How Long to Cook a Beef Roast in a Pressure Cooker for Tender, Flavorful Results

Pressure cookers are a busy home cook’s secret weapon for turning out insanely tender roasts in record time. No more waiting hours for a roast to cook to fall-apart perfection. With the right technique, you can make the most succulent pressure cooker beef roast in about an hour from start to finish.

Benefits of Pressure Cooked Beef Roast

The pressurized environment steam-infuses flavor deep into the meat while quickly breaking down tough collagen. This transforms even cheap cuts like chuck roast into fork-tender masterpieces

Cooking under pressure extracts more gelatin and collagen from the bones in bone-in roasts. And you get that succulent spoon-tender meat in a fraction of the normal oven roasting time.

You also won’t lose precious juices from evaporation. Sealing in all those beefy juices creates incredibly rich pan drippings for gravy.

Best Cuts of Beef for Pressure Cooker Roast

Choose well-marbled roasts with a good fat cap to baste the meat and keep it moist, Ideal cuts include

• Chuck roast

• Shoulder roast

• Rump roast

• Tri-tip roast

• Brisket

For quicker cooking, choose a boneless roast 3-4 pounds in size. Bone-in cuts take slightly longer but impart amazing flavor.

Time Per Pound to Cook Beef Roast in Pressure Cooker

As a general guideline, cook roast for 40-50 minutes per pound on high pressure:

• 3 pound roast = 1 1⁄2 hours

• 4 pound roast = 2 hours

• 5 pound roast = 2 1⁄2 hours

Always check for fork-tender meat over strictly following time. The thickness, bone, and exact cut can vary total time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect pressure cooked beef roast:

1. Pre-brown all sides of the roast in a skillet on the stovetop.

2. Add 1 cup broth or water to the pressure cooker pot. Place roast inside and lock the lid.

3. Cook on high pressure for estimated time based on size. Allow natural pressure release.

4. Remove roast, tent with foil, and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.

5. Make gravy from the flavorful pan juices.

Helpful Tips for the Best Results

• Pre-browning the roast deeply boosts flavor.

• Add vegetables the last 20 minutes to cook them perfectly.

• Natural pressure release keeps the meat extra moist.

• Let roast rest before slicing for juicier meat.

• Add seasoning rubs or dried herbs for extra flavor.

• Make gravy from the concentrated pan drippings.

Common Pressure Cooker Roast Problems and Easy Fixes

Having issues with your pressure cooked beef roast? Try these handy troubleshooting tips:

Problem: Beef roast is undercooked inside.

Solution: Cook for longer, checking every 20 minutes until fork-tender.

Problem: Beef is very tough after cooking.

Solution: Cook at high pressure to thoroughly tenderize. Slice across the grain.

Problem: Beef roast is dry and lacking flavor.

Solution: Don’t cook on the Saute setting. Use high pressure to retain moisture.

Problem: Beef roast has an off or metallic flavor.

Solution: Avoid cooking acidic ingredients like tomatoes in the cooker. Use natural release.

Problem: Gravy is greasy from excess fat.

Solution: Chill gravy so the fat solidifies, then remove it. Or use a fat separator.

Adapting Your Favorite Roast Beef Recipe

You can easily adapt any standard oven roast recipe to the pressure cooker with a few tweaks:

• Reduce broth or water to 1 cup total in pot.

• Skip searing if you want, but it boosts flavor tremendously.

• Use high pressure and significantly reduce cook time.

• Allow the natural pressure release for at least 10-15 minutes.

• Check for tenderness early and continue cooking if needed.

Discover the Time-Saving Magic of Pressure Cooker Roast

With the pressure cooker, you can skip the ultra-long oven roasting times while still getting insanely tender, juicy roast beef. Follow the handy time and technique guidelines provided here for mouthwatering results.

Soon you’ll have everyone begging for more of your incredible pressure cooked roast beef. Free up your oven and save hours of cooking time with this fast, fuss-free roasting shortcut.