Name: Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 medium white or yellow onion, cut into 5 or 6 chunks; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 11.2 ounce bottle Guinness beer (use Guinness Draught or substitute additional broth); 3 ½ to 4 pound corned beef brisket or round, with pickling spice packet; 1 pound baby gold or red potatoes (fingerling potatoes work well too), halved; 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch chunks; 1 small head green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges; 3 tablespoons butter; Fine ground sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional garnish; ¼ cup whole grain mustard, optional for dipping

If you’re craving a classic, hearty meal that’s bursting with rich Irish flavors but don’t want to spend all day slow cooking, you’re in for a treat. This Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe packs all the tender, savory goodness of traditional corned beef and cabbage into a fraction of the time.

The dish shows a white plate filled with four main layers: the bottom layer has soft green cabbage leaves, above them is a thick layer of reddish-pink sliced meat with visible grain and slight marbling, topped around the meat are bright orange carrots and small golden-brown baby potatoes with a shiny, slightly oily texture, all sprinkled lightly with small green herb pieces. The plate sits on a green cloth on a white marbled surface, with a blurred stainless steel appliance in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I vividly remember the first time I made corned beef in my Instant Pot — the meat was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, and the mix of Guinness and beef broth created a flavor depth I hadn’t expected. It turned a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal into a quick, fuss-free weeknight winner.

Speedy Cooking: Prepare a meal that usually takes hours in just under two hours total.
Rich Flavor: Guinness and beef broth create a deep, comforting taste.
One-Pot Magic: The Instant Pot handles everything from braising the beef to cooking tender veggies.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or a cozy dinner, this recipe shines.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, gather some quality ingredients to make sure your corned beef turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavorful. Look for a brisket with the pickling spice packet included, and pick fresh veggies to keep things vibrant. Here’s why each ingredient is important for this recipe:

Flat lay of a large uncut corned beef brisket with visible fat layer, a medium onion cut into large chunks, whole uncracked brown eggs, several fresh garlic cloves peeled and minced, a small white ceramic bowl with bright golden melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl holding whole grain mustard with visible mustard seeds, a few bright orange whole carrots cut into large chunks, a small head of green cabbage quartered into wedges, a handful of small fingerling potatoes halved showing smooth skin in gold and red hues, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley on the side, and a small white ceramic bowl with rich amber colored beef broth -- all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Low-sodium beef broth: Provides a savory base without overpowering saltiness, balancing the beer's flavors nicely.
Medium onion: Adds aromatic sweetness that infuses the broth and meat as it cooks.
Minced garlic: Brings a gentle punch that complements the spices traditionally used in corned beef.
Guinness beer: This iconic Irish stout adds richness and a subtle malty bitterness that enhances the broth.
Corned beef brisket or round: The star of the dish — a cut that becomes tender and juicy when pressure cooked.
Baby potatoes (gold or red): Small, waxy potatoes that hold their shape well and soak up those savory juices.
Carrots: Sweet and hearty, they balance the dish with their natural sugars after cooking.
Green cabbage: Classic pairing that adds texture and rounds out the meal with a fresh bite.
Butter: Tossed with veggies at the end, adding creaminess and a silky finish.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.
Fresh parsley: Optional garnish that brings bright color and a hint of herbal freshness.
Whole grain mustard: A tangy dipping option that pairs perfectly with the rich beef.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re adapting for dietary needs or adding your favorite twists, there’s plenty of room for personalization without sacrificing that classic Irish comfort.

Non-Alcoholic Version: If you prefer to skip the Guinness, simply substitute it with extra low-sodium beef broth. I’ve done this for family dinners when kids were around, and the depth of flavor stays rich and hearty.
Vegetable Variations: While cabbage, carrots, and potatoes are the classic trio, I like adding parsnips or turnips sometimes for a slightly sweeter note. Just be sure to cut them into uniform, large chunks so everything cooks evenly during the quick pressure phase.
Lean vs. Fatty Brisket: I tend to use a corned beef brisket with moderate fat for ultimate tenderness, but if you want a leaner dish, a corned round roast works beautifully too. Just trim excess fat after cooking for a less greasy finish but keep it during cooking for max flavor.
Seasoning Tweaks: The included pickling spice is perfect, but sometimes I add a bit of fresh cracked black pepper or a bay leaf for an aromatic twist. It’s those little touches that make this recipe uniquely yours.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe

A white plate holds a meal with three layers: the first layer is light yellow cooked cabbage on the left, the second layer is small round brown potatoes scattered around the plate, and bright orange carrot pieces sprinkled with green herbs mixed among potatoes; the third layer is two thick slices of pinkish cooked meat on the right side, topped with a coarse grainy mustard sauce. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a fork on the bottom right and a green cloth partially visible on the lower left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Layer the Flavor Base

Start by adding 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, your chunked onion, and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic right into the Instant Pot insert. These aromatics create a savory foundation that infuses the corned beef as it cooks. Place your brisket fat side up on top—this helps baste the meat. Pour the entire 11.2 ounce bottle of Guinness beer gently over the brisket and sprinkle on the pickling spices from the packet. Lock the lid securely to prepare for pressure cooking.

