Beef lovers are no strangers to chuck tender roast, with its rich, beefy flavor and robust texture that when cooked right, turns into a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Cooking a chuck tender roast in an Instant Pot is one of the quickest, most straightforward methods to enjoy this cut of beef. This guide will walk you through an easy recipe for making a succulent chuck tender roast in an Instant Pot.
Why Choose Chuck Tender?
- Flavor: Chuck tender comes from the shoulder part of the cow, which is naturally rich in flavor, thanks to the muscle's connective tissue.
- Tenderness: While initially tough, when slow-cooked or pressure-cooked, it becomes incredibly tender.
- Affordability: It's often an affordable cut, making it great for family meals or budget-conscious cooks.
- Versatility: You can use it in soups, stews, roasts, or even as a pot roast with various flavors and additions.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chuck tender roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chuck tender roast with salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, and thyme. Let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the Instant Pot.
Pre-Cooking
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the oil and once hot, sear the chuck roast on all sides until it develops a nice brown crust. This step adds a depth of flavor. Remove the roast and set aside.
- Add the onion to the pot. Sauté until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Cooking
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to mix everything.
- Return the roast to the pot. If desired, add the carrots and potatoes now or after the meat has cooked, for a firmer texture.
- Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of your roast.
- After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Serving
- Transfer the roast to a cutting board, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Serve the roast with the vegetables and cooking liquid. The sauce can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
📝 Note: Adjust cooking time for larger roasts, typically adding 5 minutes of cooking time per additional pound over 3 lbs.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
- Time Saving: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time for chuck tender roast without sacrificing tenderness or flavor.
- Convenience: It’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and easy monitoring.
- Flavor Infusion: The closed system of the Instant Pot allows for better flavor infusion and moisture retention.
The key to mastering chuck tender roast in an Instant Pot lies in understanding your ingredients, managing time, and savoring the delicious end product. By following this recipe, you can enjoy an incredibly tender, flavorful roast, perfect for any meal with minimal effort.
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
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Yes, you can. Cuts like brisket, short ribs, or shoulder cuts work similarly in an Instant Pot. Adjust cooking time based on the cut’s toughness.
How do I make the cooking liquid thicker?
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After cooking, remove some of the liquid, mix it with cornstarch or flour, then return it to the pot and stir. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode to thicken the gravy.
What side dishes pair well with chuck tender roast?
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Consider serving the roast with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a more robust meal, green beans, roasted brussels sprouts, or a rustic bread would complement the dish nicely.
