Name: Instant Pot Corned Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 115 min
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 12 fluid ounce beer (one can or bottle); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 3 pound corned beef brisket (with spice packet); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard; 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce

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There’s something magical about how an Instant Pot turns a tough cut like corned beef into a fork-tender delight in under two hours. This recipe takes that magic to the next level with garlic and a splash of beer to make every bite rich and unforgettable. Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy Sunday dinner, this easy Instant Pot corned beef recipe will be a hit every single time.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Corned Beef

Super Tender: The pressure cooker makes the meat incredibly soft and juicy.
Big on Flavor: Garlic and beer bring bold, savory flavor to every slice.
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and no babysitting needed.
One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays or weeknight meals.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Corned Beef

Main Ingredients

Corned beef brisket with spice packet
Garlic
Beer
Water

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley
Stone-ground mustard
Horseradish sauce

Equipment

Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart)
Cutting board
Measuring cups

Utensils

Sharp knife
Tongs
Serving fork
Small bowl (for garlic)

Variations

Looking to change things up a bit? Try these simple twists:

No Beer Option: Use beef broth or apple juice instead of beer for a different flavor.
Add Veggies: Toss in potatoes, carrots, and cabbage after cooking the beef for a full meal.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice packet for heat.
Sweet Version: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the liquid for a touch of sweetness.
Slow Release Flavor: Let the beef sit in the pot on ‘keep warm’ for 20 minutes before slicing to absorb more flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Corned Beef

Let’s walk through this step-by-step process. It’s super simple, and you’ll end up with perfectly cooked, juicy corned beef every time.

Step 1: Prep the Meat and Garlic

First, take your corned beef brisket out of the package. Set it fat-side up in the Instant Pot insert. Open the spice packet that came with it and sprinkle the spices over the top. Then, add the minced garlic evenly across the meat.

Corned beef brisket in Instant Pot with garlic

Step 2: Add the Liquid

Next, pour the beer right over the beef. After that, add the water into the pot. The liquid should just come up the sides of the meat, not cover it completely. This combination of beer and water helps tenderize the beef and build flavor.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Now it’s time to lock on the Instant Pot lid. Make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button and set the time for 90 minutes on high pressure. Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once the lid unlocks, transfer the corned beef to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice it against the grain into thick or thin pieces, depending on your preference. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and your favorite sauce like mustard or horseradish.

Tips and Tricks

Always cut against the grain for the most tender slices.
Don’t skip the resting time—this helps keep the meat juicy.
Use leftovers in sandwiches, hash, or wraps the next day.
Let it cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
You can double the recipe if your Instant Pot is big enough.

How to Serve Instant Pot Corned Beef

This corned beef is great on its own, but here are some pairing ideas:

With boiled potatoes and cabbage
On rye bread with mustard for a killer sandwich
Chopped into a hash with fried eggs
Over creamy mashed potatoes
With a side of roasted carrots or steamed greens

Make Ahead and Storage

To Make Ahead: Cook the beef, let it cool, and refrigerate in its juices. Slice before reheating.
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm slices in a skillet with a bit of the cooking liquid or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I cook vegetables with it?
It’s best to cook veggies like carrots and potatoes after the beef is done. They can get too soft if cooked together for the full time.

Is natural pressure release necessary?
Yes, at least 15 minutes of natural release keeps the meat juicy and tender.

Can I use frozen corned beef?
Yes, just add 10 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time. No need to thaw.

Is corned beef good in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely. The Instant Pot is one of the best ways to make corned beef because it gets tender, flavorful, and juicy much faster than traditional methods.

Why is my corned beef not tender enough in the Instant Pot?
It may not have cooked long enough, or you didn’t allow enough natural pressure release time. Tough meat often just needs more time under pressure.

Should corned beef be covered in liquid in an Instant Pot?
No, it should sit partially in the liquid but not be fully submerged. About halfway up the meat is ideal.

Is it better to pressure cook or slow cook corned beef?
Both work well, but pressure cooking is faster and gives you equally tender results without waiting all day.

Conclusion

In the end, this Instant Pot corned beef recipe is your no-fail way to get tender, flavorful meat with barely any effort. It’s great for busy nights, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving comfort food. Give it a try and enjoy how easy it is to impress your family and friends with just one pot.

If you love hearty beef dishes like this Instant Pot corned beef, you’ll definitely want to check out a few more savory favorites. Try the beef chuck roll for a melt-in-your-mouth roast that’s perfect for Sunday dinners. Or, switch things up with a comfort food twist and make this easy stove top stuffing meatloaf—a family-friendly recipe packed with flavor. And for a quick weeknight dinner that brings bold flavor fast, don’t miss the cheesy and satisfying Philly cheesesteak pasta.

Corned beef has a long history and is especially popular in Irish-American cuisine. If you’re curious about its origins and cultural significance, you can learn more about corned beef and how it became a staple dish. For those interested in how modern pressure cookers work, this article on the Instant Pot breaks down the technology and safety features behind its popularity. And if you’re wondering about the science behind meat tenderness, check out the detailed explanation of meat cooking techniques to understand why pressure cooking works so well.