Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef: The Ultimate Easy & Flavorful St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef offers an incredibly easy and delicious method for preparing this classic dish, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any comforting meal. Achieve tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful corned beef with minimal effort, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
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About This Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef
When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, or even when I’m just craving a truly satisfying and flavorful meal, corned beef is always at the forefront of my mind. It’s a dish deeply ingrained in Irish-American culture, symbolizing celebration and hearty eating. And what better way to enhance this classic than by incorporating the iconic taste of Guinness? This recipe combines these two beloved elements, delivering a corned beef that’s not just good, but absolutely incredible.
Forget the hours spent tending to a simmering pot on the stovetop; this Instant Pot method streamlines the entire process, making it unbelievably simple. The pressure cooker works its magic, transforming a tough cut of brisket into fork-tender perfection in a fraction of the time. The infusion of rich Guinness stout provides an unparalleled depth of flavor, marrying beautifully with the savory beef broth and aromatic vegetables.
The beauty of this Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef is its effortless execution. With minimal prep, you simply add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot, set it, and let it do the work. The result is a wonderfully tender brisket that practically falls apart, soaking up all the incredible flavors of the cooking liquid. Just as you can see in the photos, the beef is so tender it’s sometimes hard to get a perfect slice – and trust me, that’s a compliment!
Beyond the initial meal, the possibilities for leftovers are endless and truly delicious. Imagine thinly sliced corned beef piled high on a classic Reuben sandwich, or diced and added to a hearty corned beef hash for breakfast. You could even get creative and incorporate it into avocado toast with a runny egg for a gourmet brunch. The versatility of this tender beef means you’ll be enjoying its robust flavor in new and exciting ways long after St. Patrick’s Day. (Perhaps a Reuben Eggs Benedict? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!)
This savory corned beef pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, helping you truly get into the festive Irish spirit. It’s the perfect centerpiece after enjoying some of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day appetizers.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Corned Beef?
The Instant Pot has revolutionized how many of us approach home cooking, and it’s particularly stellar for tough cuts of meat like corned beef brisket. Traditionally, corned beef can take 3-4 hours or even more in a conventional oven or stovetop pot to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The Instant Pot drastically cuts this cooking time, making it feasible for a weeknight dinner, not just a weekend project.
Pressure cooking creates an intense, moist heat environment that breaks down the connective tissues in the brisket much faster than other methods. This not only speeds up the cooking but also ensures the meat retains incredible moisture, resulting in a supremely juicy and succulent finished product. There’s no need for constant checking or basting; once you set it, the Instant Pot handles the rest, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax.
The Magic of Guinness
Beyond being a festive nod to St. Patrick’s Day, Guinness plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of this corned beef. Its deep, malty, and slightly bitter notes infuse the beef with a complex richness that plain water or even just beef broth can’t replicate. The dark roasted barley in Guinness stout contributes a savory depth, complementing the beef without overpowering it.
Furthermore, the subtle acidity in the stout also acts as a tenderizer, helping to break down the meat fibers even further, working in conjunction with the pressure cooking method. This dual action ensures your corned beef isn’t just cooked quickly, but also emerges exceptionally tender and bursting with a unique, hearty flavor profile that is synonymous with Irish culinary traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is important:
- Corned Beef: You’ll typically find corned beef sold as a brisket cut, either flat or point. For this recipe, I often opt for the flat cut brisket, which is leaner and slices more uniformly. However, a point cut, with its slightly higher fat content, can result in an even more succulent and tender beef. Both work beautifully, so choose what’s available or what you prefer. Look for a piece that’s well-marbled and around 3 lbs for this recipe. Most store-bought corned beef is already brined, which is what “corned” refers to – a curing process with salt and spices.
- Beef Broth: This forms the base of our flavorful cooking liquid. Use a good quality beef broth, whether store-bought or homemade. Opting for a low-sodium version allows you to control the overall saltiness, especially since corned beef itself is quite salty from the brining process.
- Guinness: The star of the liquid, the standard Guinness Draught stout is perfect here. Its characteristic roasted, malty, and slightly creamy notes are essential for the rich flavor profile we’re aiming for. I advise against using other varietals like Guinness Extra Stout or Blondes, as their different flavor profiles might not yield the desired result. The Guinness not only adds incredible taste but also helps tenderize the meat.
- Onion: A large white or yellow onion, peeled and quartered, adds a fundamental aromatic sweetness to the broth. Avoid red onion, as its flavor can be too pungent for this dish.
