How to Cook Corned Beef in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional Irish-American dish that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal. While corned beef is traditionally simmered for hours on the stovetop, using a multi-cooker like the instant pot or a slow cooker makes achieving fall-apart tender corned beef easy and hands-free. Here’s how to cook perfect corned beef in the instant pot or slow cooker.

Benefits of Using Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

There are several advantages to using an electric multi-cooker to make corned beef and cabbage:

• Convenience – Just toss in ingredients and let the pot do the work. No need to monitor stovetop or oven.

• Tender, juicy meat – The moist, even heat helps break down connective tissue in the brisket.

• Hands-off cooking – Set it and go about your day while dinner cooks unattended.

• Easy cleanup – With just the inner pot to wash, cleanup is simpler compared to the stovetop.

• Safety – No need to worry about boiling over or burning. The enclosed heat ensures perfect results.

Both the instant pot and slow cooker yield amazing corned beef with little effort, so choose based on your timeline and preferences.

Ingredients for Corned Beef

• 3-5 lb corned beef brisket
• 1 bottle beer or broth
• Seasoning packet from corned beef
• Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage
• Aromatics like onion, garlic
• Beef broth or water if needed

How to Cook Corned Beef in the Instant Pot

The instant pot’s pressurized environment tenderizes the brisket in a fraction of the time.

1. Add aromatics like onion and garlic to pot. Place brisket on top.

2. Pour in beer or broth and add seasoning packet. Add just enough liquid to cover meat.

3. Secure lid, set to high pressure for 80-90 minutes. Allow 10-15 minutes natural release.

4. Remove beef, slice against grain. Add veggies to pot liquid. Pressure cook 5 minutes.

5. Quick release pressure. Serve beef with tender veggies and cooking liquid.

Tips for Instant Pot Corned Beef

• Cut brisket in chunks for faster, more even cooking
• Use flat beer to prevent foaming issues under pressure
• Let meat rest 10 minutes after cooking for easier slicing

How to Cook Corned Beef in the Slow Cooker

The slow cooker’s low gentle heat and longer cooking time produces ultra tender corned beef.

1. Add veggies to slow cooker, then place brisket on top.

2. Pour in beer or broth, seasoning packet and enough liquid to just cover meat.

3. Cook 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.

4. Remove meat, slice against grain. Return to cooker to reheat in juices.

5. Add cabbage during last hour so it doesn’t overcook.

Tips for Slow Cooker Corned Beef

• Cook cabbage only 1 hour or it will get limp
• Add root veggies halfway through if you want them more firm
• Cook at least 7 hours on low for best texture

Serving Suggestions

• Slice corned beef across the grain for most tender bites.

• Serve with mustard, horseradish sauce, roasted vegetables.

• Make amazing Reuben sandwiches with leftovers!

• Use leftover cooking liquid for soups, chowders, or potatoes.

With a few simple ingredients and the press of a button, you can enjoy homemade corned beef and cabbage any night of the week. The instant pot or slow cooker does all the work while you relax and wait for deliciousness.

Frequency of Entities

Corned beef: 24
Instant pot: 13
Slow cooker: 11
Meat: 7
Brisket: 6
Tender: 5
Vegetables: 4
Broth: 3
Cabbage: 3
Leftovers: 2
Onion: 2
Garlic: 2
Cooking: 2