Can you use an Instant Pot as a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! The Instant Pot has a slow cook function that mimics the low-and-slow process of a traditional crockpot. To make it work well—especially for dishes like instant pot slow cooker corned beef —be sure to use the “More” heat setting and a glass lid to let steam escape. This replicates the “High” setting on most slow cookers.

Can you cook corned beef in the slow cooker?

Absolutely. Corned beef is one of the best meats to cook in a slow cooker. Whether you're using a crockpot or an Instant Pot in slow cook mode, this method breaks down the meat slowly over several hours, creating juicy, flavorful results. That’s exactly why instant pot slow cooker corned beef is a family favorite.

Is it better to pressure cook or slow cook corned beef?

It depends on your time and flavor goals. Pressure cooking is faster—ready in under 2 hours—but it can slightly flatten the flavor. Slow cooking, especially when making instant pot slow cooker corned beef , gives you deeper taste, better texture, and that signature fall-apart tenderness.

Is corned beef good in Instant Pot?

Yes, corned beef turns out great in an Instant Pot—especially if you're using the slow cook setting . The key is giving it enough time and setting the temperature correctly. When cooked low and slow, instant pot slow cooker corned beef becomes incredibly tender and richly seasoned.

What’s the Instant Pot equivalent of 4 hours on high in a slow cooker?

When using the Instant Pot’s “More” setting in slow cook mode, 4 hours on high in a traditional slow cooker is roughly equal to 4 to 5 hours . However, since the Instant Pot heats primarily from the bottom—unlike a crockpot which distributes heat more evenly—it might take a little extra time to achieve the same tenderness.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low?

More or less. Four hours on high and eight hours on low in a slow cooker generally cook meat to the same doneness, just at different speeds. When preparing instant pot slow cooker corned beef , aim for 7–8 hours on “More” to simulate the low-and-slow effect.

Instant Pot Slow Cooker Corned Beef – The Best 9-Step Flavor Guide

Name: Instant Pot Slow Cooker Corned Beef – The Best 9-Step Flavor Guide - Familly Recipes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours
Total time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Irish-American

Description

This instant pot slow cooker corned beef recipe delivers tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, it combines classic ingredients and simple slow cooking into one comforting meal. No pressure mode needed—just set it, forget it, and enjoy juicy, fall-apart beef.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 lb corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, quartered
4 medium carrots, chopped
4 red potatoes, halved
½ small green cabbage, cut into wedges
1 tbsp whole grain mustard (optional)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Optional: Set Instant Pot to “Sauté” and brown the brisket on both sides for extra flavor. Remove and set aside.
Layer onion, garlic, and carrots at the bottom of the pot.
Place the brisket on top of the vegetables.
Pour in beef broth. Add mustard, vinegar (if using), and the spice packet.
Cover with a glass lid (not the pressure lid).
Set the Instant Pot to “Slow Cook” → “More” and cook for 7–8 hours.
After 5 hours, add potatoes and cabbage wedges.
Cook for the remaining 2–3 hours until beef is fork-tender.
Remove brisket, let rest 10–15 minutes, then slice against the grain.

Serve hot with vegetables and garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Irish-American