Corned beef and cabbage is a classic Irish-American dish that is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you’re craving some hearty comfort food. While traditionally made by simmering the corned beef in a pot or slow cooker for hours, using an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker allows you to make this meal in a fraction of the time without sacrificing any flavor.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make tender juicy corned beef and perfectly cooked cabbage in your Instant Pot.
Benefits of Using an Instant Pot
There are several reasons why using an Instant Pot is the best method for making corned beef and cabbage:
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Speed – With traditional cooking methods, corned beef needs to simmer for 2-4 hours to become tender. The Instant Pot can produce fork-tender corned beef in just 1-1.5 hours thanks to the high pressure environment.
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Flavour – Cooking everything together in the Instant Pot infuses the corned beef juices into the vegetables, resulting in more flavorful cabbage and carrots.
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Convenience – No need to monitor a pot for hours on the stove. Just set the Instant Pot timer and let it do all the work.
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** Minimal Cleanup** – No extra pots or pans to wash. The Instant Pot inner pot can go straight into the dishwasher after serving.
Ingredients Needed
Cooking corned beef and cabbage in the Instant Pot uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand:
- 3-4 lb corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz beer or beef broth
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges
- 1 lb small potatoes, halved
- Water as needed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Directions
Follow these simple steps for perfect corned beef and veggies every time:
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Rinse the corned beef under cool water to remove any excess salt, and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any large pieces of fat.
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Add aromatics. Place the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot inner pot.
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Position the corned beef. Place the trivet in the pot and arrange the corned beef on top. Frequency: Trivet – 2
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Pour in liquid. Add the beer or broth and enough water to just cover the corned beef, about 2 cups.
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Season the meat. Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the corned beef.
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Pressure cook. Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Select the pressure cook or manual function and set time for 55-65 minutes (10 minutes per lb). Allow 10-15 minutes for pressure to build.
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Release pressure. When cooking is complete, carefully use the quick release method to release pressure.
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Rest the meat. Remove corned beef from pot and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
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Steam vegetables. While meat rests, add carrots, cabbage and potatoes to pot. Add 1 cup water if needed. Pressure cook 3 minutes then quick release.
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Season and serve. Slice corned beef across the grain. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve vegetables alongside sliced meat. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
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Look for a corned beef cut labeled “point cut” which will be juicier than a flat cut.
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Add extra pickling spice or 1 tsp mustard powder to the pot for more flavor.
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Cook cabbage wedges on top of other veggies to steam and prevent overcooking.
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Leftovers make excellent corned beef hash or Reuben sandwiches.
Common Instant Pot Corned Beef Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making corned beef in the Instant Pot:
How long should I cook corned beef in an Instant Pot?
Cook for 55-65 minutes on high pressure. Use 10 minutes per pound as a general guideline. A 3 lb brisket takes about 50 mins.
Can you overcook corned beef in an Instant Pot?
It is possible but difficult. The moist environment makes it hard to dry out. Cook times up to 90 minutes should be safe.
Do you need to add liquid to the Instant Pot?
Yes, at least 1-2 cups of liquid is needed to build pressure. Use water, broth or beer. The liquid also provides flavor.
Should corned beef be cooked fat side up or down?
Cooking fat side up allows the rendered fat to baste the meat. But either method works. Go by shape if needed.
Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
Browning isn’t required when using a pressure cooker. Skipping this step reduces hands-on time.
Satisfy Your Corned Beef Craving the Easy Way
With its speed and convenience, the Instant Pot is a no-fuss way to enjoy classic corned beef and cabbage any night of the week. The intense pressure cooking effectively mimics the long braising time while infusing everything with flavor. Follow the steps above for delicious results guaranteed to please even the pickiest Irish food lovers!
What Is Corned Beef?
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is corned beef? No, it doesn’t have anything to do with corn. Rather, corned beef is a brisket cured with salt to make it into corned beef.
(“Corn” refers to the large “corns” of rock salt traditionally used to cure the meat. This curing process keeps the meat perfectly moist and gives it a signature pink color.)
Growing up, I avoided corned beef altogether—for some reason, I was expecting rubbery canned meats, rather than the tender and juicy brisket it actually is.