- Garlic: Unlike recipes where minced garlic is preferred, for Instant Pot cooking with large cuts of meat, whole peeled garlic cloves are ideal. They impart a mellow, sweet garlic flavor to the broth without burning or becoming overly sharp, and are easily removed before serving.
- Bay Leaves: These fragrant leaves contribute a subtle, herbal depth to the cooking liquid, enhancing the overall savory profile of the corned beef.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adds a layer of umami, tang, and complexity. It helps to round out the rich flavors and prevent the dish from tasting flat.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar balances the savory, salty, and slightly bitter notes from the Guinness. It adds a gentle sweetness that complements the meat and other aromatics beautifully, contributing to a richer, more nuanced broth. You can use either light or dark brown sugar.
Essential Equipment
To make this incredibly easy Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef, a few key pieces of equipment will make your cooking experience seamless:
- Instant Pot: This is, of course, the star appliance of this recipe! Any model will work, whether you have a newer Instant Pot Ultra, a budget-friendly Instant Pot Pro, or the classic Instant Pot Duo. The magic of pressure cooking is consistent across these models, ensuring tender results every time.
- Butcher Knife: Once your corned beef is cooked to perfection, a sharp butcher knife is essential for carving it neatly. A good quality knife makes slicing against the grain effortless, giving you beautiful, tender pieces.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is necessary for safely carving the hot, cooked corned beef. A large board with a juice groove is ideal to catch any delicious drippings.
How to Make Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef
Making corned beef in the Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly tender and flavorful Guinness corned beef:
Step 1: Pressure Cook for Perfection
Begin by placing all the ingredients directly into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. This includes the corned beef brisket, beef broth, Guinness, quartered onion, whole peeled garlic cloves, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the sugar dissolves and the flavors start to meld.
Securely close the lid of your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 90 minutes on High pressure. This extended cooking time under pressure is key to breaking down the tough fibers of the brisket, ensuring it becomes incredibly tender.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. This natural release period is crucial; it helps the meat reabsorb its juices, resulting in a more tender and moist corned beef. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to manually release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid.
Step 2: Slice and Serve
Carefully remove the beautifully cooked corned beef from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a clean cutting board. The cooking liquid is rich with flavor, so you might want to reserve it for future use or to moisten the sliced beef. If you’re not planning to serve immediately, loosely cover the corned beef with aluminum foil to keep it warm and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This resting period is just as important as the natural release, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
When you’re ready to serve, the most important tip for slicing corned beef is to cut it against the grain. To identify the grain, look closely at the cooked meat – you’ll see long muscle fibers running in a particular direction. Cut perpendicular to these fibers in thick slices. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite incredibly tender and easy to chew. If your beef is exceptionally tender, it might even shred easily, which is also a fantastic way to serve it!
Arrange the warm, sliced (or shredded) corned beef on a serving platter and present it as the star of your meal. Enjoy the rich aromas and incredible taste of your homemade Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef!
Tips for Success with Your Corned Beef
Achieving perfectly tender and delicious Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef is quite simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your dish even further:
- How to Buy Corned Beef: March is the prime time to find corned beef readily available in most grocery stores and butcher shops. You’ll typically encounter two main cuts: the flat cut (also known as the “lean” cut) and the point cut. The flat cut is leaner, more uniform in thickness, and ideal for slicing into neat portions. The point cut is thicker, has more marbling and connective tissue, and tends to be even more tender and falls apart easily, making it fantastic for shredding. Either cut will work for this recipe; choose based on your preference for leanness versus melt-in-your-mouth fat. Inspect the packaging for a good color and ensure the brine looks clear.
- Cut Against the Grain: This is arguably the most crucial tip for tender corned beef. After cooking, observe your meat: you’ll notice long strands or fibers running in a particular direction. To ensure every bite is tender, you must slice *perpendicular* to these fibers. Cutting with the grain will result in chewy, tough pieces. If you’re slicing correctly, the meat will feel less resistant and might even gently pull apart at the edges as you cut. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making the beef much easier and more pleasant to eat.
- Don’t Rush the Release: While the Instant Pot is fantastic for speed, resist the urge to do a quick pressure release immediately after cooking. The 10-minute natural pressure release period is vital. It allows the internal temperature of the meat to stabilize and the juices to redistribute throughout the brisket, resulting in a significantly moister and more tender outcome.
- Embrace the Seasoning Packet: If your corned beef comes with a seasoning packet (often pickling spices), don’t discard it! These packets are designed to enhance the traditional flavor of corned beef. Simply add the contents directly into the Instant Pot along with the other ingredients. It will only add more layers of aromatic spice to your delicious meal.