Step 2: Pressure Cook the Corned Beef

Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting, toggle to HIGH pressure and set the timer for 1 hour and 25 minutes. This relatively brief cook time is the magic of the Instant Pot—tender, flavorful corned beef in a fraction of the time it takes to slow cook. When the timer finishes, let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure so you can safely open the lid.

Step 3: Prep Vegetables While Beef Rests

While the beef is cooking or resting, prepare your vegetables: slice the core off the cabbage, then cut into 8 wedges for even cooking. Halve the baby potatoes and peel the carrots, chopping them into large 3-inch chunks to match the cabbage's size. This prep ensures the veggies cook to tender perfection during the second pressure cook phase.

Step 4: Remove Beef & Add Vegetables

Carefully transfer your cooked corned beef to a cutting board and tent it with foil to keep it warm and juicy. Use a slotted spoon to fish out the onion chunks from the Instant Pot, but leave the rich cooking liquid inside. Next, add your prepared potatoes and carrots to the pot and nestle the cabbage wedges on top. Remember: don’t overfill the pot—keep the ingredients below two-thirds capacity for safety. Then, close and lock the lid again to prepare for the quick cook.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Vegetables

Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 5 minutes. These quick minutes soften the hearty vegetables just right without turning them mushy. When the timer ends, perform a quick pressure release so you can carefully open the lid and get everything ready to serve.

Step 6: Slice & Plate Your Corned Beef

Trim off any thick fat layer from the top of your corned beef for a cleaner presentation and easier eating. Slice the meat against the grain into thin, tender slices. Arrange these slices on a serving platter and drizzle some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the top to keep the meat moist and delicious.

Step 7: Butter Up Your Vegetables

Use your slotted spoon one last time to transfer the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the serving platter or a separate bowl. Toss the warm veggies with 3 tablespoons of butter and season them to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Bring everything to the table hot and ready to savor. Offer a side of whole grain mustard for dipping to add a tangy kick that complements the richness of the beef and buttered vegetables beautifully. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a comforting, classic Irish meal all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot!

Top Tip

Getting the most out of your Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe is all about timing, seasoning, and a few handy tricks that turn good into unforgettable. Here are some tips that have made my experience smoother and tastier.

Don't Skimp on Natural Pressure Release: Letting the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes after cooking helps keep the corned beef tender and juicy, so don’t rush this step.
Use Guinness for Depth of Flavor: The beer adds a rich, malty backdrop that broth alone can’t match, so if you’ve never cooked with Guinness before, give it a try—it really elevates this classic.
Cut Veggies Uniformly: Slicing your potatoes, carrots, and cabbage into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly during the quick 5-minute pressure cook phase—no one wants a mushy carrot or undercooked potato!
Rest and Slice Against the Grain: After cooking, tent the beef with foil and slice against the grain to maximize tenderness and create melt-in-your-mouth slices every time.

How to Serve Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe

A large raw pink piece of meat lies inside a shiny silver cooking pot, sprinkled evenly with small round yellow mustard seeds, a few black peppercorns, red chili flakes, and green herb leaves. The edges of the meat show some white fat, and the bottom of the pot reveals thin slices of white garlic. The pot has a black rim and is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh touch that cuts through the richness of the brisket and buttered vegetables. Serve with a side of whole grain mustard for a tangy, spicy kick that’s perfect for dipping.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider adding creamy mashed potatoes or a simple Irish soda bread to soak up every delicious drop of cooking liquid. For something green, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans complement the hearty flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover corned beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze the sliced corned beef and veggies in separate airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They'll maintain best quality for about 2 months. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of reserved cooking liquid helps retain moisture and flavor. Avoid overheating to keep the corned beef tender and juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the Guinness beer with something else?

Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the Guinness with additional low-sodium beef broth. The flavor will be milder but still delicious and hearty.

What size Instant Pot do I need for this recipe?

A 6- to 8-quart Instant Pot is ideal for this recipe to comfortably fit a 3 ½ to 4 pound corned beef brisket along with the vegetables. Avoid overfilling past two-thirds capacity to ensure safe pressure cooking.

Why do I need to slice the corned beef against the grain?

Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew. This technique enhances the overall eating experience.

Can I cook the vegetables with the beef from the start?

It's best to cook the beef first, then add the vegetables for a short pressure cook. This prevents the veggies from becoming mushy and ensures everything is cooked just right.

Final Thoughts

This Flavorful Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals, especially when I want something rich, satisfying, and effortless. The combination of Guinness and beef broth creates a deeply savory base, and the quick pressure cooking means tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a delicious, hearty meal, this recipe delivers warmth and flavor you’ll want to make again and again.