There’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s both hearty and simple to prepare, and that’s exactly what this Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe delivers. Imagine tender corned beef infused with the rich taste of Guinness, paired with perfectly cooked potatoes, carrots, and cabbage—all ready in just over two hours.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made corned beef many times, but cooking it in the Instant Pot with Guinness truly takes it to another level. The flavors deepen beautifully, and the veggies come out perfectly tender without any extra fuss.
- Speed and convenience: The Instant Pot cuts traditional corned beef cooking time way down without sacrificing flavor.
- Flavor-packed: Using Guinness beer and aromatic spices infuses the brisket with rich, authentic Irish flavor.
- One-pot meal: You cook the meat and vegetables in the same pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfectly tender vegetables: The potatoes, carrots, and cabbage come out just right—soft but not mushy.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Picking the right ingredients makes all the difference when you’re going for that classic corned beef and cabbage flavor. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want to grab before you start cooking, plus a few tips to get the best results.
- Low-sodium beef broth: It provides a rich, savory base without making the dish overly salty, giving you control over seasoning.
- Onion: Chunky pieces add sweetness and depth to the cooking liquid, complementing the corned beef perfectly.
- Minced garlic: Just a touch enhances the savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- Guinness beer: This brings a malty richness and authentic Irish character; if you can’t find it, extra broth works as a substitute.
- Corned beef brisket or round: The star of the dish—choose a good-quality cut with the included pickling spice for that signature flavor.
- Baby gold or red potatoes: They hold their shape well and absorb flavor; fingerlings are a fun alternative for added texture.
- Carrots: Chunky pieces add natural sweetness and color to the meal.
- Green cabbage: Classic for corned beef, it soaks up the cooking juices and adds freshness and crunch.
- Butter: Tossed with the vegetables for richness and a silky finish.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste after cooking.
- Fresh parsley: An optional garnish that brightens the plate and adds a splash of color.
- Whole grain mustard: Optional but highly recommended—a tangy dip that pairs beautifully with the beef.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste or dietary needs without sacrificing its classic charm. Little tweaks here and there can bring new flavors or help accommodate what’s in your pantry or preferred style of cooking.
- Guinness-Free Variation: If you prefer to skip the beer or don’t have Guinness on hand, just use additional low-sodium beef broth. I’ve done this on weeknights and still loved the deep, comforting flavor the broth infuses into the corned beef.
- Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to swap out the baby gold or red potatoes for fingerlings for a slightly nuttier texture. When I tried fingerlings, they held their shape beautifully and made the plate look that much more rustic and inviting.
- Low-Sodium Tip: Using low-sodium broth helps keep the overall salt content in check, especially since corned beef is already salty. I always adjust salt after cooking the veggies, so they don’t get over-seasoned.
- Mustard Options: Whole grain mustard offers a lovely texture contrast and tangy kick, but Dijon mustard or horseradish sauce also work wonderfully for dipping — perfect for mixing it up when you want a little variety.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Build your flavorful base
Start by pouring 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth into the Instant Pot insert, then add the onion chunks and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. This mix creates a savory bath that will infuse the corned beef with rich aroma and taste. Carefully place your 3½ to 4-pound corned beef brisket on top of the liquid, fat side up to keep the meat moist during cooking. Next, pour an 11.2-ounce bottle of Guinness beer over the meat for that iconic, deep flavor — or substitute with more broth if you prefer. Sprinkle the included pickling spice packet evenly over the brisket. Seal the lid tightly and lock it in place so the pressure can build properly.
Step 2: Pressure cook for tender perfection
Set your Instant Pot to MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on HIGH and program it for 1 hour and 25 minutes. This timing ensures the corned beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while soaking up all those aromatic flavors. You’ll hear the gentle hiss and feel the tempting aroma build as the pot does its magic.
Step 3: Natural release and prep your veggies
When cooking completes, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes — this helps the meat rest inside the sealed pot, retaining juices and tenderness. Then perform a quick release to expel any remaining pressure. While the pot is venting, prep the veggies: slice the small head of cabbage into 8 wedges, halve the baby potatoes, and peel and chop the carrots into generous 3-inch chunks. Having the vegetables prepped now keeps things flowing smoothly.
Step 4: Remove beef and cook the vegetables
Carefully transfer the cooked corned beef to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil to keep warm — this resting period helps juices redistribute. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out and discard the onion chunks from the pot, leaving the flavorful cooking liquid behind. Next, add the potatoes and carrot chunks to the Instant Pot, and nestle the cabbage wedges on top. Remember not to overfill — the pot should be no more than two-thirds full for safe and even pressure cooking. Seal the lid again and lock it securely.
Step 5: Pressure cook vegetables to tender
Select MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK once more, HIGH pressure, and set the timer for 5 minutes. This quick cooking bursts the veggies to tender-crisp perfection without turning mushy. Once the timer beeps, perform a quick release to prevent overcooking.
Step 6: Slice and serve with a buttered toss
Remove the lid and slice off the fat layer on top of the corned beef (especially noticeable on flat briskets), then slice the meat against the grain to maximize tenderness — you’ll appreciate how beautifully juicy and flavorful each bite is. Lay the slices on your serving platter and drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over them for that little extra something. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the serving dish or a separate bowl. Toss the vegetables with 3 tablespoons of butter, then season with fine ground sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like, and serve warm alongside a small bowl of whole grain mustard for dipping. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing feast!
