The Ultimate Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe: Tender, Flavorful, and Easy!

Corned beef is a classic dish, especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day, but its traditional preparation can be time-consuming. Enter the Instant Pot, a magical device that transforms tough cuts of beef into tender, flavorful delights in a fraction of the time. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect Instant Pot corned beef, yielding a succulent and delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Get ready to enjoy a corned beef dinner that’s both easy to make and unbelievably delicious!

Why Cook Corned Beef in the Instant Pot?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why the Instant Pot is the ideal tool for cooking corned beef:

* **Speed:** The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. What would typically take 3-4 hours on the stovetop can be achieved in about 90 minutes (including pressure build-up and release) in the Instant Pot.
* **Tenderness:** The pressure cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissues in the corned beef, resulting in incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth meat.
* **Flavor:** Cooking under pressure infuses the corned beef with the flavors of the spices and vegetables, creating a deeply savory and aromatic dish.
* **Ease of Use:** The Instant Pot is incredibly user-friendly. Simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and let it do its magic. No constant monitoring is required!
* **One-Pot Meal:** You can cook the corned beef and vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cabbage) all in the same pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Instant Pot corned beef recipe:

* **Corned Beef Brisket (3-4 pounds):** Look for a corned beef brisket with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness. You can find these at most grocery stores, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Choose between point cut or flat cut. Point cut is fattier and more flavorful, while flat cut is leaner and easier to slice.
* **Corned Beef Spice Packet (included with the brisket):** Most corned beef briskets come with a spice packet. If yours doesn’t, you can easily make your own blend using peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, bay leaves, and cloves.
* **Beef Broth (4 cups):** Beef broth provides a rich and savory base for the cooking liquid. You can also use water, but the broth adds more depth of flavor.
* **Yellow Onion (1 large, quartered):** Onion adds sweetness and aroma to the dish.
* **Carrots (3-4 large, peeled and chopped):** Carrots provide sweetness and color.
* **Celery (2-3 stalks, chopped):** Celery adds a subtle savory flavor.
* **Potatoes (1.5 – 2 pounds, quartered):** Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture. Russet potatoes can become too mushy.
* **Cabbage (1/2 head, cored and cut into wedges):** Cabbage is a classic accompaniment to corned beef.
* **Bay Leaves (2-3):** Adds a subtle herbal note.
* **Optional: Guinness or Other Dark Beer (1 cup):** Adding a cup of Guinness or other dark beer to the cooking liquid can enhance the flavor of the corned beef. It adds a depth and richness that complements the spices beautifully. If you don’t have beer, you can skip it without significantly affecting the overall result.
* **Optional: Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced):** For an extra layer of flavor, add some minced garlic to the pot along with the other aromatics.

Equipment Needed

* **Instant Pot (6-quart or larger):** A 6-quart Instant Pot is sufficient for a 3-4 pound corned beef brisket. If you’re cooking a larger brisket, you may need an 8-quart Instant Pot.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables and slicing the corned beef.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Tongs:** For transferring the corned beef and vegetables.
* **Serving Platter:** For serving the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the process of making Instant Pot corned beef, step-by-step:

**Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef**

* Remove the corned beef brisket from its packaging and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove excess salt from the brine.
* Place the corned beef in the Instant Pot.
* Add the spice packet that came with the brisket.

**Step 2: Add Aromatics and Liquid**

* Add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery to the Instant Pot.
* Pour in the beef broth (and Guinness, if using) until the corned beef is mostly submerged. You may need to add a little more broth or water to cover it adequately. Ensure the liquid level is below the Instant Pot’s maximum fill line.
* Add the bay leaves and minced garlic, if using.

**Step 3: Pressure Cook the Corned Beef**

* Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position.
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 75 minutes for a 3-pound brisket, or 90 minutes for a 4-pound brisket. A general rule is 25 minutes per pound.

**Step 4: Natural Pressure Release**

* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes. This allows the corned beef to rest and become even more tender. A natural pressure release means you don’t touch the valve; you let the pressure dissipate on its own.
* After 15-20 minutes of natural pressure release, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by moving the pressure release valve to the venting position. Be cautious of the steam that will be released. Use a towel or oven mitt to protect your hand.

**Step 5: Add the Vegetables**

* Open the Instant Pot carefully. Use tongs to remove the corned beef and set it aside on a cutting board, loosely tented with foil to keep it warm.
* Add the quartered potatoes to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
* Quick release the pressure.
* Add the cabbage wedges to the Instant Pot on top of the potatoes. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 1 minute.
* Quick release the pressure immediately to prevent the cabbage from becoming overcooked and mushy.

