatoes, halved
4 carrots, cut into chunks
1/2 head cabbage, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Rinse brisket under cold water and pat dry.
2. Place trivet in the Instant Pot, add broth and aromatics (onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns).
3. Place brisket on top, sprinkle with spice packet.
4. Seal lid and cook on High Pressure for 85 minutes (90 for fall-apart, 70 for sliceable).
5. Allow 15–20 minute natural release, then remove brisket and let rest under foil.
6. Add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to pot. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes, quick release.
7. Slice beef against the grain and serve with vegetables and broth.
Notes
Resting the beef before slicing helps retain moisture.
Slice against the grain for tenderness.
Use leftover corned beef for hash, Reuben sandwiches, or soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Mastering the Method: How to Cook Corned Beef in Instant Pot Like a Pro
Start with the Best Brisket Cut (How to Cook Corned Beef in Instant Pot)
If you’re wondering how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot the right way, it all begins with choosing the ideal cut of brisket. You’ll typically pick between two:
- Flat cut – leaner, evenly shaped, and perfect for neat slices.
- Point cut – fattier, more marbled, and full of rich, juicy flavor.
Hosting guests? Go with the flat cut. Craving tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites? The point cut is your best friend.
Before placing anything in the Instant Pot, rinse the brisket thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove excess brine and prevents your final dish from tasting overly salty. It’s a small step with a big impact when figuring out how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot without overwhelming flavors.
Most pre-packaged corned beef comes with a spice packet—but you can take it up a notch. Toss in fresh garlic cloves, cracked peppercorns, mustard seeds, or bay leaves. For an extra punch, rub in a bit of seasoning before sealing the pot.
Instant Pot Timing & Flavor Tips
Here’s where the pressure cooking magic happens. Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure.
- For a 3–4 pound brisket, cook for 85–90 minutes for ultra-tender results.
- Prefer firmer slices? Stick to 70–75 minutes.
No matter the time, let it naturally release pressure for 15–20 minutes. This helps the meat stay juicy and flavorful.
Your cooking liquid matters, too. Some home cooks use dark beer like Guinness for depth, while others opt for beef broth or a basic water-and-spice combo. I recommend a half-beer, half-broth mix—it gives the meat richness without bitterness. Just ensure you use at least 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid to avoid a burn warning.
Final Tip
Learning how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot isn’t just about speed—it’s about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. Choose quality meat, layer in bold spices, use the right liquid, and let the pressure do the rest. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to stovetop again.
Unlocking Flavor: Boosters, Veggies & That Perfect Finish
Go Beyond the Packet – Build Real Flavor
Most store-bought corned beef comes with a standard spice packet—typically mustard seeds, coriander, bay leaves, peppercorns, and cloves. It works, but if you really want to master how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot with depth and soul, don’t stop there.
Add smashed garlic cloves, half a sweet onion, and a couple of extra bay leaves for a richer base. Want a little heat? A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes rounds out the flavor beautifully. These little touches transform the cooking broth into something you’ll want to spoon straight from the pot.
Cooking Vegetables Without the Mush
Here’s where many first-timers go wrong: tossing in all the veggies with the meat. One thing you learn quickly when discovering how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot is that timing matters—especially with tender vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. If cooked too long, they’ll disintegrate into a mushy mess.
The right move? Cook the meat first, remove it, then add your vegetables into the flavorful broth. Pressure cook for just 4–5 minutes so they stay intact while absorbing all that savory goodness.
Pro tip: Layer cabbage wedges on top of the potatoes and carrots so they steam instead of stew. This trick keeps the cabbage bright, tender, and never overcooked. I use this same method in recipes like my Instant Pot beef stew and smothered Cajun cabbage—and it never fails.
Texture Goals: Fork-Tender or Clean Cuts?
Texture is personal. When figuring out how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot to suit your taste, use these two pressure timings:
- For sliceable brisket: 70 minutes on high pressure
- For ultra-tender, pull-apart meat: 90 minutes
No matter the route, let the brisket rest for 10–15 minutes under foil before slicing. This keeps juices locked in and ensures perfect slices. And always remember: cut against the grain for the most tender bite possible.
Bonus Tip: Add That Crispy Finish
Want to elevate your corned beef? After slicing, slide it under the broiler for 5–6 minutes. This step caramelizes the edges, adds texture, and brings out the spices like magic. I also use this broiler finish on dishes like my shredded beef tacos and crispy pork carnitas—a total game-changer.
Serving & Storing Tips: Getting the Most from Your Instant Pot Corned Beef
From Pot to Plate: How to Serve It Like a Pro
Once your brisket is fully rested, the final step in how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot is presentation. Use a sharp knife to slice against the grain, which helps preserve tenderness and flavor. Then arrange the slices on a platter surrounded by the vegetables you pressure cooked in that rich, seasoned broth—cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.
If you’re aiming for bold Southern flair, try pairing it with a spoonful of spicy Creole mustard slaw or a slice of garlic butter cornbread. Want more heat? A few dashes of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning over the sliced beef adds a fiery edge.
Corned beef is already quite rich and salty, so serve it with something bright—apple cider vinegar on the cabbage or a dollop of whole-grain mustard balances out the dish beautifully. And don’t forget crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that flavorful cooking liquid.
Once you understand how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot and present it well, you’ll impress guests and family every single time.
Make Leftovers a Second Star
One major bonus of learning how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot is enjoying all the flavorful leftovers it creates. Store remaining slices and vegetables in an airtight container with some of that seasoned broth to keep everything juicy and tender. In the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 5 days, and you can freeze sliced corned beef for up to 2 months.
Need leftover ideas? Try these:
- Corned beef hash: Crisp it up in a skillet with potatoes and onions.
- Reuben sandwiches: Load up rye bread with beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
- Comforting stew: Toss the meat into a broth-based soup with barley and greens.
- Breakfast burritos: Wrap with eggs, cheese, and diced potatoes for a hearty morning meal.
- Savory meat pies: Combine with leftover cabbage and pastry for an easy hand-held snack.
The more you experiment with how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot, the more versatile your meals become. From elegant dinners to creative next-day dishes, this method truly delivers.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to cook corned beef in Instant Pot—from choosing your cut to nailing that fork-tender texture, layering in bold flavor, and serving up a plate worthy of tradition. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a busy weeknight, the Instant Pot makes it simple to bring big flavor to the table with minimal fuss.
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FAQs
Is corned beef good in Instant Pot?
Yes, corned beef is excellent in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking method makes it tender, juicy, and flavorful in a fraction of the time it takes to simmer on the stovetop.
How long do you cook corned beef in a pressure cooker?
Cook a 3–4 lb brisket on high pressure for 85–90 minutes for fork-tender results. Use 70–75 minutes for sliceable meat. Always allow a natural release of at least 15–20 minutes.
What is the best method for cooking tender corned beef?
The best method is to use the Instant Pot with a mix of beef broth and spices, followed by a natural pressure release. Rest the meat before slicing, and always cut against the grain.
How long does it take beef to cook in an Instant Pot?
It depends on the cut. For brisket (as used in corned beef), 70–90 minutes is ideal. Always factor in natural release time and resting time for best results.