Beef Brisket Instant Pot Recipe: Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful

Q: Is brisket better in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Both methods work well, but the beef brisket Instant Pot recipe is faster. It gives you tender, flavorful meat in a little over an hour, compared to the 8 to 10 hours slow cooking often requires.

Q: How long do you cook brisket in an Instant Pot?

A 4-pound brisket cooks at high pressure for 60 minutes , followed by 15 minutes of natural pressure release . This ensures the meat is fully tender without falling apart.

Q: Do you have to sear the brisket first?

Not for this Instant Pot brisket recipe . Searing can add a layer of flavor, but it's optional. The pressure cooking process builds plenty of richness on its own.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a no-fuss way to enjoy a perfectly tender cut of brisket, this beef brisket Instant Pot recipe is your answer. It gives you all the rich, slow-cooked texture you expect from traditional methods—without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

Unlike smoking or oven-roasting, the Instant Pot brisket recipe lets you prepare a juicy, flavorful meal in a fraction of the time. You’ll still get that hearty, pull-apart meat and deep seasoning, but with less effort and more flexibility. Whether you’re feeding a small family or prepping for sandwiches and tacos throughout the week, this brisket Instant Pot recipe makes it easy to serve something satisfying and memorable.

With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and incredible results, this recipe delivers on both flavor and function.

What Is Beef Brisket?

Brisket is one of those cuts of meat that transforms beautifully with time and care. It comes from the lower chest of the cow, a hardworking muscle that holds a lot of connective tissue. That toughness is exactly what makes it ideal for slow cooking—or in our case, pressure cooking.

In this beef brisket Instant Pot recipe, the intense pressure and moist heat work together to break down the collagen in the meat, turning it from firm to fork-tender in just about an hour. That’s what makes an Instant Pot brisket recipe so appealing. You get the depth and texture of a long braise without the long wait.

Whether you’re new to brisket or have cooked it the traditional way, you’ll appreciate how the brisket Instant Pot recipe simplifies the process while preserving everything you love about this classic cut.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Brisket Instant Pot Recipe

Cooking brisket can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. This beef brisket Instant Pot recipe makes it completely doable, even on a weeknight. You’ll get that rich, slow-cooked texture without hours in the oven or smoker.

Here’s why it works so well:

Fast, Flavorful Results: Traditional brisket recipes often take 6 to 10 hours. This Instant Pot brisket recipe takes just over an hour, and the result is just as tender and juicy.
Low Effort, High Reward: The prep is quick. The ingredients are simple. And the pressure cooker handles the rest.
Built for Leftovers: This brisket Instant Pot recipe yields enough meat for multiple meals. Make it once and enjoy sandwiches, tacos, or grain bowls the next day.
Naturally Gluten-Free and Protein-Packed: Brisket is a rich source of protein, and this recipe uses no flour or starch. Just pure, seasoned meat.

If you’re looking for heart-healthy Instant Pot recipes, we’ve got lighter options too.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something satisfying for dinner, this recipe delivers flavor, flexibility, and comfort every time.

Ingredients for Beef Brisket Instant Pot Recipe

The beauty of this beef brisket Instant Pot recipe is how much flavor you get from such a short list of ingredients. Each one plays a role in building richness and balance.

Main Ingredients

4-pound beef brisket (flat cut)
Flat cut brisket is leaner and slices neatly, ideal for pressure cooking.
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
Enhances flavor and helps the seasoning penetrate during cooking.
1 teaspoon ancho chile powder (optional)
Adds subtle smokiness and a warm, earthy note.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
A simple but essential seasoning for beef.

For the Cooking Liquid

1 cup water
Generates steam and keeps the brisket moist.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Adds umami depth and rounds out the flavor.

Optional Toppings and Garnishes

Thin-sliced onions
Dill pickles
Texas-style barbecue sauce

This ingredient lineup is short but powerful. Combined under pressure, they bring out the best in your brisket. Whether you follow this exactly or add your own twist, the foundation of this Instant Pot brisket recipe gives you plenty of room to make it yours.

Ingredients for Beef Brisket Instant Pot Recipe displayed on a marble counter with sunlight and city view. — Everything you need for flavorful, fall-apart brisket—simple, powerful ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This beef brisket Instant Pot recipe comes together with just a few hands-on steps. The Instant Pot handles the tough part—literally—transforming a firm cut of meat into a juicy, tender main course.

Step 1: Prep the Brisket

Cut the brisket crosswise into four equal pieces, each about two inches thick. This helps the meat cook evenly and makes it easier to arrange in the pot. Season each piece with salt, pepper, and ancho chile powder if using.

Step 2: Load the Instant Pot

Place the seasoned brisket into the Instant Pot. Arrange the pieces in a loose, single layer. If needed, stack them crosswise to allow space for steam to circulate—think of it like building with Lincoln Logs.

