3 Ways to Make Perfect Instant Pot Roast Minutes

The magic of the Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, particularly when it comes to transforming tough, inexpensive cuts of beef into fork-tender roasts. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this versatile appliance can deliver perfect results with minimal effort. Here are three detailed methods to achieve an instant pot roast that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Method 1: Classic Beef Chuck Roast

Beef chuck roast is often the go-to choice for pot roasts due to its flavor and how well it holds up to pressure cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional for added flavor)
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme

Steps:

1. Sear the Meat: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. Add olive oil, and when hot, sear the meat until it’s nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for flavor.
2. Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to soften.
3. De-glaze and Add Liquid:

👁 Note: If using wine, it adds depth to the sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer.

4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, ensure the valve is set to sealing, and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 55-65 minutes, depending on the size of your roast.
5. Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before performing a quick release.
6. Thicken Gravy: Remove the roast and vegetables, skim fat from the sauce. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” again, mix in the tomato paste, and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.

Method 2: Pot Roast with Potatoes

Add potatoes for a complete meal cooked in one pot.

Ingredients:

• Same as Method 1, plus:
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered

Steps:

1. Follow Steps 1-4 from Method 1, but add the potatoes after adding the vegetables.
2. Pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
3. Follow the same natural release, sauce thickening, and serving steps as in Method 1.

Method 3: Spicy and Smoky Roast

If you’re looking for something with a kick, this method adds some heat and smoke to your pot roast.

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast
• Same ingredients as Method 1, plus:
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon chili powder

Steps:

1. Follow Steps 1-2 from Method 1. Before adding broth, stir in smoked paprika and chili powder into the sautéed vegetables.
2. Add the chopped chipotle pepper with the liquid ingredients.
3. Cook according to Method 1. The chipotle will infuse a smoky and spicy flavor to the roast.

⚡ Note: Be cautious with the amount of chipotle as it can be quite hot. Adjust to your taste.

Each of these methods offers a slightly different flavor profile and cooking technique for your Instant Pot roast, catering to different preferences and occasions. Whether it's a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a festive holiday meal, the Instant Pot ensures that your pot roast is not just tender but packed with flavor, making it a staple in your kitchen. The convenience of pressure cooking allows you to save time while delivering a dish that tastes as if it has been slow-cooked for hours. By utilizing these methods, you can impress your guests and delight your palate with minimal effort and maximum results. Enjoy the succulent, melt-in-your-mouth experience of the perfect Instant Pot roast minutes, tailored to your taste and dietary needs.

Can I use a different cut of meat for the roast?

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Yes, while chuck roast is traditional, cuts like brisket or round can also be used. Just ensure they are tough enough to benefit from the pressure cooking process.

How do I make sure my pot roast isn’t overcooked?

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Monitor the cooking time closely. A good starting point is 50 minutes for a 2-pound roast, then adjust in future cooks based on your Instant Pot’s performance and the roast’s size.

Can I double the recipe in the same Instant Pot?

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Doubling the recipe might work if your Instant Pot is large enough. However, ensure the pot is not overfilled as it can affect the pressure cooking. Also, cook time might need slight adjustments.