Top Tip
These tips can really elevate your Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe, making it easier to achieve that perfect balance of flavor and tenderness every time.
- Use Guinness Beer for Depth: I always recommend using a bottle of Guinness Draught as it adds a rich, malty flavor that really complements the corned beef. If you can’t find it, extra beef broth works well too, but the beer does take the taste up a notch.
- Don’t Rush the Pressure Release: Letting the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before quick releasing helps the meat relax and keeps it juicy. I learned this after a few dry briskets early on!
- Slice Against the Grain: Slicing the brisket against the grain is a game-changer for tenderness — it breaks down the muscle fibers and makes each bite melt in your mouth.
- Don’t Overfill the Pot: I make sure never to fill the Instant Pot beyond two-thirds full, especially once I add the vegetables, to ensure everything cooks evenly and safely.
How to Serve Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to this hearty dish. A dollop of whole grain mustard on the side offers a tangy contrast that perfectly complements the rich corned beef. Feel free to serve with a wedge of lemon or a dash of black pepper for extra brightness.
Side Dishes
Though the Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables is a complete meal by itself, pairing it with crusty Irish soda bread or buttered dinner rolls makes it even more comforting. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness on the plate, and some creamy horseradish sauce on the side adds a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover corned beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cooking liquid separate if possible to maintain the texture of the meat and veggies.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked corned beef and vegetables for up to 3 months. Allow everything to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space for expansion and label with the date.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to keep the meat moist. Avoid overheating to preserve tenderness of the brisket and prevent the vegetables from turning mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you don’t have Guinness Draught, you can substitute it with additional low-sodium beef broth. While the flavor won’t be as rich and malty, the dish will still be delicious and tender.
Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, which makes the meat much more tender and easier to chew. Cutting with the grain can result in tougher, stringier slices.
Yes! Baby gold or red potatoes are wonderful, but fingerling potatoes work just as well in this recipe, providing a nice texture and flavor that complements the other vegetables.
It’s best not to fill the Instant Pot beyond two-thirds full, especially when adding bulky vegetables like cabbage. This ensures there's enough room for steam to circulate safely and that your food cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe is a heartwarming, no-fuss way to enjoy a classic Irish meal any time of year. With tender meat infused with Guinness and perfectly cooked veggies, it’s a satisfying dinner that brings comfort and tradition to your table in just over two hours. Whether it’s for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy family dinner, I hope this recipe becomes one you turn to again and again.
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Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Pressure/Release Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Low Sodium
Description
This Instant Pot Corned Beef recipe delivers tender, flavorful corned beef brisket infused with the rich taste of Guinness beer and aromatic spices. Paired with perfectly cooked potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, it makes a comforting and traditional meal ready in just over two hours.
Ingredients
Main 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 (Guinness Draught), or substitute additional broth
- 3½ to 4 pounds corned beef brisket or round with pickling spice packet
Vegetables
- 1 pound baby gold or red potatoes, halved (fingerling potatoes also work well)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1 small head green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges
Finishing Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add the beef broth, onion chunks, and minced garlic to the insert of a 6- to 8-quart Instant Pot. Place the corned beef brisket on top of the mixture with the fat side up. Pour the Guinness beer over the brisket and sprinkle the included pickling spice packet evenly over the meat. Close and lock the Instant Pot lid securely.
- Pressure Cook the Brisket: Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting on high pressure and set the cooking time to 1 hour and 25 minutes. Let the Instant Pot build pressure and cook the brisket thoroughly during this period.
- Release Pressure and Prepare Vegetables: When cooking time ends, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure. While waiting, prepare the vegetables: cut the cabbage into 8 wedges, slice the potatoes in half, and peel and chop the carrots into large chunks.
- Cook the Vegetables: Remove the cooked corned beef from the Instant Pot and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm. Use a slotted spoon to remove and discard the onions from the broth, leaving the cooking liquid in the pot. Add the halved potatoes and carrot chunks into the Instant Pot, laying the cabbage wedges on top without exceeding the pot’s two-thirds capacity. Close and lock the lid again.
- Pressure Cook the Vegetables: Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on high for 5 minutes to cook the vegetables until tender. When done, perform a quick pressure release.
- Prepare to Serve: Slice off the fat layer from the top of the corned beef brisket. Slice the meat against the grain for tenderness and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle a small amount of the cooking liquid over the slices.
- Finish Vegetables and Plate: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the serving platter or a separate bowl. Toss the vegetables with butter and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with whole grain mustard on the side.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use Guinness Draught beer; if unavailable, substitute with additional beef broth.
- Fingerling potatoes can be used instead of baby gold or red potatoes for added texture.
- Do not fill the Instant Pot beyond two-thirds full, especially when adding vegetables, to ensure safe pressure cooking.
- Letting the corned beef rest tented in foil keeps it moist and tender before slicing.
- Adjust seasoning and butter quantity for the vegetables based on dietary preferences.
- Whole grain mustard adds a nice tangy contrast but can be omitted or substituted with Dijon mustard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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