If you’ve ever wanted to make ultra-tender, flavorful corned beef with perfectly cooked cabbage and potatoes—all in one pot and with *way* less fuss—this Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes} is the recipe you need! The classic combo gets a major upgrade thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving comfort food, this is pure, cozy, family-style happiness in a single platter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Juicy and Tender: The Instant Pot guarantees fork-tender, juicy corned beef in a fraction of the usual time—no tough or stringy bites here!
- One-Pot Magic: Everything cooks in your Instant Pot, so you get delicious meat and perfectly soft veggies with minimal cleanup.
- Super Flavorful: The savory cooking liquid infuses both the brisket and veggies with incredible depth—think peppery, garlicky goodness in every bite.
- Holiday-Worthy but Weeknight-Friendly: Looks stunning on the table, but easy enough to enjoy anytime since it’s nearly hands-off!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create the best Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes} at home. Each ingredient plays its part—the brisket gets meltingly tender, the veggies soak up the seasoned broth, and it all comes together for sheer comfort food delight.
- Corned Beef Brisket (3 lb): Choose a well-marbled piece for the juiciest, most flavorful results; most come with a spice packet.
- Yellow Onion (1 large, quartered): Deepens flavor and creates a savory backbone for the broth.
- Garlic (6 cloves, crushed): Adds rich aroma and a touch of bite—don’t skimp!
- Water (3 cups): The secret to tender meat and just the right amount of rich broth.
- Bay Leaf (1): Infuses an earthy note that makes the meat shine.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp): Brightens up the dish and tenderizes the brisket beautifully.
- Spice Packet: Provides that classic corned beef flavor; if missing, you can easily DIY (see note below).
- Green Cabbage (1 small head, quartered): Turns sweet and silky when cooked right in the pot.
- Carrots (1 lb, large chopped): Their sweetness balances the salty, savory beef.
- Baby Potatoes (1 lb, red or yellow): Absorb all those gorgeous flavors and stay creamy inside.
- Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness when serving.
Variations
This Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes} is endlessly adaptable! You can easily tweak the veggies or seasonings to make it just right for your taste, dietary needs, or what’s sitting in your fridge.
- Swap the Potatoes: Use Yukon Golds, fingerlings, or even sweet potatoes for a fun twist on texture and color.
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in parsnips, rutabaga, or turnips along with the carrots for bonus earthy sweetness.
- Make It Low-Carb: Skip potatoes altogether and increase the cabbage and carrots for a lighter, veggie-centric platter.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few extra peppercorns or some red chili flakes to the cooking liquid for subtle heat.
How to Make Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes}
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by layering the quartered onion and crushed garlic into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Pour in the water, add the bay leaf and apple cider vinegar, then lay your corned beef brisket (fat side up!) right on top. Sprinkle with the spice packet so all that flavor seeps into every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Corned Beef
Seal the lid and make sure the vent is set to “sealing.” Cook on HIGH pressure for 1 hour and 20 minutes—yes, it’s that easy! As the Instant Pot does its magic, the brisket will turn buttery-tender and perfectly seasoned from within.
Step 3: Quick Release & Rest the Beef
Once the time is up, carefully quick-release the pressure. Have a pair of tongs handy to lift out the brisket along with the onion and bay leaf. Let the meat rest under foil to reabsorb its juices while you finish the veggies. Don’t forget to save about a cup of those delicious pot juices!
Step 4: Steam the Vegetables
Pop the trivet into your Instant Pot and carefully layer in the cabbage wedges, chopped carrots, and potatoes. Pour the reserved cup of broth back in, secure the lid, and cook for only 3 minutes on HIGH pressure. It’s just enough time for the vegetables to become luscious and infused with flavor—no sogginess here!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Arrange slices of the corned beef on a platter surrounded by the perfectly cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Spoon a little extra cooking liquid over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve—Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes} has never looked (or tasted) better!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes}
- Rinse for Perfect Balance: Rinsing the brisket under cold water before cooking helps reduce any excess saltiness so the final dish isn’t overly briny.
