If you're craving a hearty, comforting meal that the whole family will rave about, this Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe is a total winner. It’s packed with rich, traditional flavors but comes together faster than you’d expect—perfect for when you want classic Irish goodness without the lengthy wait.
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
Truth be told, I’ve made corned beef the old-fashioned way more times than I can count, and this Instant Pot shortcut doesn’t just save time—it really locks in that tender, flavorful goodness we all crave. Plus, the veggies finish perfectly alongside the beef, soaking up all those delicious juices.
- Speedy Cooking: Using the Instant Pot, you cut traditional cooking time drastically without sacrificing tenderness or flavor.
- Classic Flavor: The mix of Guinness beer, pickling spices, and beef broth gives authentic Irish flair to every bite.
- One-Pot Wonder: Corned beef and veggies cook right in the same pot, which means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe yields about 8 generous servings—great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When you shop for this recipe, look for a good-quality corned beef brisket with the included pickling spice packet—that little packet is key for authentic seasoning. Also, choose fresh, firm vegetables so they hold up nicely under pressure cooking.

- Low-sodium beef broth: I use low-sodium to keep control over the saltiness, since corned beef and pickling spices can be salty on their own.
- White or yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the cooking liquid.
- Minced garlic: Brings savory richness that complements the beef perfectly.
- Guinness beer: This stout adds a robust, malty complexity—if you can’t find it, beef broth is a great substitute.
- Pickling spice packet: Essential for that classic corned beef seasoning, usually included with the brisket.
- Corned beef brisket or round: The star of the show, choose a well-marbled piece for tender, juicy results.
- Baby gold or red potatoes: Their size and texture hold up well while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Carrots: Sweet and hearty, they balance the dish beautifully after pressure cooking.
- Green cabbage: The traditional companion vegetable that steams to tender perfection right on top of the potatoes and carrots.
- Butter: Tossing your cooked veggies with butter adds a luscious touch and brings the whole plate together.
- Sea salt and black pepper: To taste—these simple seasonings finish the dish perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a little vibrancy on the plate.
- Whole grain mustard (optional): The tangy, spicy mustard is a fantastic dipping sauce that pairs beautifully with the corned beef.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste and lifestyle. Whether you want to lighten it up, add seasonal veggies, or boost the spice level, it’s a flexible classic that welcomes your personal touch.
- Variation: For a leaner dish, I like trimming some of the brisket’s fat before cooking. It still stays tender and flavorful but feels lighter on the palate.
- Vegetarian Twist: If you’re cooking for a mixed crowd, try making a batch of Instant Pot cabbage, carrots, and potatoes without the meat. Use extra beef broth and your favorite pickling spices for a rich, veggie-packed side.
- Seasonal Swap: During fall or winter, swapping baby potatoes for sweet potatoes adds a comforting sweetness, while parsnips or turnips can deepen the earthiness of the dish.
- Spice it Up: Adding a few whole cloves or a cinnamon stick along with the pickling spice packet can introduce an unexpected warm aroma that really makes the flavors sing.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Layer Flavors in the Instant Pot
Start by pouring 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth into your Instant Pot insert. Add the onion chunks and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic—they form the aromatic base. Lay your 3 ½ to 4-pound corned beef brisket on top, fat side up, so that the fat slowly bastes the meat while cooking. Next, pour the 11.2-ounce bottle of Guinness beer over the brisket and sprinkle the included pickling spice packet evenly. This combination builds the deep, traditional Irish flavors we all love. Make sure the lid is closed and locked securely before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Corned Beef
Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode on High and set the timer for 1 hour and 25 minutes. This precise time lets the brisket break down perfectly without turning mushy—your Instant Pot does all the work here. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes; this step helps keep the meat juicy and tender. Then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
Step 3: Prep Vegetables While the Meat Rests
While your corned beef rests under foil on the cutting board, prep your vegetables. Slice the cabbage head into 8 wedges by cutting it in half, then each half into quarters. Halve the baby gold or red potatoes and peel and chunk the carrots into 3-inch pieces. This multitasking keeps your cooking efficient and your vegetables ready for a quick steam that locks in their natural sweetness.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables to Perfection
Discard the softened onion from the pot with a slotted spoon, but leave the flavorful cooking liquid inside. Add the potatoes and carrots first, then place the cabbage wedges on top—but be careful not to fill the Instant Pot beyond the ⅔ mark to keep your pressure cooker happy and safe. Lock the lid again, select Manual or Pressure Cook mode on High, and set the timer for just 5 minutes. When finished, quickly release the pressure right away to keep the veggies from turning mushy.
Step 5: Slice, Season, and Serve
After removing the vegetables, trim any excess fat from the corned beef’s top layer if you prefer a leaner presentation. Always slice the meat against the grain to ensure each slice is tender. Arrange the corned beef on a serving platter and drizzle a little of the reserved cooking liquid over the top for moisture and flavor. Toss the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage with 3 tablespoons of butter, and season with fine ground sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you want that extra pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside whole grain mustard for a tangy, spicy dip that complements the rich meat beautifully.
