The Ultimate Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage: Tender, Flavorful & Easy!
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and hearty flavor of a perfectly cooked corned beef and cabbage dinner. This spiced beef roast, tenderly braised in a rich blend of beer and broth, is a true culinary delight. Paired with sweet cabbage, tender carrots, and creamy red potatoes, this complete meal comes together effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply seeking a delicious, easy-to-prepare weekday dinner, this Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. The magic of the Instant Pot transforms what was once an all-day affair into a remarkably quick and convenient process, delivering juicy, fork-tender results every time.
The Surprising History of Corned Beef and St. Patrick’s Day
When March arrives, many of us eagerly anticipate indulging in a hearty corned beef and cabbage meal. It’s a dish so deeply intertwined with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States that it’s often mistakenly believed to be a traditional Irish staple. However, the culinary truth is a fascinating tale of immigration and adaptation.
In Ireland, the traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal for centuries was boiled bacon, a more accessible and affordable cut of pork. When Irish immigrants arrived in the U.S. in the 19th century, particularly during the Great Famine, they sought comforting foods reminiscent of home. However, pork and bacon were often prohibitively expensive in their new surroundings. Faced with economic hardship, they turned to beef brisket, a cheaper cut of meat available from their Jewish neighbors in bustling urban centers like New York.
Instead of merely boiling the brisket, the Irish immigrants adopted a salt-curing (or brining) technique, popular in Eastern European Jewish communities, to tenderize and preserve the tough beef. This process, which involved large salt “corns,” gave us “corned beef.” This Americanized version of their traditional meal quickly became a symbol of Irish-American identity and resilience, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. So, while you won’t typically find corned beef and cabbage in Dublin on March 17th, it holds a proud and significant place in the hearts and homes of Americans celebrating their Irish heritage.
Why Choose the Instant Pot for Corned Beef and Cabbage?
For a dish traditionally known for its long, slow cooking times, the Instant Pot is a true game-changer. This electric pressure cooker dramatically cuts down on the cooking duration while ensuring your corned beef brisket achieves unparalleled tenderness and juiciness. Here’s why the Instant Pot is the ideal tool for this classic meal:
- Speed and Efficiency: What once took hours on the stovetop or in a slow cooker can now be ready in a fraction of the time. The high-pressure environment tenderizes even tough cuts of meat like brisket incredibly fast.
- Perfectly Tender Meat: The pressure cooking method infuses the beef with flavor from the broth and spices, breaking down connective tissues to create melt-in-your-mouth corned beef every single time.
- One-Pot Convenience: This recipe allows you to cook both the corned beef and the accompanying vegetables in the same pot, simplifying cleanup and streamlining your cooking process.
- Flavor Infusion: The sealed environment of the Instant Pot ensures that all the rich flavors of the beer, broth, garlic, and spices are deeply absorbed into the meat and vegetables, resulting in a cohesive and incredibly delicious meal.
- Minimal Monitoring: Once you set the Instant Pot, you can walk away and let it do its magic. No constant stirring or checking required, freeing you up to focus on other tasks.
While I’m a big fan of the Instant Pot for this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring traditional slow-cooking methods. For a fantastic low and slow option, consider trying this Baked Corned Beef in Cabbage recipe. And if you’re looking for other comforting Instant Pot recipes perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any chilly evening, my Instant Pot Beef Stew is another excellent choice that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Making the Most of Your Corned Beef Feast
One of the many joys of cooking a hearty meal like this Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage is not just the initial dinner, but the fantastic possibilities for leftovers! The tender, spiced corned beef can be transformed into a variety of other delicious dishes. Picture a classic Reuben Sandwich, piled high with thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a generous dollop of Russian dressing. Or, for a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this Quick and Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage Casserole, perfect for repurposing your leftovers into a comforting bake.
Imagine gathering your family for a truly special meal. With a glass of rich Guinness beer in hand and a fresh loaf of Irish Soda Bread on the side, serving up this perfectly cooked Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage will feel like a celebration. The ease of the pressure cooker means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company and the incredible flavors. Your loved ones are sure to be impressed!
Essential Equipment for Your Instant Pot Corned Beef
- Instant Pot: This recipe is specifically designed for an Instant Pot or any brand of electric pressure cooker. Its ability to create high pressure quickly makes the toughest cuts of meat incredibly tender in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. You’ll be amazed at the succulent results!
- Instant Pot Trivet: Every Instant Pot comes with a metal rack, or trivet. This essential accessory is placed at the bottom of the pot, elevating the meat and preventing it from sitting directly in the liquid. This ensures even cooking and makes it much easier to remove the cooked corned beef from the pressure cooker once it’s done.