Even my picky eater daughter was shocked by how flavorful and delicious this Instant Pot Corned Beef turned out!
How to Make Corned Beef and Cabbage in ANY Brand of Electric Pressure Cooker
This Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe will work in any brand of electric pressure cooker, including the Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or Power Pressure Cooker XL.
- Start by rinsing your cut of beef in cold water. This removes any excess salt from curing.
- Next, combine the seasoning, onion, and garlic in your pressure cooking pot. Arrange the meat on the wire rack above the aromatics. (Note: the rack is not necessary, but it makes removing the meat a bit easier.)
- Then pour in a quart of beef broth. The broth should come at least halfway up the sides of the meat in your pot.
- Now, simply seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 90 minutes. After a 10 minute natural pressure release, you can switch the lever to do a quick release. When you remove the lid, be prepared for a fantastic release of delicious smelling steam.
- Carefully transfer the meat to a resting area while you cook the potatoes, carrots and cabbage. The veggies have a 3 minutes cook time in the pressure cooker, so you won’t have too wait long.
If you are just getting Started with your Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker, check out our Getting Started Guide here and we have easy recipes for beginners.
It’s important to cook the vegetables after the meat is finished because 90 minutes in a pressure cooker will turn your delicate potatoes and carrots to total mush.
By separating into two different pressure cook times, we get to use the flavorful cooking liquid from the beef to cook the veggies, which take on all of that tasty flavor without getting overcooked.
The BEST Corned Beef and Cabbage – Quick and Easy Instant Pot Recipe
FAQ
Is corned beef good in Instant Pot?
You can make tender, juicy, and super flavorful corned beef in just 2 hours with 4 ingredients and your trusty multi-functional pressure cooker. Don’t believe us? Just try this top-rated Instant Pot corned beef recipe.
Should corned beef be covered in liquid in an Instant Pot?
(If you are using a Trader Joe’s corned beef you will include the entire contents of the bag.) Cover with water. For a 3 lb brisket this took 5 cups but you might need more or less to cover the meat. Seal Instant Pot lid and set for Pressure Cook on HIGH for 90 minutes.
What seasonings go into corned beef and cabbage?
- 3 -4 lbs corned beef, in brine.
- 10 -12 cups water, to cover.
- 2 bay leaves.
- 10 peppercorns.
- 4 whole allspice.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- 8 whole cloves.
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds.
What happens if you don’t rinse corned beef before cooking?
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Facebookhttps://www.facebook.comIs it necessary to rinse your corn beef before cooking and do you …Mar 16, 2022 — Is it necessary to rinse your corn beef before cooking and do you have to take seasoning off afterwards? … Yep, I do both. … Rinse it well or it…
How to cook corned beef in an Instant Pot?
To cook corned beef in an Instant Pot, first soak it in cold water for at least 12 hours. Then, place the corned beef in the Instant Pot, fat side up, and add 6 cups of water. If there’s a spice packet, add it to the water. Secure the lid and set the pressure release valve to its sealing position.
Can you put beer in Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage?
The secret (or really not so secret) ingredients to this Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage recipe are stout beer and beef stock. Adding beer and beef stock instead of just water really ups the flavor, making this dish even more delicious.
What is the fastest way to cook corned beef & cabbage?
The fastest way to cook corned beef and cabbage is right in the Instant Pot! This easy one-pot method gives you tender, juicy corned beef and perfectly cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes in a fraction of the time it takes with other methods. Serve it with a little rye bread and horseradish sauce for a delicious St. Patrick’s Day meal!
How do you cook cabbage in an Instant Pot?
Remove and discard onion mixture, reserving 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid in the Instant Pot®. Stir in potatoes and carrots; top with cabbage. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 4 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to manufacturer’s directions.
How do you cook corned beef in a pressure cooker?
To cook corned beef in a pressure cooker, first remove it from the pot and set it aside. Skim off some of the liquid to make room for the vegetables. Then, add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the pot. Pressure cook on manual high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a quick release.
How long to cook corned beef brisket in Instant Pot?
With your Instant Pot set to high pressure, the corned beef brisket should be fully cooked within 90 minutes. However, every brisket is different. If you’re unsure, reviewers suggest cooking your brisket on high pressure for about 20 minutes per pound.