Instant Pot roast beef recipe for a mouthwatering tender dinner. Learn how to make this easy flavorful dish Instant Pot roast beef with succulent beef aromatic herbs and savory gravy.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds of beef roast (such as chuck roast or bottom round)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4-5 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Instructions
1/ Start by seasoning the beef roast generously with salt and pepper.
2/ Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the vegetable oil. Once it’s hot sear the roast on all sides until it develops a nice brown crust. This will take about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the roast and set it to aside.
3/ In the same Instant Pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
4/ Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
5/ Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme dried rosemary, bay leaves and a bit more salt and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together.
6/ Return the seared beef roast to the Instant Pot and place it on top of the liquid and herbs.
7/ Add the carrots and potatoes around the roast.
8/ Close the Instant Pot and set it to Manual or Pressure Cook mode for about 60-90 minutes, depending on the size and cut of the roast. For a 3-4 pound roast aim for about 60 minutes of cooking time. If it’s a tougher cut, you might want to go closer to 90 minutes.
9/ Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes. Then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
10/ Open the Instant Pot, and you’ll have a wonderfully tender roast beef with vegetables and a flavorful gravy.
11/ Remove the roast and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it for the final touch.
12/ Serve the sliced roast beef with the vegetables and drizzle some of the flavorful gravy from the Instant Pot over the top.
Enjoy your Instant Pot roast beef with a side of your choice and you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal!
Tips and Tricks to Make the Perfect Instant Pot roast beef
Sear the Meat: Searing the beef before pressure cooking adds depth of flavor. Use the “Sauté” mode in your Instant Pot to brown all sides of the roast.
Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, opt for a well-marbled cut like chuck roast or bottom round. They are more forgiving and become tender when pressure cooked.
Deglaze the Pot: After searing the meat, deglaze the pot with liquid (beef broth or wine) to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This enhances the sauce.
Season Well: Season the meat liberally with salt and pepper for better flavor.
Liquid Levels: Make sure not to overfill your Instant Pot. You only need enough liquid to reach about halfway up the sides of the roast. This will prevent it from becoming too watery.
Use A Trivet: Placing a trivet at the bottom of the Instant Pot helps elevate the meat, preventing it from sticking to the bottom and ensuring even cooking.
Naturally Release Pressure: When the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes before doing a quick release.
Check the Internal Temperature: For the ideal level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C); for medium, go for 145°F (63°C).
Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the roast beef rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier roast.
Customize with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables to the Instant Pot to cook along with the roast. Carrots and potatoes are popular choices, but you can get creative with your selection.
Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and cut of the meat. For tougher cuts, increase the cooking time for tenderness.
Skim Excess Fat: If there’s an excess of fat in the cooking liquid, you can skim it off before serving for a leaner dish.
Taste and Adjust: Don’t forget to taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings if necessary before serving. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
With these tips and tricks you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering Instant Pot roast beef that’s tender flavorful and sure to impress your family and guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Instant Pot roast beef
Skipping the Searing Step: Searing the meat before pressure cooking is essential for flavor. Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful roast.
Choosing the Wrong Cut: Not all cuts of beef are suitable for pressure cooking. Lean cuts may become tough, so choose well-marbled cuts like chuck roast or bottom round for better results.
Overcrowding the Pot: Overfilling the Instant Pot can lead to uneven cooking and can even prevent it from coming to pressure properly. Ensure there’s enough space for the meat to cook evenly.
Using Too Much Liquid: You don’t need a lot of liquid in the Instant Pot. Too much liquid can dilute the flavors and result in a watery sauce. Just enough to cover about halfway up the sides of the meat is sufficient.
Not Deglazing the Pot: Failing to deglaze the pot after searing the meat can leave flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This can lead to a less flavorful sauce.
Neglecting Seasoning: Season the roast beef with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. Neglecting seasoning can result in a bland dish.
Ignoring the Trivet: Placing the meat directly on the bottom of the pot can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Always use a trivet to elevate the meat.
Forgetting Natural Release: Instant Pot roast beef benefits from a natural release of pressure for about 10 to 15 minutes after cooking. Skipping this step can affect the meat’s tenderness.
Undercooking or Overcooking: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and cut of the meat. Undercooking can result in tough meat while overcooking can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to achieve the desired doneness.
Not Resting the Meat: Skipping the resting period after cooking can cause the juices to escape leaving the meat drier. Allow the roast beef to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Overcooking Vegetables: If you add vegetables to the Instant Pot, be cautious not to overcook them. They can become mushy if left in for the entire cooking time. Consider adding them halfway through the cooking process.
Ignoring Customization: Roast beef can be customized with various herbs, spices, and vegetables to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the dish your own.
Nutrition Facts
Instant Pot roast beef can vary depending on the specific cut of beef used, the portion size, and any added ingredients. Here is a general estimate for a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of cooked roast beef, assuming it’s a lean cut of beef without additional ingredients like gravy:
- Calories: Approximately 135 calories
- Protein: Approximately 26 grams
- Total Fat: Approximately 3 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 1 gram
- Cholesterol: Approximately 70 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 50 milligrams
- Potassium: Approximately 300 milligrams
If you’re concerned about the nutritional content of your roast beef it’s a good idea to use a food scale and refer to the nutrition information on the packaging of the specific beef cut you’re using or consult with a registered dietitian for more precise information.
