Traditional Instant Pot Corned Beef with No Cabbage Recipe for a Stress-Free Meal
Instant Pot corned beef with no cabbage is a simple way to get tender, sliceable brisket without worrying about overcooked vegetables. For this recipe, I cook the beef first in broth, beer, garlic, and spices, which builds rich flavor and tender, slicable meat. Then, the next quick step is cooking the veggies in all those great brisket juices.
This instant pot dinner is a great option for St. Patrick’s Day when you want a traditional Irish meal but need it to be easy to make. This brisket and veggies work just as well for a busy weeknight meal as they do for a relaxed Sunday dinner, and it’s easy to make ahead and slice for sandwiches the next day.
Main Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Corned Beef Brisket: Look for a flat cut so it slices easily. Rinse it well under cool water to remove excess brine and avoid overly salty results.
- Beef Broth: Use unsalted or low-sodium broth so you can control the final flavor without it becoming too strong.
- Beer: Choose something mild, not too bitter. A light lager or similar works well and won’t overpower the meat.
- Pickling Spice: Use the packet included or your own blend. It gives the brisket that classic corned beef flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Cut into large quarters so they don’t break down too much under pressure.
- Garlic: Lightly smash the cloves so they release flavor without burning or getting harsh.
- Potatoes and Carrots: Cut to similar sizes so they cook evenly when added after the beef. Larger chunks hold their shape better during pressure cooking and won’t turn too soft.
Helpful Ingredient Tips
You can swap regular beer for non-alcoholic beer or just use more beef broth if you prefer. Red potatoes work just as well as Yukon Gold. If you don’t have fresh garlic, a small amount of garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Corned Beef Brisket Essentials
Buy Now → How To Make Instant Pot Corned Beef No Cabbage
This comes together in a few simple stages. You’ll cook the beef first so it stays tender and sliceable, then add the vegetables separately, so they don’t turn too soft.
Add the onion, garlic, pickling spice, and beef broth to the insert of a 6-quart Instant Pot.
Place the corned beef brisket over the onions and broth, then pour the beer. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure. Cook the corned beef on HIGH pressure for 90 minutes or until tender. Let the pressure release naturally, and carefully release any remaining pressure.
Tip: After natural release, open the valve slowly. Beer can cause some sputtering, so release pressure gradually.
Remove the corned beef and transfer it to a serving dish. Spoon a little of the cooking liquid over the top and cover with foil to keep warm. Strain the cooking liquid and discard the solids.
Return 2 1/2 cups of the cooking liquid to the Instant Pot, add the potatoes and carrots, then cook on HIGH pressure for 12 minutes and quick-release. Slice the corned beef against the grain, arrange it on a platter with the vegetables, and spoon a little of the reserved cooking liquid over everything before serving.
Tips for Tender, Sliceable Corned Beef: Let the meat rest before slicing so it holds together better and doesn’t fall apart. Always slice against the grain for the most tender bite and clean slices.
Quick Tips and Variation Ideas
If the corned beef turns out tough, it likely needs more cook time. If it starts to fall apart when slicing, it has cooked a bit too long, but still tastes good for sandwiches.
Cooking the vegetables separately keeps them from turning too soft during the long pressure cook.
You can also skip the vegetables entirely and focus just on the beef if you’re planning to use it for sandwiches or leftovers.
If you ever want the same cozy flavor with a totally hands-off “set it and forget it” day, this corned beef crock pot recipe is another great choice.
Hospitality with Instant Pot Corned Beef
Host a simple St. Patrick’s Day dinner and invite a couple of friends, a neighbor, or even someone who might not have plans. Keep it relaxed by doing most of the prep ahead, then slice the corned beef and set it out on a large platter with the potatoes and carrots so guests can serve themselves as they arrive. You could round things out with a few easy additions, like crusty beer bread,creamy crockpot mashed potatoes, skillet fried cabbage, or a simple homemade yellow mustard or horseradish on the side. For a fun, festive finish, place bowls of Leprechaun bait with cereal, pretzels, candy, and white chocolate around the table or package some in small treat bags for guests to take home.
Set the table with a few green touches like napkins or a small centerpiece, and don’t worry about everything matching; just make sure there’s enough seating so people can gather comfortably. Keep the tone warm and genuine, keeping in mind 1 Peter 4:9: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling,” as a reminder that true celebration comes from gathering, giving thanks, and making room at the table for others.
Try this instant pot corned beef no cabbage for a simple, comforting meal with tender slices and rich flavor. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below.I’m here to help! You can also snap a photo and tag @intentionalhospitality on Instagram.💛 I love seeing your creations!
Instant Pot Corned Beef: No Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, quartered, medium
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed with the back of a knife
- 2 tablespoons pickling spice, or the seasoning packet that came with your corned beef
- 2-1/2 cups beef broth
- 4 pound corned beef brisket, rinsed in cool water to remove excess salt/liquid brine, trim any excess fat
- 12 ounces beer, nothing too bitter, you can use alcoholic or non alcoholic, you could also substitute with beef broth
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, if the potatoes are large cut in half so they are all about the same size. You could also use red potatoes if you prefer.
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 3 inch length
- 1 tablespoon parsley, for garnish, fresh chopped
Instructions
Build the Cooking Base
- Add the onion, garlic, pickling spice, and beef broth to the insert of a 6-quart Instant Pot.1 yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons pickling spice, 2-1/2 cups beef broth
- Place the corned beef brisket, over the onions and broth4 pound corned beef brisket
- Pour the beer over the brisket.12 ounces beer
Pressure Cook the Corned Beef
- Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure.
- Cook the corned beef on HIGH pressure for 90 minutes or until tender.
- Let the pressure release naturally.
- Carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the corned beef and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Spoon a little of the cooking liquid over the top and cover with foil to keep warm.
Cook the Vegetables
- Strain the cooking liquid and discard the solids.
- Return 2 1/2 cups of the liquid to the Instant Pot and reserve the rest.
- Add the potatoes and carrots.1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, 1 pound carrots
- Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 12 minutes.
- Cook until the vegetables are as tender as you like, then quick release the pressure.
Slice and Serve
- Slice the corned beef against the grain.
- Arrange the slices on a platter and spoon a little of the reserved cooking liquid over the top.
- Add the potatoes and carrots to the serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley.1 tablespoon parsley
- Drizzle with cooking juices.
- Serve with grainy mustard or horseradish sauce, if desired.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Storage: Store in an airtight container with a little of the cooking liquid to keep it from drying out. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze sliced or whole with some cooking liquid for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a covered pan with a bit of cooking liquid over low heat until heated through so it stays tender.
Equipment
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