Top Tip
Getting your Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe just right is all about a few key details. These tips will help you achieve tender, flavorful meat and perfectly cooked veggies every time.
- Pressure Cooking Time Matters: Cooking the corned beef brisket at high pressure for exactly 1 hour and 25 minutes ensures it becomes wonderfully tender without drying out.
- Natural Pressure Release Works Wonders: Allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes after cooking helps the meat rest and finish tenderizing, making slicing easier and juicier.
- Don’t Overfill Your Instant Pot: Keeping the contents below two-thirds full is crucial to safe pressure cooking and allows the vegetables plenty of room to steam perfectly during the short 5-minute cook.
- Use the Cooking Liquid: Drizzling some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the sliced corned beef adds extra moisture and enhances the classic taste of the dish.
How to Serve Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this hearty meal. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serving it with a side of tangy whole grain mustard not only complements the rich beef but also adds a delightful spicy kick. A few dots of softened butter on the vegetables make them shine and feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a complete meal with its built-in corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, but you can round it out with a crusty loaf of rye or Irish soda bread to soak up all those delicious juices. A crisp green salad or sautéed green beans add a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover corned beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors again throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked corned beef and vegetables for up to 3 months. Be sure to transfer them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and label them with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave until just heated through. Adding a splash of the reserved cooking liquid or a bit of water helps keep the meat moist and the vegetables tender.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you don’t have Guinness or prefer not to use beer, simply substitute with an equal amount of low-sodium beef broth for a similar depth of flavor without the beer notes.
Yes, using the included pickling spice packet adds traditional and authentic flavors essential to a classic corned beef dish. It enhances the seasoning of both the meat and the cooking liquid.
The corned beef is done when it’s fork-tender and easy to slice against the grain. The prescribed 1 hour and 25 minutes at high pressure, plus natural release, reliably produces tender meat.
It’s best to add the vegetables after the corned beef finishes cooking. This keeps the veggies from becoming overly soft or mushy, preserving their texture and flavor during the quick 5-minute pressure cook.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Instant Pot Corned Beef with Vegetables Recipe as much as I do. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that brings people together, perfect for weeknights or special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day. With its tender meat, perfectly cooked vegetables, and rich flavors, it really feels like a warm hug on a plate. Happy cooking and happy eating!
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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 Fat
Description
This Instant Pot Corned Beef recipe delivers tender, flavorful corned beef cooked to perfection with traditional seasonings and vegetables. Utilizing the Instant Pot allows for a quicker cooking process while preserving the classic taste of this beloved dish, complete with cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Great for a hearty family meal or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Broth and Seasonings
- 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 (can substitute with additional beef broth)
- Pickling spice packet (included with corned beef brisket)
Corned Beef and Vegetables
- 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, sliced in half
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1 small head green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges
Finishing and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Fine ground sea salt, to taste
- 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 beef broth, onion chunks, and minced garlic into the Instant Pot insert. Place the corned beef brisket on top, fat side up. Pour Guinness beer over the brisket and sprinkle with the pickling spice packet. Close and lock the lid securely.
- Cook the Corned Beef: Select the Manual or Pressure Cook mode, setting it to High pressure for 1 hour and 25 minutes. Allow the pot to cook completely.
- Release Pressure and Prep Vegetables: When cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Meanwhile, prepare cabbage wedges, slice potatoes in half, and peel and cut carrots into large chunks.
- Add Vegetables and Cook: Remove the corned beef to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Use a slotted spoon to remove and discard the onion from the pot. Add the potatoes and carrots to the Instant Pot, placing cabbage wedges on top without filling more than ⅔ full. Lock the lid again.
- Pressure Cook the Vegetables: Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on High for 5 minutes. Once finished, quick release the pressure immediately.
- Slice and Serve: Trim excess fat from the corned beef’s fat layer if desired. Slice the corned beef against the grain and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle with some cooking liquid.
- Prepare Vegetables and Garnish: Use a slotted spoon to transfer potatoes, carrots, and cabbage to the platter or a separate bowl. Toss with butter, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with whole grain mustard on the side.
Notes
- Using low-sodium beef broth keeps the dish from becoming too salty, but adjust salt as needed at the end.
- If Guinness beer is not available, substitute with an equal amount of beef broth for a similar depth of flavor.
- Allow the natural pressure release time to help tenderize the corned beef before releasing any remaining pressure.
- If you prefer less fat, trim visible fat from the brisket before cooking.
- Whole grain mustard adds a spicy tang as a perfect accompaniment but can be omitted if you prefer.
- For a traditional taste, use all the pickling spices included in the corned beef package.
- Ensure not to overfill the Instant Pot beyond the ⅔ mark to maintain safe pressure cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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