How Long to Cook Beef Tenderloin in an Instant Pot for Perfectly-Cooked Results

Cooking beef tenderloin in an instant pot is a great way to achieve a tender, juicy roast in a fraction of the normal oven roasting time. But getting the cooking time just right can seem tricky. Follow this guide for expert tips on how long to cook beef tenderloin in an instant pot for flawless results every time.

Benefits of Using the Instant Pot for Beef Tenderloin

The instant pot’s pressurized environment gently forces moisture deep into the meat while quickly breaking down tough proteins. This gives you incredibly tender succulent beef tenderloin in about 30-40 minutes as opposed to over an hour in the oven.

Cooking under pressure also concentrates flavors and allows seasonings to fully penetrate the meat. The instant pot does all the work for you, freeing up your oven for side dishes.

Choosing the Right Beef Tenderloin Cut

For the instant pot, choose a whole, center-cut beef tenderloin roast at least 2 pounds or larger. Make sure it has the silvery white fat cap intact to baste the meat while cooking.

The tenderloin tapers at the ends so opt for a roast from the widest center portion for the most uniform shape. This allows for even cooking throughout.

Cooking Times per Pound for Instant Pot Beef Tenderloin

As a general timing guide, cook beef tenderloin as follows:

• 2 pound tenderloin roast:

Rare – 5-7 minutesMedium rare – 8-10 minutesMedium – 11-13 minutes

• 3 pound tenderloin roast:

Rare – 8-9 minutes
Medium rare – 10-12 minutes
Medium – 13-15 minutes

• 4 pound tenderloin roast:

Rare – 10-12 minutes
Medium rare – 13-15 minutes
Medium – 16-18 minutes

Use natural pressure release after cooking to allow the meat to continue gently cooking without losing moisture. Always check for your desired doneness with an instant read thermometer over following time alone. Cook longer if needed.

Handy Tips for the Best Instant Pot Beef Tenderloin

• Pre-sear the tenderloin for incredible flavor. Use the Sauté function on your instant pot.

• Choose the meatier center-cut portion of the tenderloin for best results.

• Add 1⁄2 cup broth or water to the instant pot to create steam.

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

• Check temperature early and cook longer if needed until done.

• Let the tenderloin rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps for perfect instant pot beef tenderloin every time:

1. Pre-sear all sides of the tenderloin using the Sauté function on your instant pot.

2. Deglaze the pot by adding 1⁄2 cup broth or water, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.

3. Place trivet in pot and set seasoned tenderloin on top.

4. Lock lid and cook on High Pressure for estimated time based on size.

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

6. Check for desired doneness with a meat thermometer. Cook longer if needed.

7. Remove roast, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 10-15 minutes.

8. Slice roast and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Checking Instant Pot Beef Tenderloin Doneness

Always rely on an instant-read thermometer over cook time alone to assess doneness:

• Rare: 120-125°F
• Medium rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 140-145°F
• Well done: 150-155°F

The temperature will rise slightly as the meat rests. For medium rare, take it out just shy of 135°F and let the residual heat finish it.

Why Resting Is So Important

Never omit the resting period after cooking beef tenderloin in the instant pot. As the meat sits, the juices redistribute back into the fibers instead of spilling out when you slice into it.

This makes the tenderloin much more moist and tender. Loosely tent it with foil right out of the pot and let it rest for a full 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Beef Tenderloin

• Carve into slices across the grain for maximum tenderness.

• Serve with delicious pan sauces made from the flavorful cooking juices.

• Pair with roasted potatoes, pasta, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted asparagus.

• Use leftover tenderloin in salads, sandwiches, rice bowls, or breakfast hash.

Adapting Oven Beef Tenderloin Recipes to the Instant Pot

You can easily modify your favorite oven-roasted beef tenderloin recipes for the instant pot:

• Reduce liquids added to 1⁄2 cup broth or water for moisture and steam.

• Skip initial searing if desired, but it helps develop tremendous flavor.

• Cook on High Pressure and cut oven roast time by more than half.

• Allow natural release for at least 10-15 minutes before checking doneness.

• Add vegetables the last 3-5 minutes to cook them perfectly.

Master the Instant Pot Beef Tenderloin Like a Pro

Now you can achieve ultimate tender, juicy beef tenderloin any night of the week with your instant pot. Follow the times and technique provided here for mouthwatering results guaranteed to impress your guests.

In about an hour, you can be serving up restaurant-worthy beef tenderloin entrees straight from your instant pot. Perfect your recipe, then sit back and wait for all the compliments to roll in!