How Long To Cook Roast In Instant Pot

Introduction

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, and few dishes benefit more from its speed and efficiency than a succulent roast. Knowing “how long to cook roast in Instant Pot” is key to achieving perfectly tender, flavorful results every time. This method bypasses the long hours typically associated with traditional roasting, making it a weeknight-friendly option. Its popularity stems from its ability to produce a deeply flavorful and moist roast in a fraction of the time, appealing to busy individuals and families alike.

Ingredients

The core ingredients for an Instant Pot roast are relatively simple:

Roast: A 3-4 pound chuck roast is a popular choice due to its rich marbling, which renders beautifully during pressure cooking. Other suitable cuts include round roast or brisket.
Beef Broth: Approximately 2 cups, adding moisture and depth of flavor. Beef stock can be substituted.
Vegetables: 1 large onion (quartered), 2-3 carrots (chopped), and 2-3 celery stalks (chopped) form the aromatic base. Potatoes (red or Yukon Gold, quartered) can be added for a one-pot meal.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary are common. Consider a pre-made roast seasoning blend for convenience.
Oil: 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil for searing.
Optional: Worcestershire sauce (1-2 tablespoons) for added umami, bay leaf for subtle flavor.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is crucial for a flavorful roast:

Trim Excess Fat: Remove any large, excessive pieces of fat from the roast, but leave some for flavor and moisture.
Season Generously: Liberally season the roast on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other desired spices. Don’t be shy; the pressure cooking process can mellow out the flavors.
Sear the Roast: Turn on the Instant Pot’s “Saute” function. Add oil to the pot and let it heat up. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This crucial step develops a rich crust and enhances flavor.
Remove Roast and Saute Vegetables: Take the seared roast out of the Instant Pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and saute until softened, about 5-7 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (fond). This fond adds incredible depth of flavor to the gravy.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked roast in the Instant Pot:

Deglaze the Pot: Pour beef broth into the Instant Pot and scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is essential to prevent the “burn” warning.
Add Roast and Remaining Ingredients: Place the roast back into the Instant Pot on top of the vegetables. Add Worcestershire sauce (if using) and a bay leaf (if using).
Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for the appropriate time based on the roast’s weight:
- 3-pound roast: 60 minutes
- 3.5-pound roast: 70 minutes
- 4-pound roast: 80 minutes
- For tougher cuts like brisket, increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 15-20 minutes after the cooking cycle is complete. This helps to tenderize the roast further. After 15-20 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure.
Check for Doneness: Carefully remove the roast from the Instant Pot. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare roast, aim for 130-135F; for medium, 140-145F; and for well-done, 160F or higher. If the roast is not cooked to your liking, return it to the Instant Pot and pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Rest the Roast: Tent the roast with foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Make Gravy (Optional): While the roast rests, use an immersion blender to blend the cooking liquid and vegetables into a smooth gravy. Alternatively, strain the liquid and use it as a base for a traditional gravy, thickening it with a cornstarch slurry.

Serving Suggestions

An Instant Pot roast is incredibly versatile:

Classic Dinner: Serve sliced roast with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like broccoli or Brussels sprouts), and gravy.
Sandwiches: Shred the roast and use it for French dip sandwiches or pulled beef sliders.
Tacos or Burritos: Season the shredded roast with taco seasoning and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Shepherd’s Pie: Use the roast as the base for a hearty shepherd’s pie, topped with mashed potatoes.
Pot Roast Soup: Incorporate leftover roast into a flavorful pot roast soup.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls for the best results:

Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing is crucial for developing flavor.
Deglaze Thoroughly: Ensure all browned bits are scraped from the bottom of the pot to prevent the “burn” warning.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked roast can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
Natural Pressure Release is Key: Allowing for natural pressure release is important for tenderizing the meat.
Adjust Cooking Time for Roast Size: The cooking times provided are guidelines; adjust based on the actual weight of your roast.
Resting is Essential: Resting the roast before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mastering “how long to cook roast in Instant Pot” unlocks a world of flavorful and convenient meals. The Instant Pot transforms tough cuts of meat into tender, satisfying dishes, making it a go-to method for busy cooks. With its rich flavor, versatility, and minimal effort, Instant Pot roast is a culinary triumph. This method can be tailored to your preferences by experimenting with different seasonings, vegetables, and side dishes, offering endless possibilities. Why not try it at home? Visit foodrecipestory.com for more helpful cooking guides and delicious recipes.