Tired of complicated dinners that take hours to prepare? Craving a comforting, classic meal that's both delicious and healthy? Look no further! This Insta Pot corned beef and cabbage recipe delivers all the flavor of a traditional St. Patrick's Day feast in a fraction of the time. Get ready to impress your family with this quick, easy, and unbelievably flavorful meal – perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound corned beef brisket (pre-packaged)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (16 ounce) bag baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 large head of cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
-
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by rinsing the corned beef brisket under cold water. This helps remove any excess salt. Chop all your vegetables according to the ingredient list. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother.
-
Layer in the Insta Pot: Place the onion quarters, carrots, and celery at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Top with the corned beef brisket, fat side up. Add the potatoes around the brisket.
-
Add Flavor: Pour in the beef broth, and then add the bay leaves, peppercorns, and thyme.
-
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting for 90 minutes on high pressure. Allow for a natural pressure release for at least 20 minutes, followed by a quick release of any remaining pressure.
-
Add Cabbage: Carefully open the lid. Add the cabbage wedges, nestling them around the brisket. Close the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes on high pressure. Again, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release of remaining pressure.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the corned beef brisket from the Instant Pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve the sliced corned beef with the potatoes, carrots, celery, and cabbage. Spoon some of the delicious cooking liquid over the top for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Corned Beef:
- Don't overcrowd your Instant Pot: Ensure there's enough space for the steam to circulate properly.
- Adjust cooking time: If your corned beef is thicker than average, you may need to add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Save the cooking liquid: This flavorful broth is perfect for making a delicious soup or gravy later in the week!
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on portion size and ingredients)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This Insta Pot corned beef and cabbage recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals at home. It's a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy this homemade cooking experience!