Other St. Patrick’s Day recipes to explore: Jameson Manhattan | Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew | Short Rib Guinness Beer Cheese Soup | Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
What About the Seasoning Packet?
Many store-bought corned beef briskets come with a small seasoning packet, often labeled “pickling spice.” This packet is a blend of traditional spices like mustard seeds, peppercorns, bay leaves, cloves, allspice, and sometimes coriander seeds. Far from being an optional extra, these spices are integral to the classic flavor of corned beef and are meant to be cooked with the meat.
If your corned beef comes with one, absolutely use it! Just open the packet and add its contents directly into the Instant Pot along with the other ingredients. It will dissolve into the cooking liquid, imparting even more aromatic and complex flavors to your brisket, complementing the Guinness beautifully. It’s a simple step that significantly enhances the overall taste profile, ensuring your corned beef has that authentic, spiced character.
What Beer is Best for Corned Beef?
For this specific recipe, Guinness Draught is highly recommended. Its distinct characteristics—creamy texture, roasted malt notes, and a slight bitterness—contribute a wonderfully robust and authentic Irish flavor to the corned beef. It’s a classic choice that pairs exceptionally well with the savory beef.
However, if Guinness isn’t available or you prefer another option, any other high-quality Irish stout or even a dark lager can work as a substitute. Look for beers with deep, malty flavors and perhaps a hint of chocolate or coffee notes, rather than hoppy or very light beers. These will provide a similar depth and richness to the cooking liquid, helping to tenderize the meat and infuse it with complex aromas.
What Can I Substitute for Beer in Instant Pot Corned Beef?
If you prefer to cook without alcohol, or simply don’t have beer on hand, don’t worry! You can easily adapt this Instant Pot corned beef recipe to be alcohol-free without sacrificing much flavor. The simplest substitution is to increase the amount of beef broth. Instead of the Guinness, simply add an additional 12 ounces (or 1.5 cups) of beef broth to the Instant Pot. The beef broth will still provide a savory liquid base for cooking.
For a slightly more complex, beer-like flavor without the alcohol, you could also consider using a non-alcoholic dark beer or stout. Alternatively, a combination of dark grape juice (for a touch of sweetness and depth) with a splash of apple cider vinegar (for the necessary tang and acidity) can mimic some of the flavor complexities that beer brings to the dish. While the exact profile won’t be identical, these alternatives will still yield a delicious and tender corned beef.
Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker or Crockpot?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an Instant Pot or prefer the “set it and forget it” nature of a slow cooker, this recipe can be easily adapted. The longer, gentler cooking method of a slow cooker will still yield wonderfully tender and flavorful corned beef, though it will take considerably more time.
To convert this recipe for your slow cooker or Crockpot:
- Add all of the ingredients (corned beef, beef broth, Guinness, onion, garlic, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar) directly into the slow cooker insert.
- Place the lid securely on your slow cooker.
- Cook on the “High” setting for 7 to 8 hours, or until the corned beef is fork-tender. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size of your brisket and your slow cooker model, so always check for tenderness.
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and leave the lid on for an additional 30 minutes. This resting period in the warm liquid helps the meat reabsorb its juices, ensuring it’s as moist and tender as possible before slicing.
- After resting, remove the corned beef, transfer it to a cutting board, and slice against the grain before serving warm.
While the Instant Pot offers speed, the slow cooker delivers that same deep, comforting flavor with minimal hands-on effort, perfect for when you want to prepare ahead of time.
What About the Cabbage?
The traditional pairing of corned beef and cabbage is iconic, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. While I personally haven’t been the biggest fan of boiled cabbage since a college cabbage soup diet (fad diets are truly never the solution!), I understand its popularity and significance. My mom, however, swears by a fantastic braised cabbage recipe, so if you’re looking for a tried-and-true method, that’s a great place to start!
For those who absolutely want to incorporate cabbage and potatoes directly into the Instant Pot with the corned beef, there’s a simple way to do it without turning them mushy. You’ll add them *after* the corned beef has finished its initial cooking cycle:
- Once the corned beef has cooked and you’ve performed the 10-minute natural release followed by manual release, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.
- Remove the cooked corned beef and set it aside on a cutting board, loosely covered with foil to keep warm.
- To the flavorful liquid remaining in the Instant Pot, add one head of cabbage cut into wedges and 1-2 lbs of red potatoes, quartered. You can also add whole carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks.
- Close and seal the lid once more. Cook on High pressure for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. This shorter cooking time is perfect for getting the vegetables tender without overcooking them.