- Large Serving Platter: To beautifully present your finished corned beef and cabbage, a spacious serving platter is ideal. It allows you to arrange the sliced beef and vibrant vegetables attractively for your guests, making the meal even more appealing.
What Exactly is Corned Beef?
Corned beef is not just any beef roast; it’s a specific cut, typically a beef brisket, that has undergone a salt-curing process. This process, also known as brining, involves soaking the brisket in a seasoned salt solution for several days. Historically, this method was used to preserve meat before refrigeration was common. The “corns” in “corned beef” refer to the large grains of rock salt originally used in the curing process.
Since brisket is a tougher cut of meat, the brining process is crucial. The salt and spices penetrate the meat, tenderizing it and infusing it with a distinct savory flavor. When you purchase corned beef, it almost always comes with a small packet of pickling spices. This blend is essential for the authentic taste and typically includes ingredients like mustard seed, allspice, coriander, cloves, black peppercorns, and sometimes cardamom pods. These spices, combined with the beer and broth in our Instant Pot recipe, create that signature depth of flavor that makes corned beef so beloved.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Corned Beef Dinner
- Corned Beef Roast: Look for a 2.5 to 3-pound corned beef brisket. Most briskets sold pre-packaged for corned beef will come with a spice packet, which is essential for this recipe. If for some reason yours doesn’t, you can easily make your own spice blend here.
- Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic add a pungent, aromatic base to the dish. Feel free to increase the amount if you love a bolder garlic flavor.
- Potatoes: Small red potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape beautifully and absorb the delicious cooking liquid. If you only have larger potatoes, simply cut them into uniform chunks for even cooking. Any waxy potato variety will work well.
- Cabbage: A classic pairing with corned beef, cabbage adds a wonderful sweetness and tender texture. Cut a small head of cabbage into wedges so it cooks thoroughly but retains some structure.
- Assorted Vegetables: Besides cabbage, chopped carrots (or even convenient baby carrots) and onions are essential for rounding out the flavors and nutrition. For an extra layer of savory depth, you can also include sliced celery.
- Guinness Beer: I find Guinness stout provides a fantastic, rich, and slightly malty flavor that complements the beef perfectly. However, you can use any dark beer you prefer. Keep in mind that lighter beers might have less impact on the overall flavor profile. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, an equal amount of beef broth can be used as a substitute without sacrificing much flavor.
- Beef Broth: The beef broth works alongside the beer to create a flavorful braising liquid that tenderizes the meat and keeps it moist as it cooks under pressure in the Instant Pot.
- Herbs: Bay leaves are added during the initial cooking phase to infuse an earthy, savory note. Fresh minced parsley is a beautiful garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color before serving. If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley can be used, though you’ll need a smaller amount as its flavor is more concentrated.
- Whole Grain Mustard: While optional, a dollop of whole grain mustard spread over the cooked corned beef before serving adds a wonderful tangy, slightly spicy kick and a beautiful texture. You can also use a sprinkle of mustard seeds in the pot for a similar effect.
How to Cook Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this classic dish in the Instant Pot couldn’t be simpler, resulting in tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables with minimal fuss. Follow these easy steps for a truly delicious meal:
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot Base
Begin by placing the metal trivet at the bottom of your Instant Pot. This raises the corned beef slightly, preventing it from scorching and ensuring even cooking. Next, arrange the sliced onions, bay leaves, and minced garlic directly on the trivet. These aromatics will infuse the cooking liquid and the beef with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Add the Corned Beef Brisket
Carefully place your corned beef roast, fat side up, on top of the onions. Sprinkling the included seasoning packet over the fat side will help create a flavorful crust as it cooks, allowing the spices to slowly melt into the meat. If your brisket is particularly large, you might need to cut it in half to fit comfortably in your Instant Pot.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Pour the beef broth and Guinness beer (or your chosen beer/broth substitute) into the Instant Pot. Be gentle when pouring, trying not to rinse off the spice packet from the beef. The liquid should come up around the sides of the brisket without fully submerging it. This braising liquid is key to the beef’s tenderness and flavor.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Beef
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to cook on High Pressure for 85 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. This allows the steam to escape rapidly, preventing the beef from overcooking. When the pin drops, carefully open the lid. The corned beef should be incredibly fork-tender.
Gently remove the cooked corned beef from the pot using the trivet or tongs. Place it on a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you prepare the vegetables. Another excellent option is to place it in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 95°C) to rest and stay warm.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Before adding the vegetables, carefully strain 2 cups of the flavorful broth from the Instant Pot into a separate bowl, discarding the used spices and onions. Place the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage wedges directly into the Instant Pot. Pour the reserved broth over the vegetables. This ensures they cook in the rich, savory liquid from the beef, absorbing all that wonderful flavor.
