Ultimate Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage: Tender, Flavorful & Easy St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
Unlock the secret to incredibly tender and delicious corned beef using your Instant Pot! This recipe includes perfectly cooked potatoes, cabbage, and carrots, making it the ideal complete meal for St. Patrick’s Day or any day you crave comfort food.
Whether you have Irish roots or simply appreciate a hearty, flavorful meal, this Instant Pot corned beef recipe is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. While traditionally associated with St. Patrick’s Day in the United States, the exquisite taste and ease of preparation mean this dish truly deserves to be enjoyed far more frequently than just once a year.
The Instant Pot transforms what can be a lengthy, often intimidating cooking process into an effortless and consistently successful experience. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and flawlessly you can achieve fork-tender, juicy corned beef, complete with all the traditional accompaniments. This foolproof method guarantees perfect results every time, ensuring you’ll return to it year after year.
Why This Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe is a Must-Try
- **Effortless Preparation:** Enjoy minimal hands-on time thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. The Instant Pot takes care of the hard work, leaving you free to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
- **Unrivaled Tenderness:** Achieve the most succulent, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef without the need for an all-day simmer. The high-pressure environment tenderizes the meat beautifully in a fraction of the traditional time.
- **Perfectly Cooked Vegetables:** Carrots, potatoes, and cabbage cook separately in the flavorful broth, ensuring they emerge tender but not mushy, absorbing all the delicious essences from the corned beef without being overdone. This sequential cooking method is key to achieving ideal textures for every component of your meal.
- **Complete Meal Solution:** This recipe delivers a full, balanced meal in one pot, complete with protein and nutrient-rich vegetables. It’s truly a one-stop-shop for a satisfying dinner.
- **Fantastic Flavor Profile:** The aromatic spices, savory beef broth, and natural flavors from the vegetables combine to create a deeply satisfying and traditional taste that’s hard to beat.
The Enduring Tradition of Corned Beef & Cabbage
For many across the United States, a meal of corned beef and cabbage is an indispensable part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This hearty dish, rich in history and flavor, transcends ethnic boundaries, becoming a cherished tradition for countless non-Irish families as well. It’s a symbol of spring, warmth, and gathering, providing a comforting and substantial meal that everyone looks forward to.
While I’ve previously explored methods like Sous Vide Corned Beef for achieving remarkable tenderness, the Instant Pot offers a far more accessible and equally impressive solution. Recognizing that not everyone owns a sous vide immersion circulator, the Instant Pot steps in as a versatile, commonly owned appliance that delivers exceptional results. Just like with many Instant Pot recipes, you can expect a perfectly cooked, incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful piece of meat every single time, making this classic dish approachable for any home cook.
Understanding Corned Beef: A Culinary Insight
At its core, corned beef is essentially the flat cut of a beef brisket. Brisket itself is a large, tough muscle cut from the chest of a cow, known for its rich marbling and connective tissue. This composition means it requires a long, slow cooking process to break down the fibers and render it beautifully tender. Traditionally, this was achieved through hours of simmering, but with the Instant Pot, you can achieve that same melt-away tenderness in about 90 minutes of active pressure cooking – a culinary revelation!
The term “corned” refers to the preservation method involving curing the beef in a salt brine, often containing large, “corn-sized” salt crystals, hence the name. When you purchase a corned beef package from the grocery store, it typically includes the brined brisket roast submerged in its curing liquid. Crucially, within this package, you’ll almost always find a small packet of pickling spices. While you should discard the brining liquid to avoid an overly salty final product, be sure to save that spice packet! These aromatic spices are vital for infusing the meat with its characteristic, delicious flavor profile.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Corned Beef
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful meal. Quality ingredients will elevate the final taste, so choose fresh produce and a good cut of corned beef brisket. Here’s what you’ll need:
- **Beef Broth:** Provides a rich, savory cooking liquid that infuses the meat with flavor.