- DIY Spice Packet: If you didn’t get a seasoning packet, don’t panic—just toss in mustard seeds, whole peppercorns, allspice berries, coriander, cloves, a pinch of brown sugar, and some black pepper for all that classic flavor.
- Vegetable Timing is Key: Always cook the veggies separately after the beef, or they’ll turn mushy; just three minutes in the pot is plenty!
- Slice Against the Grain: For melt-in-your-mouth corned beef, slice the brisket across the grain so every bite is supremely tender.
How to Serve Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes}
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley makes this dish sing with color and a bit of grassy brightness. You could also sprinkle on sliced green onions or a few extra cracks of black pepper for a simple, pretty finish that elevates every serving.
Side Dishes
This feast is filling all on its own, but soft dinner rolls, a dish of creamy horseradish sauce, or a bowl of mustard are tried-and-true companions. For a festive meal, pair with a tangy side salad or Irish soda bread to round out the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the sliced beef and veggies artfully on a large platter, drizzle with a little extra broth, and bring the whole thing straight to the table for dramatic, family-style serving. For parties, you can even skewer chunks of corned beef, potato, and carrot as festive mini-kebabs, or pile leftovers into crusty rolls for the world’s best sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes} will keep beautifully in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier sandwiches or hash the next morning.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap cooled corned beef tightly in foil and tuck it into a freezer-safe zip bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently for a quick, hearty meal anytime you crave comfort food.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices of beef and vegetables in a baking dish, splash with a little broth or water, and cover with foil. Heat in a 350°F oven until hot, about 15–20 minutes—this keeps everything juicy and preserves the vibrant flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use a frozen corned beef brisket in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook a frozen brisket! Just add 10–15 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time. Be aware that the seasoning mixture might not adhere as well, so try to separate the seasoning packet from the frozen meat before adding to the pot if possible.
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What can I do if my corned beef doesn’t have a spice packet?
No worries! Make your own blend with mustard seeds, coriander, whole peppercorns, a few allspice berries, a pinch of cloves, brown sugar, and cracked black pepper. Spread this mix over the brisket for that essential classic flavor.
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How do I prevent the vegetables from overcooking in the Instant Pot?
Always cook the vegetables separately after the beef. Three minutes on high pressure is just right—any longer, and the veggies could become too soft. Use the trivet to keep them slightly raised for the perfect texture.
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Do I need to release the pressure naturally?
For this Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes}, a quick release after cooking is the way to go! This keeps the brisket tender but not mushy, and makes sure you avoid overcooked vegetables.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about gathering around a platter of Instant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes}—it’s homey, impressive, and guaranteed to warm hearts and bellies alike. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a much-requested tradition at your own table. Give it a try; your family will thank you!
PrintInstant Pot Corned Beef {With Cabbage + Potatoes} Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a delicious and hearty meal with this Instant Pot Corned Beef recipe that includes tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or St. Patrick’s Day feast!
Ingredients
Corned Beef:
- 3 lb corned beef brisket
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 spice packet
For the vegetables:
- 1 small head green cabbage, quartered
- 1 lb carrots, large chop
- 1 lb baby potatoes, red or yellow
- parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Corned Beef: Place onion, garlic, water, bay leaf, and apple cider vinegar into the Instant Pot. Add corned beef brisket and sprinkle with the spice packet.
- Cook the Beef: Close the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Quick release the pressure.
- Add Vegetables: Remove corned beef, onion, and bay leaf. Keep 1 cup of liquid. Place trivet in the pot, add cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Quick release.
- Serve: Arrange beef and veggies on a platter. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Make your own spice mix if needed with mustard seeds, allspice berries, coriander seeds, cloves, brown sugar, and black pepper.
- Rinse beef before cooking to remove excess salt.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 1800mg
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g
- Fiber: Approximately 5g
- Protein: Approximately 35g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 110mg