Easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot recipes are lifesavers when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. This hearty, one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings or St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. It cooks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop versions—without sacrificing tenderness. In this article, I’ll walk you through my go-to method, share my personal story behind the dish, and give you tried-and-true tips for juicy, flavorful results every time. If you’ve ever struggled with dry brisket or mushy cabbage, don’t worry—you’re about to discover how easy it can be.
Table of Contents
Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage Instant Pot – Dinner Made Simple
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Classic comfort food made fast! This easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot recipe creates tender meat, flavorful veggies, and a rich, seasoned broth—all in one pot.
Ingredients
3–4 lb flat-cut corned beef brisket
1 small head green cabbage, cut into wedges
6–8 baby potatoes, halved
4 carrots, cut into large chunks
1 onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves
10 peppercorns
4 cups beef broth or water
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
Pickling spice or included seasoning packet
Instructions
Rinse corned beef under cold water.
Place trivet in Instant Pot. Pour in broth or water.
Set brisket on trivet, fat side up. Add onion, garlic, spices.
Seal lid. Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
Allow natural release for 15 minutes. Remove brisket and cover with foil.
Add cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
Quick release. Slice brisket against the grain. Serve with veggies and broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Corned beef brisket, carrots, green cabbage, salted butter, Corned beef brisket, petite red potatoes, baby carrots, green
The Recipe That Feels Like Coming Home
My first time making Instant Pot corned beef
Easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot meals weren’t part of my childhood—but the craving came from a place of nostalgia. Growing up just outside Asheville, dinners were quick and unceremonious. My mom worked double shifts, and we ate whatever was fast and filling. But one time, an aunt brought over a plate of corned beef. It was salty, shredded, and strangely comforting. I didn’t know why, but that flavor stayed with me.
Years later, working part-time at a local co-op and experimenting more in my kitchen, I spotted a brisket on sale. That old memory sparked something. I had my Instant Pot out already, so I decided to give it a try. I added onion, garlic, and a scoop of pickling spice, sealed the lid, and hoped for the best.
The result? Beef that was incredibly tender, cabbage that held just enough bite, and a broth that made the whole kitchen smell like someone had cooked all day. I knew instantly I’d found a keeper. This easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot version became a favorite—just like my go-to slow cooker red beans and rice when I need something filling and familiar.
Why this recipe is my go-to when I want easy comfort food
This recipe delivers that slow-cooked satisfaction in a fraction of the time. It’s hands-off, deeply flavorful, and makes enough to last for days. The brisket turns tender without falling apart, and the veggies soak up all the goodness from the broth. It’s easy to prep, great for leftovers, and perfect when you want comfort without fuss.
That’s why I keep coming back to this easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot dish—it hits the spot every time without making life complicated.
How to Make Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage in the Instant Pot
Ingredients that pack in flavor
This easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot dish builds big flavor from a short list of simple ingredients, all in under two hours. Grab a 3–4 lb flat-cut corned beef brisket, green cabbage, baby potatoes, carrots, garlic, and one yellow onion. For seasoning, I add whole peppercorns and bay leaves for a cozy, spiced base. Sometimes I’ll toss in a splash of apple cider vinegar—it cuts through the richness just right.
Whether you use water or beef broth, this easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot dish builds bold flavor fast. Beef broth adds depth, but even plain water works well if you season generously. I prefer a homemade spice blend over the packet, mixing mustard seeds, coriander, and cloves for a deeper flavor.
The real beauty of this meal? It doesn’t need much. Just simple ingredients and a pressure cooker to pull it all together. That’s why it’s earned a spot alongside recipes like Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot with Potatoes—simple, filling, and always delicious.
Simple method with pressure cooker timing details
Place the trivet in your Instant Pot and pour in 4 cups of liquid. Set the brisket on the rack, fat-side up, and add the seasoning blend. Garlic and onion go in next. Lock the lid and pressure cook on high for 90 minutes, then naturally release for 15.
Take the brisket out and loosely cover it with foil to keep it warm while the vegetables cook. Add cabbage, carrots, and potatoes to the broth. Cook on high pressure for 4 more minutes.
That’s how this easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot recipe comes together: one pot, rich flavor, no hassle. I reach for it often, just like Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Tips for Tender, Juicy Corned Beef Every Time
Rinsing, slicing, and grain direction tips
The magic of a great easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot meal isn’t just in the pressure—it’s in the details. Always rinse your brisket before cooking. This step helps wash away the excess salt from the curing liquid, so your broth turns out flavorful but not overly salty. Don’t worry, you’re not washing away the taste.