- **Onion:** Adds aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness to the broth.
- **Garlic:** Essential for robust flavor, smashed cloves release their essence wonderfully.
- **Corned Beef Brisket:** The star of the show – a 3-4 pound flat cut brisket is ideal. Don’t forget its accompanying spice packet!
- **Baby Potatoes:** Waxy varieties are recommended as they hold their shape better during cooking.
- **Carrots:** Choose large, whole carrots for superior flavor and texture once peeled and chopped.
- **Cabbage:** A quartered or roughly chopped head of cabbage will cook perfectly to complement the beef.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Corned Beef
For the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, please scroll to the very bottom of this post.
- **Prepare the Instant Pot Base:** Begin by pouring 4 cups of beef broth into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet (or a steamer rack) securely inside the pot, raising the meat slightly above the liquid.
- **Season the Brisket:** Carefully remove the corned beef brisket from its packaging. Discard all the brining liquid but save the enclosed packet of spices. Pat the brisket thoroughly dry with paper towels – this helps the spices adhere better. Sprinkle the saved spice blend generously over the entire surface of the meat, using your hands to rub it in and ensure it’s evenly coated and sticks well. Position the seasoned brisket directly onto the trivet in the Instant Pot.
- **Add Aromatics:** Scatter the smashed garlic cloves and chopped onion around the sides of the brisket, nestled in the beef broth. These aromatics will infuse the cooking liquid with incredible flavor.
- **Pressure Cook the Meat:** Securely close and lock the Instant Pot lid. Ensure the vent is sealed (or set to the “sealing” position). Set the Instant Pot to cook on High Pressure for 90 minutes.
- **Release Pressure:** Once the 90-minute cook time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, or use the quick release method carefully by turning the vent to the “venting” position. Once the float valve drops, you can safely unlock and open the lid.
- **Rest the Meat:** Carefully remove the perfectly cooked corned beef brisket from the Instant Pot. Transfer it to a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm and allow it to rest while you cook the vegetables. This resting period is crucial for juicy results.
- **Cook the Vegetables:** Remove the trivet from the Instant Pot. Drain all but approximately 1 cup of the flavorful cooking liquid. Add the chopped carrots, baby potatoes, and cabbage to the pot. Close and lock the lid, ensuring the vent is sealed, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
- **Final Pressure Release:** Once the vegetable cook time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid when the float valve drops.
- **Slice and Serve:** Slice your rested corned beef against the grain into desired thickness – this is key for maximum tenderness. Serve immediately with the beautifully cooked carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. Enjoy your homemade, tender feast!
Expert Recipe Tips for Instant Pot Corned Beef Success
Achieving the perfect corned beef and cabbage meal in your Instant Pot is easier with a few insider tips. These pointers will help ensure your dish is flavorful, tender, and perfectly textured:
- **Separate Vegetable Cooking is Key:** While tempting to cook everything at once, it’s crucial to cook the vegetables separately from the corned beef. Cooking them together for the full 90 minutes would result in overly soft, mushy vegetables. The sequential method, where the vegetables cook for a short burst after the meat is removed, ensures they retain their texture and vibrant flavor. Don’t worry about the Instant Pot coming back to pressure – since the liquid is already piping hot, it will pressurize very quickly.
- **Slice Against the Grain:** This is perhaps the most critical tip for serving tender corned beef. Beef brisket has a clear grain (the direction of the muscle fibers). Slicing *against* this grain (perpendicular to the fibers) shortens the muscle fibers, making each slice incredibly tender and easy to chew. Slicing with the grain, however, will result in tough, stringy meat.
- **Choose the Right Potatoes:** For the best texture, opt for baby potatoes that are naturally waxy, such as red potatoes, Yukon Golds, or small new potatoes. Waxy potatoes contain less starch and more moisture, allowing them to hold their shape better when cooked under pressure, preventing them from becoming crumbly or mushy.
