[Full Guide] How Long To Cook Beef Roast In Instant Pot?

Beef roast is a classic and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. When cooked in an Instant Pot, the beef roast turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor, in a fraction of the time it takes to cook in the oven or on the stovetop. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to cook a delicious beef roast in your Instant Pot, from selecting the right cut of meat to troubleshooting common issues.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Beef Roast In Instant Pot

Cooking a beef roast in an Instant Pot can take anywhere from 40 to 80 minutes, depending on the size and cut of the roast. For a 3-pound beef roast, the cooking time is around 60 minutes at high pressure, with a natural release of 15 minutes. However, always refer to the specific recipe and your Instant Pot manual for precise cooking times.

Selection

Choosing the right cut of beef is essential for a successful beef roast in the Instant Pot. Look for cuts of meat labeled as "roast" such as chuck roast, round roast, or brisket. These cuts have enough marbling and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure.

Preparation

Before you start cooking your beef roast in the Instant Pot, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the best results. First, let the meat sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off, which will help it cook more evenly. Then, season the roast generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. For added flavor, you can also sear the roast in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before pressure cooking.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Beef Roast

The cooking time for a beef roast in the Instant Pot depends on the size and thickness of the cut. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times:

• 1.5 pounds: 30-35 minutes
• 2 pounds: 35-40 minutes
• 3 pounds: 50-60 minutes
• 4 pounds: 60-70 minutes

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the roast reaches the desired internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C), while for medium doneness, target 145°F (63°C).

How To Cook Beef Roast In Instant Pot

Now, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of cooking a beef roast in the Instant Pot.

Step 1: Season The Roast

Remove the beef roast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices.

Step 2: Sear The Roast (Optional)

For additional flavor, you can sear the seasoned beef roast in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. This step is optional but can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Step 3: Add Liquid

To create steam and pressure, add 1-1.5 cups of liquid to the Instant Pot. You can use beef broth, red wine, or a combination of both for added flavor.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and set the seasoned beef roast on top of it. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the roast, as mentioned in the previous section.

Step 5: Natural Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 15 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Test The Doneness

Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the beef roast. For desired doneness, aim for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.

Step 7: Rest And Slice

After removing the roast from the Instant Pot, let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice the beef roast against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Roast Is Tough

If your beef roast turns out tough, it may not have cooked for long enough. For tough cuts like chuck roast, try increasing the cooking time by 10-15 minutes and ensuring it reaches the recommended internal temperature.

Overcooked Roast

Overcooking can result in a dry and tough roast. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer and closely monitor the cooking time, especially for smaller cuts of beef.

Insufficient Flavor

If you find that the beef roast lacks flavor, try using a more flavorful liquid, adding aromatic vegetables or herbs, or seasoning the meat more generously before cooking.

Burnt Bits At The Bottom

When searing the roast or using the sauté function, be cautious of burnt bits at the bottom of the pot. Deglaze the pot with a bit of liquid before pressure cooking to prevent the burn notice.

Cooking a beef roast in the Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal. By choosing the right cut of beef, properly seasoning and preparing the roast, and following the recommended cooking times, you can achieve a tender and flavorful dish every time. With the troubleshooting tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and perfect your Instant Pot beef roast recipe. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, a perfectly cooked beef roast is sure to impress and satisfy.

Instant Pot Cook Times For Frozen Beef Roast

Cooking a beef roast can be a time-consuming task, requiring hours of slow roasting in the oven or on the stovetop. However, with the invention of the Instant Pot, cooking a beef roast has become quicker and more convenient than ever before. The Instant Pot is a multi-functional pressure cooker that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including beef roasts.

One of the great advantages of using an Instant Pot is that it can cook frozen meat without the need for thawing. When it comes to beef roast, cooking times will depend on the size and cut of the roast. Here are some general cook times:

1. For a 2 to 3-pound chuck roast: Cook for 70 to 75 minutes on high pressure.
2. For a 3 to 4-pound chuck roast: Cook for 90 to 95 minutes on high pressure.
3. For a 4 to 5-pound chuck roast: Cook for 100 to 105 minutes on high pressure.