- As soon as the timer goes off, perform a quick manual pressure release. This prevents the vegetables from cooking further and becoming overly soft.
- Serve the tender vegetables alongside your sliced Guinness corned beef, perhaps with a drizzle of the cooking liquid for extra flavor.
This method ensures that both your corned beef and vegetables are cooked to their ideal textures, offering a complete and satisfying traditional meal.
Need some more inspiration for the Instant Pot? Check out my Instant Pot recipes page!
What to Serve with Guinness Corned Beef
When I envision a meal featuring Guinness corned beef, my mind immediately goes to warm, comforting, and hearty side dishes. While the classic corned beef and cabbage combination isn’t my personal go-to, there are many other delightful pairings that perfectly complement the rich flavors of this dish, especially involving potatoes!
- Garlic butter oven roasted carrots and potatoes are a fantastic choice, and they’re what you see beautifully pictured with this Guinness corned beef. This simple side can be easily prepared in the oven during the latter half of the corned beef’s cooking time, making meal coordination a breeze. The caramelized edges and tender insides of the vegetables, infused with garlic and butter, are simply irresistible.
- If you’re a purist who just wants potatoes, a generous serving of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes is always a hit. Their creamy, smooth texture provides a wonderful contrast to the tender, savory beef and can soak up all those delicious juices.
- For something a bit more elevated and crispy, these smashed potatoes with fresh herbs and blue cheese are a fun and flavorful option. They crisp up wonderfully in the oven and offer a delightful textural contrast.
- Looking for a green vegetable? My crispy Brussels sprouts with balsamic are a surefire winner. They’re roasted to perfection, achieving that restaurant-quality crispness and savory flavor right in your own kitchen.
- No corned beef meal is complete without a good condiment. A dollop of whole-grain mustard on the side adds a pungent, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the beef beautifully.
And let’s not forget dessert and drinks to complete your St. Patrick’s Day feast! Finish your meal with a batch of easy Bailey’s hot fudge sauce, perfect for making decadent ice cream sundaes. To close out the evening with a warm flourish, a scotch coffee topped with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream is the ideal way to enjoy the festive spirit.
To truly embrace authentic Irish flavors, consider pairing your meal with one of these essential Irish whiskey cocktails or a classic Black Velvet (Guinness and champagne) for a sophisticated and celebratory touch.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Corned Beef
Leftover Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef is just as delicious, if not more so, the next day, and it’s incredibly versatile for new meals. Proper storage and reheating will ensure it remains moist and flavorful.
Storage:
Once your corned beef has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it whole, in slices, or shredded, depending on how you plan to use it. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you have any of the flavorful cooking liquid left, store it separately or pour a little over the beef slices to keep them extra moist.
Reheating:
To reheat, you have a few excellent options:
- Oven Method (Recommended): This method helps retain moisture and tenderness. Wrap the slices or chunks of corned beef loosely in aluminum foil, perhaps with a tablespoon or two of the reserved cooking liquid (or beef broth) to prevent drying out. Place the foil-wrapped beef on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 355°F (180°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through.
- Stovetop Method: For smaller portions, you can gently warm sliced corned beef in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water. Cover the skillet to create steam and ensure even heating without drying.
- Microwave Method: While the quickest, it can sometimes dry out meat. For best results, place corned beef slices in a microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon of broth or water, cover, and heat in short bursts (30-60 seconds) until warm.
Creative Leftover Ideas:
Don’t just reheat and eat! Leftover corned beef is perfect for:
- Reuben Sandwiches: Layer thinly sliced corned beef with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread, then grill until golden.
- Corned Beef Hash: Dice the corned beef and sauté it with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
- Tacos or Quesadillas: Shred the beef and use it as a flavorful filling with your favorite taco toppings or melted cheese in a quesadilla.
- Stir-fry: Add diced corned beef to a quick vegetable stir-fry for an unexpected savory twist.
Finally, if you make this Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef Recipe Card
Equipment
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Instant Pot Ultra
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Instant Pot DUO
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Wusthof Classic Artisan Butcher Knife
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Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 3 lbs marinated uncured corned beef flat brisket
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 oz Guinness
- 1 large onion peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
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In the insert of your electric pressure cooker, add the corned beef, beef broth, Guinness, onion, garlic, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar.
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Close and seal the lid. Cook on High pressure for 90 minutes. Allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
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Remove the corned beef from the pressure cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Slice and serve.
Notes
To make this in the slow cooker, add everything to the slow cooker insert. Cook for 7 to 8 hours on High. Let rest for 30 minutes with the lid on before removing and slicing!