- **Opt for Whole Carrots:** While baby carrots are convenient, large, whole carrots that you peel and chop yourself consistently yield a superior taste and texture. They have a deeper, sweeter carrot flavor and a more pleasing bite when cooked.
- **Allow the Meat to Rest:** Once the corned beef is cooked, resist the urge to slice it immediately. Covering it with foil and letting it rest while the vegetables cook (about 15-20 minutes) allows the meat’s juices to redistribute throughout the brisket. This results in a much juicier, more tender final product. If you slice too soon, those precious juices will run out onto your cutting board, leaving you with drier meat.
- **Adjust Spice Levels:** The spice packet included with your brisket is usually sufficient, but feel free to add a bay leaf, a few extra peppercorns, or a dash of mustard seed to the broth if you prefer a bolder spice profile.
Serving Suggestions & Delightful Pairings
With the savory corned beef and accompanying carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, you truly have a complete and satisfying meal. However, you have the flexibility to customize your plate! If you prefer, you can certainly omit either the potatoes or carrots, or even just make a single vegetable side. The choice is entirely yours to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For those looking to expand their meal or explore additional traditional pairings, here are a few ideas:
- **Irish Potato Bread:** This delightful bread is a fantastic accompaniment to corned beef. It’s also incredibly versatile and makes for an excellent base for delicious leftover corned beef sandwiches the next day.
- **Fresh Green Salad:** A simple tossed salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the corned beef.
- **Roasted Asparagus:** For another green vegetable option, roasted asparagus provides a tender-crisp texture and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully.
- **Mustard or Horseradish Sauce:** A dollop of spicy brown mustard or a creamy horseradish sauce can elevate the flavors of the corned beef, adding a zesty kick.
Storage and Creative Leftover Ideas
Should you be fortunate enough to have leftovers (though we doubt it, it’s that good!), proper storage ensures you can enjoy them for days to come. Store any remaining corned beef and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This allows you to reheat them individually, maintaining their best texture.
Leftover corned beef is incredibly versatile and can be transformed into new, equally delicious meals. One of the most classic and beloved uses is for a quick and easy Reuben sandwich! Simply pile slices of cold or gently warmed corned beef onto rye bread, add a generous layer of sauerkraut, a slice of Swiss cheese, and a dollop of thousand island dressing. Grill or toast until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a truly satisfying lunch or dinner. You can also chop leftover corned beef to make a fantastic hash with potatoes and onions for breakfast or brunch.
Discover More Easy Instant Pot Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and efficiency of your Instant Pot after making this corned beef, there’s a whole world of quick and delicious meals waiting to be explored. The Instant Pot truly shines in making weeknight dinners and special occasion dishes alike simple and stress-free. Here are some more fantastic and easy Instant Pot recipes to add to your rotation:
- Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
- Instant Pot Pozole
- Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
- Instant Pot Ribs
- Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot Turkey Chili
- Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
Instant Pot Corned Beef
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Ingredients
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 3-4 pound corned beef brisket
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups chopped cabbage
Instructions
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Fill the base of your Instant Pot with beef broth and then place the trivet in the bottom.
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Open the bag of the corned beef brisket and pour out all of the liquid, but save the packet of spices. Pat the brisket dry and sprinkle the spices over the meat, use your hands to rub it over the meat and make sure it sticks. Place the piece of meat on the trivet in the Instant Pot.
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Add smashed cloves of garlic and chopped onion around the sides.
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Close and lock the lid, and cook for 90 minutes under high pressure.
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Once the cook time is up, use the quick release method to unlock the pressure cooker.
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Carefully remove the meat, and cover with foil to keep warm.
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Remove the trivet and all but 1 cup of liquid from the pressure cooker. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes and cabbage to the pot. Cover, lock the lid and cook for 5 minutes under high pressure.
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Use the quick release method to unlock.
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Slice your meat against the grain and serve with the cooked vegetables.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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