It’s important to note that these times are for a frozen roast. If you have a thawed roast, reduce the cook times by about 20% – 25%. Additionally, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended safe temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.

Achieving Perfect Texture

When cooking a beef roast in the Instant Pot, achieving the perfect texture is crucial. The Instant Pot’s high-pressure cooking method helps break down the collagen in tougher cuts of meat, resulting in a tender and succulent roast. However, there are a few additional steps you can take to ensure the best texture possible:

1. Sear the roast: Before pressure cooking, searing the roast on all sides in a hot skillet will help seal in the juices and enhance the flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended.
2. Use a natural release: After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the meat retain its juices and maintain a tender texture.
3. Rest the roast: Once the pressure has been released, remove the roast from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender roast.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your beef roast comes out perfectly cooked and tender every time.

Flavor Infusion

Aside from achieving the desired texture, another advantage of cooking a beef roast in the Instant Pot is the ability to infuse it with flavor. Here are a few ways to enhance the taste of your roast:

1. Season generously: Before searing the roast, season it liberally with your choice of herbs, spices, and aromatics. This will add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the roast.
2. Use marinades or brines: Consider marinating the beef roast overnight or brining it before cooking. This will further enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. If you choose to marinate, be sure to pat the roast dry before searing to promote browning.
3. Add liquid: When cooking the roast in the Instant Pot, be sure to add enough liquid to create steam and facilitate the pressure cooking process. Broth, stock, wine, or a combination of these can be used. This liquid will infuse the meat with additional flavor.
4. Deglaze the pot: After searing the roast, there will likely be browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Deglaze the pot by adding a small amount of liquid and scraping those tasty bits off with a wooden spoon. This will incorporate those flavors into the sauce or gravy you might make from the remaining liquid.

By utilizing these flavor infusion techniques, you can elevate the taste of your beef roast to new heights.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Beef Roast

Besides the traditional high-pressure cooking method, the Instant Pot offers a few other cooking methods that can be used to cook beef roasts. Here are two alternative methods and their benefits:

1. Slow Cook: The Instant Pot has a slow cook function that allows you to cook beef roasts at a lower temperature over a longer period of time. This method is ideal for cuts that benefit from slow, gentle cooking such as brisket or bottom round roast. Using the slow cook function, you can achieve a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that rivals a traditional slow cooker or oven roast.

   Simply season the roast, sear it on all sides, place it in the Instant Pot, add liquid and aromatics, and then set the slow cook function on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size and cut of the roast. As always, use a meat thermometer to ensure the roast reaches the recommended internal temperature.

2. Pot Roast Function: The Instant Pot also has a specific pot roast function that combines both pressure cooking and slow cooking. This function allows you to sauté, pressure cook, and then slow cook the roast, all in one pot. The pot roast function is designed to achieve a tender and flavorful beef roast with minimal effort. Simply follow the instructions specific to your Instant Pot model for the pot roast function.

   By experimenting with these alternative cooking methods, you can find the one that best suits your preferences and the specific cut of beef roast you are using.

Instant Pot Tips For Beef Roast

To ensure a successful beef roast every time, here are some additional tips for using your Instant Pot:

1. Use a trivet: Placing a trivet at the bottom of the Instant Pot helps elevate the roast, preventing it from sticking to the bottom and promoting even cooking. If your Instant Pot didn’t come with a trivet, you can use a heatproof rack or create a makeshift one using aluminum foil.
2. Don’t overfill: To maintain the pressure cooking method, it’s important not to overfill the Instant Pot. The guideline is to not exceed two-thirds full for liquids, and half-full for foods that expand during cooking, such as grains or beans. This ensures that the pressure can build properly and cook the roast evenly.
3. Adjust liquids: Take into consideration that the Instant Pot requires less liquid for cooking compared to traditional stove-top or oven methods. The steam created during pressure cooking locks in moisture, so you can reduce the amount of liquid used in your recipe.
4. Degrease the liquid: When you remove the roast from the Instant Pot, the cooking liquid may contain excess fat. To degrease the liquid, use a fat separator or skim off the fat using a spoon or ladle. This step is essential if you plan to make a sauce or gravy from the liquid.
5. Experiment with flavors: The beauty of cooking in an Instant Pot is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and flavor combinations to find your favorite way to season beef roasts. The Instant Pot allows you to easily adjust seasonings and swap out ingredients to cater to your taste preferences.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can maximize your success when cooking beef roasts in the Instant Pot.

Creative Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipes And Variations

While the traditional beef roast recipe is a classic favorite, there are also many creative variations you can try in your Instant Pot. Here are a few ideas:

1. Mississippi Pot Roast: This is a popular and flavorful recipe that combines a beef roast with ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. The result is a tender and savory roast with a hint of tanginess from the pepperoncini peppers.

   To make Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot, follow the searing and cooking times for your specific roast size. After adding the seasonings, set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for the recommended time. Once done, shred the beef and serve it with the rich and flavorful gravy.

2. Asian-inspired Beef Roast: For a twist on traditional flavors, try marinating your beef roast in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar overnight. The next day, sear the roast and then cook it in the Instant Pot with the marinade and additional beef broth. The result is a tender and savory beef roast with a delightful Asian-inspired flavor.

   Serve the Asian-inspired beef roast over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an impressive and delicious meal.

3. Beer-Braised Beef Roast: For those who enjoy the rich flavors of beer, try cooking your beef roast with your favorite beer instead of broth or stock. The beer will infuse the roast with a unique and complex flavor. Additionally, consider adding onions, garlic, and herbs to enhance the taste even further.

   To make the beer-braised beef roast, simply sear the roast, deglaze the pot with beer, add the onions, garlic, and herbs, and cook it on high pressure for the recommended time. The result is a flavorful and succulent roast that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

These are just a few examples of the many creative recipes and variations you can try when cooking beef roast in your Instant Pot. Feel free to customize them to suit your taste preferences and experiment with different ingredients and flavors.

Conclusion

Cooking beef roast in an Instant Pot offers numerous advantages, including shorter cook times, tender texture, and enhanced flavor infusion. Whether you choose to cook the roast from frozen or thawed, the Instant Pot can deliver a delicious and satisfying meal. Experiment with different cooking methods, seasonings, and variations to find your favorite way to prepare beef roast in the Instant Pot. With a little practice and creativity, you can master the art of cooking beef roast to perfection every time.

FAQS

What Is The Benefit Of Cooking A Beef Roast In An Instant Pot?

Cooking a beef roast in an Instant Pot provides a quicker cooking time, tender and juicy results, and the convenience of a one-pot meal.

How Do I Prepare A Beef Roast For Cooking In An Instant Pot?

To prepare a beef roast for cooking in an Instant Pot, you will need to season the roast with your desired herbs and spices, sear the meat on all sides, and add in any additional ingredients such as vegetables, broth, or sauce.

What Cuts Of Beef Are Best For Cooking In An Instant Pot?

Tougher cuts of beef such as chuck roast, brisket, or bottom round are best for cooking in an Instant Pot as the pressure cooking method helps break down the tough fibers and produces tender and flavorful results.

Can I Cook A Frozen Beef Roast In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook a frozen beef roast in an Instant Pot. However, it is important to add additional time to the cooking process to ensure the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.

How Long Does It Take To Cook A Beef Roast In An Instant Pot?

The cooking time for a beef roast in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the size and type of roast used. Generally, a 3-4 pound beef roast will take about 60-90 minutes to cook on high pressure, while a smaller 2-3 pound roast will take about 45-60 minutes. It is important to remember to factor in additional time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and release naturally.