Corned beef was never something I thought I could pull off on a weeknight. It used to mean hours in the slow cooker, timing everything just right, and hoping it turned out tender. But the first time I made corned beef in the Instant Pot, everything changed. It was a Wednesday, the kids had after-school activities, and I needed something hearty that wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen all night. I tossed the brisket in the pot with garlic, broth, and that little spice packet it comes with—and crossed my fingers. Ninety minutes later, dinner was ready, and my family was obsessed.
Now this corned beef Instant Pot recipe is a go-to when I need to feed a hungry crowd fast. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, of course, but we make it all year long. The meat comes out fork-tender, full of flavor, and juicy enough that you don’t even need gravy. The best part? You can toss in potatoes, carrots, and cabbage right after the beef finishes, all in the same pot.
This dinner fits right in with our other fast family favorites, like one-pot comfort meals and 30-minute recipes that keep things cozy but simple. I’m not a professional chef—just a busy mom who loves homemade food without the fuss. And this corned beef dinner delivers every single time.
Whether you’re feeding your family or a table full of friends, this corned beef Instant Pot method gives you delicious results without spending your whole day in the kitchen. Let’s walk through exactly what you need to make it a success.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Quick Corned Beef Instant Pot Dinner That Feeds a Crowd
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This corned beef Instant Pot recipe is quick, foolproof, and always juicy. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for the week.
Ingredients
1 (3 lb) corned beef brisket with spice packet
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 cups water
12 oz dark beer (or beef broth or apple cider)
1 lb red potatoes, quartered
4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 head green cabbage, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Place trivet in Instant Pot and pour in water, beer, and garlic.
2. Place corned beef on trivet, fat side up, and sprinkle with seasoning packet.
3. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 90 minutes.
4. When cooking is complete, perform a quick release.
5. Remove corned beef and let rest under foil for 10–15 minutes.
6. Add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the broth in the pot.
7. Set to high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release.
8. Slice beef against the grain and serve with vegetables.
Notes
Use 20 minutes per pound for a larger brisket.
Substitute beer with beef broth or apple cider if preferred.
Leftovers are great in hash or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 95 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American, Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Instant Pot Corned Beef Basics
The Ingredients & How the Instant Pot Works Its Magic
What You Need for the Best Corned Beef Instant Pot Recipe
If you’ve never made corned beef in the Instant Pot, you’re about to discover how effortless and delicious it can be. This method takes a tough, flavor-packed cut of beef and turns it into a juicy, fork-tender meal with minimal effort. For the best corned beef Instant Pot recipe, here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 3-pound corned beef brisket (spice packet included)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 cups water
- 12 ounces of dark beer such as Guinness, or substitute with beef broth or apple cider if preferred.
Place the trivet in the Instant Pot. Add the water, beer or broth, and garlic. Then, set the corned beef fat-side up on the trivet and sprinkle with the spice mix. This technique allows the meat to soak in all that flavor while cooking evenly under pressure.
Need more cozy, hands-off dinners? Try this chicken leg slow cooker meal or check out this Instant Pot corned beef variation that’s already a reader favorite.
Understanding Pressure Cooking Time and Techniques
For this corned beef Instant Pot method, the golden rule is simple: cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. If your brisket is larger than 3 pounds, go with 20 minutes per pound to be safe. After the timer finishes, use the quick release function. It takes around 5 minutes and prevents overcooking.
Let your corned beef rest, covered with foil, for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps every bite flavorful.
For more meaty mains, check out this juicy Denver steak recipe or savor a perfectly cooked rib-eye steak—both great crowd-pleasers just like this one.
Customizing Your Corned Beef Dinner
Veggie Add-ins, Liquid Swaps, and Flavor Boosters
How to Add Potatoes, Cabbage, and Carrots
One of the best things about this corned beef Instant Pot recipe is how easy it is to make a complete meal in one pot. After the brisket finishes cooking and rests under foil, keep the flavorful broth right in the pot—it’s perfect for tender veggies.
Remove the trivet, then add quartered red potatoes, carrot chunks, and wedges of green cabbage. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release. That’s it. The vegetables come out soft but not mushy, and they soak up all the amazing beefy, garlicky broth.
This trick turns your corned beef Instant Pot recipe into a full dinner, perfect for holidays or lazy Sundays. Need more easy, satisfying meals like this? Try these slow cooker chicken leg meals or this tender skirt steak recipe next.