Step 6: Finish Cooking and Serve
Seal the Instant Pot lid once more and set it to High Pressure for just 5 minutes. After this short cooking time, perform another quick release. The vegetables will be perfectly tender but still hold their shape. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked vegetables onto your serving platter, arranging them around the warm corned beef.
Finally, place the corned beef on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice it against the grain. This is a crucial step for maximum tenderness, as it shortens the muscle fibers. Arrange the sliced beef on the platter alongside the vegetables. For an extra flourish and a burst of flavor, garnish the meat with a generous spread of whole grain mustard and a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley. Slice, serve, and enjoy your spectacular Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage!
Demystifying the Corned Beef Spice Pack
That small, often unassuming packet of spices included with your corned beef is actually a powerhouse of flavor, traditionally known as pickling spices. This blend is carefully curated to complement and enhance the brined beef, creating its characteristic aromatic profile. While blends can vary slightly, a typical corned beef seasoning packet includes a harmonious mix of:
- Crushed bay leaf for an herbaceous, slightly floral note.
- Mustard seeds, which contribute a subtle peppery and pungent flavor.
- Coriander seeds, offering a warm, citrusy, and slightly sweet undertone.
- Black peppercorns for a classic, mild spice.
- Anise seeds, providing a hint of licorice-like sweetness.
These spices are crucial for infusing the beef with deep, complex flavors as it braises. If you ever find yourself without the packet, you can recreate a similar blend at home using these individual spices.
Pro Tips for the Best Instant Pot Corned Beef
- Rinse the Brisket: Some store-bought corned beef briskets can be quite salty. A quick rinse under cold water before cooking can help reduce excess sodium, allowing the other flavors to shine. Pat it dry afterward.
- Fat Side Up: Always place the corned beef with the fat cap facing up. As it cooks, the fat will slowly render, basting the meat and keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Don’t Overcrowd: While the Instant Pot is great for one-pot meals, ensure you’re not overstuffing it, especially when adding vegetables in the second stage. Room for steam circulation is key for even cooking.
- Rest the Meat: Just like any good roast, letting the corned beef rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the Instant Pot allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and juicy slice.
- Slice Against the Grain: This is perhaps the most important tip for tender corned beef. Identify the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicularly to them. This shortens the fibers, making each bite easier to chew.
- Adjust Beer/Broth: If you’re sensitive to alcohol or prefer a milder flavor, you can replace all of the beer with beef broth. Conversely, if you want an even deeper beer flavor, ensure you’re using a rich stout.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Corned beef and cabbage leftovers are a real treat! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy them for days:
- Place any remaining corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, leftovers may also be frozen. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, on the stovetop with a splash of broth, or in the oven until heated through.
What to Serve with Your Hearty Corned Beef Dinner
This Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate your dining experience:
- Fresh Salads: To balance the richness of the meat and vegetables, a light, crisp salad is always a welcome addition. Try this bright Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, a refreshing Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, or a delightful Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad.
- Artisan Breads: Nothing beats a good piece of bread to sop up the savory juices. A hearty slice of Irish Soda Bread is a perfect traditional complement, or for something more rustic, serve with Simple Sourdough Bread.
- Additional Vegetables: While this recipe includes carrots and cabbage, adding another vegetable dish offers variety. Consider serving these tender Green Beans with Brown Butter and Toasted Almonds, simple yet satisfying Roasted Broccoli, or flavorful Roasted Parmesan Garlic Cauliflower.
Other Delicious Beef Recipes to Try
Beef
Lebanese Beef and Green Beans
Beef
Baked Corned Beef and Cabbage
Beef
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
Beef
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
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Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
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Ingredients
- 2.5 – 3 pound corned beef with spice packet
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 1 – 14.6 ounce can Guinness beer {or beer of your choice}
- 3 large carrots, peeled, cut into large chunks
- 1 ½ pounds small red potatoes {or larger potatoes cut into chunks}
- 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
- 2 Tablespoons whole grain mustard, optional
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
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Place the trivet in the instant pot and place the sliced onions, bay leaves and garlic in the pot.
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Place the meat on the onions and sprinkle with the spice packet.
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Pour the broth and beer into the pot, careful not to “wash” the spices off the meat.
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Seal the meat in the instant pot and set on high for 85 minutes.
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When the meat is finished, do a quick release.
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Remove the meat and keep someplace where it will stay warm.
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Strain 2 cups of the broth and throw out the spices and onions.
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Place the potatoes, carrots and cabbage in the pot, pour the broth over the vegetables.
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Seal the pot and set on high for 5 minutes.
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Quick release when time has finished.
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Remove vegetables and place on a plate with the meat. Garnish the meat with whole grain mustard and parsley.
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Slice and serve.
Notes
- Place leftovers in a airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Leftovers may also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.