**Step 6: Slice and Serve**

* Remove the potatoes and cabbage from the Instant Pot and place them on a serving platter.
* Using a sharp knife, slice the corned beef against the grain. This is crucial for ensuring tenderness. Look for the grain of the meat and cut perpendicular to it.
* Arrange the sliced corned beef on the serving platter with the potatoes and cabbage.
* Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the corned beef and vegetables to keep them moist and add flavor.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Corned Beef

Here are some tips to ensure your Instant Pot corned beef turns out perfectly every time:

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking corned beef can make it tough and dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times and use the natural pressure release for the best results.
* **Slice Against the Grain:** This is the most important tip for ensuring tender corned beef. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew.
* **Use Enough Liquid:** Make sure the corned beef is mostly submerged in liquid to prevent it from drying out during pressure cooking.
* **Don’t Discard the Cooking Liquid:** The cooking liquid is full of flavor and can be used as a sauce for the corned beef and vegetables. You can also use it to make a delicious soup.
* **Adjust Spices to Your Liking:** If you prefer a spicier corned beef, add extra peppercorns or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice packet.
* **Rest the Corned Beef:** Allowing the corned beef to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.
* **Degrease the Cooking Liquid:** After cooking, you might find a layer of fat on top of the cooking liquid. You can easily remove this by skimming it off with a spoon or using a fat separator.
* **Salt Content:** Corned beef is naturally salty due to the brining process. Rinsing the brisket before cooking helps to remove some of the excess salt. Taste the cooking liquid before adding any additional salt to the finished dish.
* **Spice Packet Alternatives:** If your corned beef doesn’t come with a spice packet, you can make your own using a combination of black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, bay leaves, allspice berries, and cloves. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of the spice mixture for a 3-4 pound brisket.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the Instant Pot, such as parsnips, turnips, or rutabagas. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Corned beef is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

* **Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage:** Serve the corned beef with boiled potatoes, carrots, and cabbage for a traditional St. Patrick’s Day feast.
* **Corned Beef Sandwiches:** Make delicious corned beef sandwiches with rye bread, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing (a Reuben sandwich).
* **Corned Beef Hash:** Dice leftover corned beef and potatoes and fry them together in a skillet for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
* **Corned Beef Shepherd’s Pie:** Use leftover corned beef as the base for a shepherd’s pie, topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.
* **Corned Beef Salad:** Combine diced corned beef with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings for a flavorful salad.
* **Corned Beef Tacos:** Shred the corned beef and use it as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite taco toppings.
* **Mustard Sauce:** Serve with a variety of mustards, such as Dijon, stone-ground, or horseradish mustard.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can cook the corned beef a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Slice it just before serving.
* **Storage:** Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the cooking liquid separately.
* **Reheating:** Reheat sliced corned beef in the microwave or in a skillet with a little bit of the cooking liquid. You can also reheat it in the Instant Pot using the steam function.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze cooked corned beef for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

* **Serving Size:** 4 ounces (113 grams)
* **Calories:** 250-350
* **Protein:** 25-35 grams
* **Fat:** 15-25 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 5-10 grams
* **Fiber:** 1-3 grams
* **Sodium:** Varies greatly depending on the curing process.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few variations you can try to customize this Instant Pot corned beef recipe:

* **Spicy Corned Beef:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the Instant Pot for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet Corned Beef:** Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses to the cooking liquid for a sweeter flavor.
* **Irish Stout Corned Beef:** Substitute the beef broth with Irish stout for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Smoked Corned Beef:** Use a smoked corned beef brisket for a smoky flavor.
* **Honey Glazed Corned Beef:** Brush the cooked corned beef with a honey glaze before serving.

Troubleshooting

* **Corned Beef is Tough:** Make sure you are slicing the corned beef against the grain. If it’s still tough, it may need to be cooked longer. Return it to the Instant Pot with some extra broth and cook for another 15-30 minutes.
* **Corned Beef is Too Salty:** Rinse the brisket thoroughly before cooking. You can also soak it in cold water for a few hours to remove excess salt.
* **Vegetables are Mushy:** Quick release the pressure immediately after cooking the vegetables to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
* **Instant Pot is Not Coming to Pressure:** Make sure the lid is properly sealed and the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position. Also, check the sealing ring to ensure it is clean and properly installed.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot corned beef recipe is a game-changer. It delivers incredibly tender, flavorful, and easy-to-make corned beef in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a delicious and hearty meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy the best corned beef you’ve ever had! Happy cooking!