Corned beef has always been one of those meals that I associate with family dinners, special occasions, and comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, filling the house with a rich, savory aroma as it cooks. For the longest time, I stuck with the traditional way of making it—letting it simmer on the stovetop for hours until it was tender. But once I tried making it in the Instant Pot, I knew there was no going back.

I still remember the first time I made it in the Instant Pot. I was in a rush, had planned a last-minute family dinner, and needed something hearty that wouldn’t take forever. I had a corned beef brisket sitting in the fridge, so I decided to see if the Instant Pot could handle it. Not only did it cut the cooking time in half, but the beef came out just as tender—if not even better—than my slow-cooked version.

Now, this recipe is my go-to anytime I want a flavorful, satisfying meal without having to spend the entire day babysitting a pot. It’s easy, hands-off, and always turns out perfect. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day, a cozy weekend dinner, or just because you’re craving something hearty, this Instant Pot corned beef recipe is one you’ll want to keep.

Servings	Total
6	1hr 40mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I learned to make corned beef the old-fashioned way—on the stovetop, letting it simmer for hours. My grandmother used to make it for special occasions, always with potatoes and cabbage on the side. It was one of those meals that felt like a tradition.

When I got my Instant Pot, I started testing out recipes that I used to make the slow way. I had heard from a friend that pressure-cooking corned beef could save a lot of time, but I wasn’t sure if it would turn out as tender as the stovetop version. After a few test runs, I found the perfect balance of time, seasoning, and technique.

Now, I make this version all the time, and it’s just as comforting and nostalgic as the one I grew up with—only a lot easier.

Why Corned Beef

Corned beef is one of those meals that never gets old. It’s rich, flavorful, and so easy to customize depending on what you serve it with. But beyond just being delicious, there are a few reasons why I love making it:

It’s incredibly tender when cooked the right way
The Instant Pot makes it much faster without losing flavor
It’s perfect for leftovers—think corned beef hash or sandwiches
It’s a great one-pot meal when you cook it with vegetables
The flavors only get better as it sits, making it a great meal prep option

Corned beef is also a dish with history. It’s been around for centuries and has long been a staple in Irish and American cooking. While it’s especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day, I believe it deserves a place on the dinner table year-round.

What Is Corned Beef Made Of?

Corned beef starts with a brisket, which is cured in a salt brine and usually comes with a spice packet. The brining process is what gives corned beef its signature salty, seasoned flavor and tender texture.

Most store-bought corned beef briskets will include a small pickling spice packet, which usually contains a mix of mustard seeds, peppercorns, bay leaves, and other aromatic spices. Some recipes call for extra seasoning, but I find that the spice packet combined with a well-balanced cooking liquid (broth, garlic, and onion) creates plenty of flavor.

To keep things simple, this recipe only requires:

Corned beef brisket
Beef broth or water
Onion and garlic
The included spice packet
Vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, and carrots for a full meal

What to Have with Corned Beef

Corned beef is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a few complementary sides. Here are some of my favorites:

Potatoes – Mashed, roasted, or boiled, they soak up all the delicious juices
Cabbage – A classic pairing, either steamed or roasted
Carrots and Parsnips – Adds sweetness and balance to the salty beef
Mustard or Horseradish Sauce – Adds a nice tangy contrast
Rye Bread – If you’re making sandwiches with the leftovers

If you’re looking for a way to use up leftovers, corned beef is amazing in sandwiches, breakfast hash, or even mixed into soups.

Is Corned Beef Healthy?

Corned beef is high in protein and iron, but it’s also cured with salt, which means it has a higher sodium content. To make it a bit healthier, here are some simple tweaks:

Look for low-sodium corned beef if available
Pair it with plenty of vegetables to balance out the meal
Skip adding extra salt during cooking
Use leaner cuts if you want to reduce fat content

Overall, corned beef is a great option in moderation, especially when balanced with nutritious sides.

Kitchen Equipment

To make corned beef in the Instant Pot, you’ll need:

Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
Tongs (for handling the meat)
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the corned beef:

3 lb corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
4 cups beef broth (or water)
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon pickling spices (optional, if not using the spice packet)

For the vegetables:

4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
3 large carrots, cut into chunks
1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges

Directions:

Prepare the Beef

Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it under cold water to remove excess brine.
Place the brisket in the Instant Pot, fat side up.
Sprinkle the spice packet (or pickling spices) over the beef.

Add Liquid and Pressure Cook

Pour in beef broth or water until the brisket is mostly covered.
Add the onion and garlic.
Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 90 minutes.
Once done, allow a natural release for 15 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.

Remove the Beef and Cook the Vegetables

Take the corned beef out and let it rest on a cutting board.
Add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the Instant Pot.
Set to HIGH pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release.

Slice and Serve

Slice the corned beef against the grain for the most tender bites.
Serve with the vegetables and a ladle of broth for extra flavor.

Tips

Rinse the corned beef before cooking to remove excess salt
Let the meat rest before slicing for the best texture
Use a natural pressure release to keep the beef extra tender
Add beer instead of broth for extra flavor
Store leftovers in the broth to keep them moist

FAQs

Can I use a frozen corned beef brisket?
Yes! Just add 15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

How long does corned beef last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 4-5 days in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to reheat corned beef?
Wrap it in foil and reheat at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Making corned beef in the Instant Pot is the easiest way to get a tender, flavorful meal without the long wait. Whether you’re making it for a holiday or just want a comforting dinner, this recipe will never disappoint. Try it once, and you might never go back to the stovetop version again!

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