Need a show-stopping main course for your next gathering that lets you enjoy the party, too? I have the perfect answer. This Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket Dinner is my not-so-secret weapon for effortless entertaining. If you love easy one-pot meals, you should also try this fantastic Creamy Beef Lasagna Soup.
It looks like you spent all day in the kitchen, but I promise it’s incredibly easy. Your pressure cooker does the heavy lifting, transforming a humble brisket into tender, succulent meat surrounded by classic vegetables. You get all the comfort of a traditional Sunday roast without any of the stress.
Let me show you how to make this impressive meal. We’ll walk through every simple step, from the minimal prep to the gorgeous final presentation. Get ready to host with confidence and receive all the compliments.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick glance at what you’re making. It’s straightforward and satisfying, every time.
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes (mostly hands-off)
- Total Time: About 2 hours
- Servings: 6-8 people
Why This is My Go-To for Guests
I choose this recipe again and again when friends are coming over. It solves every common hosting dilemma in one pot.
First, it’s incredibly forgiving. The pressure cooker guarantees tender meat that practically falls apart. There’s no risk of a dry, tough brisket. Second, it’s a complete meal. The potatoes, carrots, and cabbage cook right alongside the beef, so your sides are done automatically.
Finally, it frees you up. Once the lid is locked, you have over an hour to set the table, arrange flowers, or simply relax with a drink. That sense of calm is the real key to being a great host.
Make-Ahead Magic: My Hosting Secret
Want to know my biggest trick for a stress-free party? I prep almost everything one or two days before. It makes the actual cooking day feel like a breeze.
When you bring your corned beef brisket home, open the package and rinse it. Pat it dry and place it back in its tray. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. You can also scrub and chop your vegetables ahead of time.
Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket Dinner Recipe
The “Wow Factor” Ingredients
How to Prepare Your Dish (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket Dinner Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Store the potatoes and carrots in a bowl of cold water in the fridge. Keep the cabbage wedges wrapped in a damp paper towel in a separate bag. On party day, all your ingredients are ready to go straight into the pot.
The “Wow Factor” Ingredients
This recipe shines because of a few simple, quality ingredients. The spice packet is key, but we’ll add one extra thing for amazing flavor.
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) corned beef brisket, with its included spice packet
- 1 bottle (12 ounces) of dark beer or stout (or use beef broth)
- 1 ½ pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes, halved if large
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1 small head green cabbage, cut into 6 wedges
- Cold water
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional but pretty)
How to Prepare Your Dish (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps. The process is very hands-off, leaving you plenty of time for your guests.
- Prep the Brisket: Take your brisket from the package. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This removes some of the excess salt from the curing process.
- Start in the Pot: Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot in the bottom. Put the brisket on the trivet, fat-side up. Sprinkle the entire spice packet from the brisket over the meat. Pour in the bottle of beer or broth.
- Pressure Cook the Meat: Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on High Pressure for 70 minutes. After the cook time, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. This resting time is crucial for juicy meat.
- Add the Vegetables: Carefully open the pot. The brisket will be very tender. Arrange the potatoes and carrots around the brisket on the trivet. Place the cabbage wedges on top.
- Cook the Veggies: Lock the lid back on. Cook on High Pressure for just 5 more minutes. As soon as it’s done, perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve.
- Rest and Slice: Carefully remove the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes to a platter. Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This makes it easier to slice against the grain.
How to Serve This Like a Pro
Presentation turns a great meal into a memorable one. A little attention here makes all the difference.
I love using a large, rustic platter. First, arrange the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes as a bed. Then, thinly slice the corned beef against the grain and fan it out over the vegetables.
Ladle a little of the delicious cooking liquid from the pot over everything. Finally, sprinkle with lots of freshly chopped parsley. The green color brightens the whole dish beautifully.
Perfect Pairings (What to Drink & Serve With It)
This hearty dinner stands on its own, but a few thoughtful additions make it a feast. For drinks, the classic choice is more of the dark beer or stout you used in the pot.
A robust red wine, like a Zinfandel or a Syrah, also works wonderfully. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling apple cider is fantastic. To round out the table, I suggest a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette and a loaf of warm, crusty rye or sourdough bread with good mustard for spreading.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, wholesome meal. Here is a basic nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming 8 servings.
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: This is a salty cured meat. For a lower-sodium version, you can rinse the brisket thoroughly and use a low-sodium broth.
Your Entertaining FAQs
Here are answers to the questions I get asked most often when I serve this to friends.
Can I really make this all in one pot?
You absolutely can! That’s the magic of the pressure cooker. The meat cooks first to become perfectly tender. Then, the vegetables steam on top, absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the broth below. It truly is a complete, one-pot wonder, much like a comforting lasagna soup.
What if I don’t have beer?
No problem at all. Simply replace the bottle of beer with an equal amount of beef broth. The result will still be deeply flavorful and rich. The spice packet provides the signature taste we all love.
How do I get the cabbage just right—not mushy?
The key is adding it at the very end. By placing the cabbage wedges on top and cooking them for only 5 minutes under pressure, they become tender-crisp and sweet. They keep their structure and don’t turn to mush. It’s my favorite way to cook cabbage.
I hope this recipe becomes your new favorite for easy, impressive entertaining. It has saved my hosting sanity more times than I can count. The combination of tender beef, sweet vegetables, and that incredible aroma is always a crowd-pleaser.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy your own party. This dish lets you do just that. Give it a try for your next Sunday family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. I’d love to hear how your party went! Leave a comment and a rating below!
