Are you craving a comforting, classic meal that's also surprisingly quick and easy to make? Look no further than this Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe! This delicious dish, traditionally a lengthy affair, is transformed into a healthy and flavorful dinner ready in under an hour using the magic of your Instant Pot. Forget hours of simmering; this recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef and perfectly cooked cabbage with minimal effort. It's the perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, and a fantastic homemade cooking experience for the whole family. This is one of those best recipes you'll want to keep coming back to!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound corned beef brisket (brine-cured, not pre-cooked)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 head of green cabbage, cored and quartered
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 bay leaves
- 6-8 whole peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Instant Pot
Place the quartered onion, carrots, and celery at the bottom of your Instant Pot.
Step 2: Adding the Corned Beef
Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables.
Step 3: Adding the Liquid and Spices
Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme, and brown sugar (if using).
Step 4: Pressure Cooking
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "sealing." Cook on high pressure for 75-90 minutes, depending on the thickness of your brisket. A thicker brisket may require the full 90 minutes for optimal tenderness.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes. This slow release ensures the meat is incredibly tender. After 20 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Adding the Cabbage
Carefully remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside to rest. Add the quartered cabbage to the pot, nestling it amongst the vegetables.
Step 7: Cabbage Cooking
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Step 8: Serving
Once the pressure has released, carefully remove the cabbage and serve alongside the sliced corned beef. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Trim the Excess Fat: Before cooking, trim away any excess fat from the corned beef brisket for a leaner dish.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking can result in dry corned beef. Follow the recommended cooking times closely, and always check for doneness.
- Resting is Key: Allowing the corned beef to rest before slicing helps retain its juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Add Potatoes: Incorporate peeled and quartered potatoes during the final cabbage cooking stage for a heartier meal.
- Different Greens: Substitute other greens like kale or collard greens for the cabbage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your brisket and number of servings. However, a general estimate for a 4-serving recipe would include a significant amount of protein, and moderate levels of sodium (due to the brining process) and carbohydrates. It's recommended to use a nutrition calculator for a more precise analysis based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
This Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is a delicious and efficient way to enjoy this classic dish. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and convenience. Enjoy!