After cooking, give your brisket at least 10 minutes to rest before slicing. Then—and this is key—cut against the grain. This means slicing across the lines of muscle, which shortens the fibers and keeps each bite tender. It’s a simple trick, but it’s what separates melt-in-your-mouth beef from chewy leftovers.
This is one reason I rely on the easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot method—it’s not just fast, it’s forgiving.
How to adapt cooking time based on size and texture
For most briskets between 3 and 4 pounds, 90 minutes under high pressure followed by a 15-minute natural release works beautifully. If your cut is smaller, you can reduce cook time by 10–15 minutes. For anything over 4.5 pounds, increase pressure time by 10 minutes or so.
Letting the pressure release slowly is what helps the meat stay tender and juicy. Skipping it can lead to stringy meat, so resist the urge to quick release.
Just like in Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Potatoes and Green Beans Magic, keeping some cooking liquid with the meat when storing leftovers helps preserve moisture.
That’s why this easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot recipe continues to earn a spot on my cold-weather rotation. It’s reliable, simple, and always turns out delicious.
Customizing and Serving Corned Beef and Cabbage
Flavor variations and extra veggies to try
This easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot recipe is incredibly flexible, which makes it great for repeat meals with different twists. After you master the classic version, try mixing it up with new flavors. Parsnips, leeks, or rutabaga add a sweet earthiness. A chopped apple gives a hint of tartness that complements the salty beef beautifully.
You can swap green cabbage for red or Savoy if you want a new texture or color. If you’re feeling bold, stir in horseradish or a spoonful of Dijon mustard before cooking to punch up the broth. For a smoky touch, add a bit of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke. These small changes make this easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot meal truly your own.
Just like my slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken, this dish leaves plenty of room for creativity while still hitting all the cozy, familiar notes.
What to serve with corned beef and leftover ideas
A spoonful of grainy mustard or a quick horseradish sauce adds the perfect zing to your easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot meal. Rye bread or soft, golden biscuits on the side make a great match—they soak up the savory juices and round out the meal. A fresh side salad or roasted green beans adds a bright contrast.
Leftovers are pure gold. Dice the meat into a skillet with potatoes for a next-day hash, or pile it high on toasted bread with Swiss and sauerkraut for a homemade Reuben. If you’ve got broth left, toss in extra veggies and turn it into a hearty soup.
Conclusion
This easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot recipe is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a warm, satisfying meal that delivers bold flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or just craving something comforting, it’s a dish that always delivers.
What I love most is how reliable it is. The pressure cooker takes all the guesswork out, turning simple ingredients into something rich and cozy. And the leftovers? Even better the next day. This easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot meal is perfect for making sandwiches, soup, or a next-day hash.
If you’re new to cooking brisket or just looking for something that feels like home, this is your recipe. I keep coming back to it the same way I do with all my favorite go-to meals—because it works, and it tastes like care in a bowl. Try this easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot recipe once, and I bet you’ll be making it again soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is corned beef good in the Instant Pot?
Yes, and it’s honestly one of the best ways to cook it. The Instant Pot helps break down the brisket, locking in moisture and flavor in far less time than traditional methods. If you’re looking for a dependable way to get juicy, flavorful results, this easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot recipe delivers every time.
What is the best method for cooking tender corned beef?
Tenderness comes down to time and technique. Cook your corned beef on high pressure for 90 minutes, then give it a full 15-minute natural release. That resting time in the sealed pot helps the fibers relax and keeps the meat from drying out. I also always slice the brisket across the grain for maximum tenderness. That’s how I get such consistent results using the easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot method.
How long do you cook corned beef in a pressure cooker?
A 3–4 lb brisket typically needs 90 minutes at high pressure. Once that’s done, allow the pressure to release naturally for another 15 minutes before opening the lid. For bigger cuts, I usually add another 10 minutes of cook time. The vegetables—like cabbage and carrots—go in afterward and cook in just 4 minutes. That step-by-step process is what makes the easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot technique so reliable.
What happens if you don’t rinse corned beef before cooking?
Not rinsing the corned beef may result in a saltier flavor, as the surface brine stays on the meat during cooking. Corned beef is cured in brine, and a quick rinse helps remove the surface salt without affecting the flavor inside. I always rinse mine before starting the easy corned beef and cabbage Instant Pot recipe, especially if I’m adding broth or seasoning to the pot.