When you crave tender, juicy roast beef, you might think it takes hours in the kitchen. But with an Instant Pot, you can make perfect roast beef in a fraction of the time. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a quick weeknight meal, Instant Pot roast beef lets you enjoy a delicious meal without the long wait. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make it happen easily and quickly.
Why We Love This Instant Pot Roast Beef
Let’s face it—waiting for roast beef to cook in the oven for hours is not always practical. Thankfully, the Instant Pot changes the game completely. Here’s why it should be your go-to method for preparing roast beef:
Time-Saving: Traditional roast beef recipes can take upwards of 3-4 hours to cook to perfection. In contrast, using an Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time. You can have a tender, flavorful roast beef ready in just about 90 minutes.
Tender and Juicy Meat: The pressure cooking process locks in moisture and flavors, ensuring that your roast beef is as tender as possible. No more worrying about overcooking or dry, tough cuts of meat.
Flavorful Results: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature infuses the meat with the flavors of the seasoning and broth, making every bite rich and juicy. Plus, it helps develop deep flavors without the need for constant basting.
Effortless Cooking: Unlike traditional roasting methods that require multiple steps and constant monitoring, the Instant Pot simplifies everything. Sear the meat, add ingredients, and let the machine do the rest. It’s as easy as that!
Versatility: Whether you’re preparing a holiday meal or just a simple dinner, Instant Pot roast beef is versatile. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even in sandwiches for leftovers.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Roast Beef
Before you jump into cooking, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients for your Instant Pot roast beef. Here’s what you’ll need:
Instant Pot Roast Beef – Ingredients: Beef roast (Chuck, Sirloin, or Round), beef broth, carrots, onions, garlic cloves, potatoes, olive oil, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Beef roast (Chuck, Sirloin, or Round) – Chuck roast is the best for tenderness and flavor, but sirloin or round roasts are leaner options.
Beef broth – Adds moisture and deepens the flavor of the roast.
Carrots, onions, and garlic cloves – These veggies absorb the broth’s flavor, adding sweetness and aroma.
Potatoes – Soak up the broth for a hearty side.
Olive oil – Used for searing to lock in flavors and create a brown crust.
How to Make Instant Pot Roast Beef
Making Instant Pot roast beef is simple, and with the right steps, you’ll have a perfectly cooked roast in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Sear the Roast
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and allow it to heat up. Add olive oil to the pot and let it warm up for about a minute.
Sear the beef roast on all sides, turning it occasionally to achieve a nice brown crust. This step locks in the juices and enhances the overall flavor. Once the roast is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While your roast is resting, chop the onions, carrots, garlic, and potatoes. These vegetables will cook with the roast, absorbing the savory flavors.
Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs
Add the beef broth, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon—this adds flavor to your dish.
Return the seared roast to the pot and nestle it among the vegetables. Ensure the broth surrounds the roast, helping it cook evenly.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the roast from the Instant Pot, slice it against the grain, and serve it with the tender vegetables and flavorful broth. You’ll have a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Roast Beef
Searing the Meat: Searing your roast before cooking is a must. It adds flavor and depth to the dish. Don’t skip this step, even though it’s tempting to jump straight into pressure cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re particular about doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: If your roast is too large to fit comfortably, cut it into two pieces. Overcrowding can affect the cooking process, leading to uneven results.
Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally helps retain moisture in the meat and keeps it tender.
Variations of Instant Pot Roast Beef
While the classic roast beef recipe is delicious, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or experiment with new flavors. Here are a few variations:
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like parsnips, celery, or even bell peppers for more variety. They’ll cook perfectly alongside the roast and absorb the flavorful broth.
Swap Beef Broth for Red Wine: For a richer flavor, try substituting red wine for some or all of the beef broth. It pairs wonderfully with beef and adds a deeper, more robust taste.
Spicy Roast Beef: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a touch of heat. This adds a new dimension of flavor for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Serving Instant Pot Roast Beef
Now that you have your delicious Instant Pot roast beef, it’s time to serve it! Here are some great ideas for pairing it:
With Mashed Potatoes: Roast beef and mashed potatoes are a classic combo. The creamy potatoes complement the savory beef and broth.
In a Sandwich: Leftover roast beef makes for amazing sandwiches. Serve it with a bit of horseradish sauce or mustard for an added kick.
With Gravy: Use the leftover broth and drippings to make a simple gravy. Pour it over your roast beef and potatoes for extra richness.
Side Dishes: Roast beef pairs beautifully with roasted or sautéed green beans, peas, or a light salad to balance out the richness of the meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to cook Instant Pot roast beef?
It takes about 60 minutes on high pressure to cook a 3-4 pound roast, followed by a 10-15 minute natural pressure release.
Can I use frozen beef for Instant Pot roast beef?
Yes, you can cook frozen beef in your Instant Pot. However, you’ll need to add 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
What is the best cut of beef for Instant Pot roast beef?
Chuck roast is the most popular choice due to its tenderness and rich flavor. Sirloin or round roasts can also work, though they may be leaner.
Can I make a gravy with the drippings from the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! The drippings from the Instant Pot make a great base for gravy. Simply thicken it with cornstarch or flour and pour over your roast beef and potatoes.
Can I cook vegetables with the roast beef in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions can be added to the pot to cook along with the roast. They will absorb all the delicious flavors from the broth.
Instant Pot Roast Beef
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
Beef Roast
- 3-4 pounds Beef roast (Chuck, Sirloin, or Round) Chuck is recommended for the best tenderness and flavor.
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 3 medium Carrots Peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large Onion Chopped
- 4-5 cloves Garlic Minced
- 3-4 medium Potatoes Cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For searing
- 3-4 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 2-3 sprigs Rosemary
- 1-2 teaspoons Salt To taste
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper To taste
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Sear the roast on all sides until it is browned. Remove and set aside.
- Chop the onions, carrots, garlic, and potatoes. Add them to the Instant Pot along with the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Return the seared roast to the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Release any remaining pressure manually.
- Remove the roast from the pot, slice it against the grain, and serve with the vegetables and broth. Enjoy!