Flavor Variations That Work
If you want to tweak the flavor of your corned beef Instant Pot recipe, a few smart swaps can completely transform the final result. Instead of beer, try beef broth for richness or apple cider for a sweet twist. Want it smokier? Toss in a splash of liquid smoke. Prefer more herbs? Add bay leaves, mustard seeds, or a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose your liquid base:
| Liquid Option | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Dark Beer (like Guinness) | Deep, malty, classic pub-style |
| Beef Broth | Savory and rich |
| Apple Cider | Sweet and tangy |
This recipe is easy to adapt to what you have on hand or what your family loves. Just like this brownie in a mug can be adjusted based on cravings, your corned beef Instant Pot can too. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.
For a change of pace, you could even follow it with a fun dessert like these rice crispy ice cream sandwiches.
Tips, Storage & Reheating
How to Make It Ahead, Store Leftovers, and Reuse Creatively
Storing and Reheating Corned Beef the Right Way
If you’ve made a big batch of corned beef instant pot style, you’re in luck. This meal stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers. Let the beef cool completely before storing. You can slice it before refrigerating for quick reheating or store the whole brisket to keep it extra juicy.
- In the fridge, keep it in an airtight container and use within four days for optimal freshness.
- In the freezer: Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for 2–3 months.
For reheating, pour a bit of broth into a skillet and gently warm the slices over medium-low heat. Another option is to microwave single portions with a splash of liquid to help keep the meat moist.
Want more meals that stretch well into the week? Try this Denver steak dinner or get inspired with my favorite leftover-friendly dishes.
Leftover Magic: What to Make Next
Leftover corned beef instant pot brisket is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s great for adding to fast, filling meals when you need something satisfying in a hurry. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Corned beef hash: Dice it up with potatoes and onions, crisp it in a skillet.
- Sandwiches: Layer warm slices onto rye bread with mustard or melted Swiss.
- Quesadillas: Use corned beef with sharp cheese and caramelized onions.
You can even reimagine it into a full next-day brunch or quick weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of leftover that feels intentional, not like a repeat.
If you need a sweet treat to follow up a savory dish like this, try this ultra-fast 2-ingredient coffee dessert—it’s just the right finish to a filling meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corned Beef Instant Pot Recipes
Is corned beef good in the Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely. The Instant Pot makes corned beef incredibly tender, flavorful, and juicy in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The pressure seals in moisture and breaks down the connective tissue perfectly, giving you restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
How long do you cook corned beef in a pressure cooker?
The standard cook time for corned beef in the Instant Pot is 90 minutes on high pressure. If your brisket is smaller or larger than 3 pounds, use the rule of 20 minutes per pound for best results. Always allow 10–15 minutes of rest time after cooking for maximum tenderness.
Is it better to pressure cook or slow cook corned beef?
Both methods work well, but the Instant Pot version of corned beef is ideal when you need to save time. It delivers the same deep flavor and soft texture as slow cooking, but in a much shorter timeframe—perfect for busy families or weeknight meals.
How many minutes per pound of beef in the Instant Pot?
When cooking corned beef in the Instant Pot, the general rule is 20 minutes per pound on high pressure. A 3-pound brisket will need about 90 minutes. Always use the trivet and let the meat rest afterward to preserve its juices.
Conclusion
From My Family Table to Yours
If there’s one recipe that’s earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation, it’s this corned beef Instant Pot dinner. It’s warm, hearty, and feeds a crowd without the stress. From hectic weeknights to relaxed weekends or even St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, this Instant Pot corned beef delivers comfort, flavor, and ease every single time.
What I love most about this method is that it fits real life. You don’t need to babysit a pot all day or worry if it’ll come out dry. The corned beef Instant Pot technique locks in moisture, brings out deep flavor, and makes even humble ingredients taste special. Add the veggies, experiment with different broths or spices, and you’ve got a customizable meal that works for picky eaters and food lovers alike.
If you’re new to the corned beef Instant Pot experience, trust me—it’s a game-changer. And if you’ve made it before, I hope this version adds even more ease and confidence to your kitchen. It’s been tested, loved, and devoured many times right here at our table.
So whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a houseful, this corned beef Instant Pot recipe is one you can count on. For more cozy meals that come together fast, explore my full collection of Instant Pot favorites or check out other slow cooker recipes perfect for family life.
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