Step 3: Add the Cooking Liquid

Pour the water and Worcestershire sauce over the meat. The liquid doesn’t need to cover the brisket completely; it just needs enough to create pressure and prevent burning.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 60 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before opening the lid. This slow release helps the brisket stay tender and juicy.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice against the grain into half-inch slices for maximum tenderness. If you’d like, strain the cooking liquid through a fat separator and drizzle it over the sliced meat.

This method takes the guesswork out of brisket. Whether you’re trying your first Instant Pot brisket recipe or returning to a favorite, this technique delivers every time.

Cross-stacked brisket inside an Instant Pot, ready for pressure cooking in a bright modern kitchen. — Proper layering ensures even cooking and fall-apart tenderness—stack it like Lincoln Logs.

Helpful Tips for the Best Beef Brisket Instant Pot Recipe

Even with a straightforward method like this one, a few small adjustments can take your beef brisket Instant Pot recipe from good to great. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Cut Before Cooking

Slicing the brisket into pieces before pressure cooking ensures even cooking and helps shorten the cook time. It also makes the meat easier to handle when it’s time to serve.

Use Natural Release

Letting the pressure release on its own—rather than using quick release—keeps the brisket tender. The gradual drop in pressure helps the meat relax and retain its juices.

Always Slice Against the Grain

Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them. This makes each bite more tender and easier to chew—especially important for a leaner cut like flat brisket.

Don’t Overdo the Liquid

This Instant Pot brisket recipe uses just enough water to build pressure. Too much can dilute flavor and lead to a boiled texture. Stick to the measurements provided for best results.

Double the Meat, Not the Time

If you’re cooking more than 4 pounds, cut it into more pieces but keep the cooking time the same. Pressure cookers work by thickness, not total volume.

These small tweaks help make your brisket Instant Pot recipe consistent every time, whether you’re serving a quiet dinner or prepping for a larger meal.

What to Serve with Beef Brisket Instant Pot Recipe

A well-cooked brisket deserves a few solid sidekicks. Here are some classic pairings that work especially well with this beef brisket Instant Pot recipe.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes balance the deep richness of the brisket. They also soak up the cooking juices like a dream. Add a pinch of garlic or a swirl of olive oil for extra depth.

Coleslaw

This crisp, tangy salad brings brightness to the plate. The contrast in texture and temperature lifts the richness of your Instant Pot brisket recipe, especially if you’re serving it in sandwiches or tacos …especially if you’re serving it in sandwiches or tacos. Add a scoop of crock pot pinto beans for a smoky, satisfying side.

Cornbread

Warm, slightly sweet cornbread adds just the right contrast to the savory meat. It’s easy to make ahead and a great way to round out a full brisket dinner.

These sides aren’t just fillers—they’re flavor partners that help you build a satisfying, complete meal around your brisket Instant Pot recipe.

Beef brisket served with barbecue sauce, pickles, and mashed potatoes in a daylight-filled kitchen. — Classic Texas-style brisket served with BBQ essentials—comfort food that satisfies every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is brisket better in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Both methods work well, but the beef brisket Instant Pot recipe is faster. It gives you tender, flavorful meat in a little over an hour, compared to the 8 to 10 hours slow cooking often requires.

How long do you cook brisket in an Instant Pot?

A 4-pound brisket cooks at high pressure for 60 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of natural pressure release. This ensures the meat is fully tender without falling apart.

Do you have to sear the brisket first?

Not for this Instant Pot brisket recipe. Searing can add a layer of flavor, but it’s optional. The pressure cooking process builds plenty of richness on its own.

What’s the secret to a tender brisket?

Use a natural release, cut against the grain, and rest the meat before slicing. These steps are key to a successful brisket Instant Pot recipe.

Can I use frozen brisket in the Instant Pot?

It’s best to thaw brisket before cooking. Frozen meat won’t season evenly or cook as consistently, which could affect the texture in your beef brisket Instant Pot recipe.

Storage & Maintenance

One of the best things about this beef brisket Instant Pot recipe is how well it stores and reheats. Whether you’re planning for leftovers or freezing portions for later, here’s how to keep the quality intact.

Refrigeration

Let the brisket cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid to keep them moist. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Slice the brisket and freeze in meal-sized portions with a bit of sauce or broth. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It will hold its texture and flavor for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices gently in a 300°F oven, covered, with a spoonful of liquid to prevent drying out. You can also microwave on low power in short bursts.

Whether it’s your first time trying an Instant Pot brisket recipe or you’re making it again for meal prep, these tips help you enjoy it without losing any of that juicy tenderness. Leftover brisket also works great in slow-cooked posole.

Final Thoughts

This beef brisket Instant Pot recipe proves that you don’t need hours of cooking or special equipment to serve something rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a pressure cooker, you can turn a tough cut of meat into a tender, flavorful centerpiece.

Whether you serve it with classic sides, pile it into sandwiches, or rework it into tacos and bowls throughout the week, this recipe gives you flexibility and comfort in every bite.

Try it once, and it just might become your go-to brisket Instant Pot recipe for busy nights, family dinners, or meal prep. Simple, dependable, and full of flavor—exactly what home cooking should be.

Jump to