How to Cook Juicy, Fork-Tender Beef Eye Round Roast in Your Instant Pot

While typically an affordable cut of beef, eye round roast can be tricky to cook just right. Being so lean, it can easily turn out dry and chewy if not prepared properly But with an Instant Pot, you can transform inexpensive eye round into a tender, delicious roast in no time

In this comprehensive guide I’ll explain everything you need to know to cook eye round roast to perfection in your Instant Pot. You’ll learn tips on choosing the right roast prep methods, cook times, seasoning ideas, and even some mouthwatering Instant Pot eye round roast recipes to try. Let’s get started!

What is Eye Round Roast?

Eye round roast comes from the round primal located in the back leg of the cow. It is a small, lean roast with very little marbling or fat running through it. While budget-friendly, it can be tougher than fattier cuts of beef.

When shopping for an eye round roast choose one that is around 2-3 pounds. Go for a roast that is evenly shaped without tapering too much on the ends. Some visible marbling is good for added moisture and flavor.

Prepping Eye Round Roast for the Instant Pot

Proper prep is key to ensuring your eye round roast cooks up tender. Here are some tips:

• Trim off any excess hard fat or silver skin membrane. Too much fat can make the broth greasy.

• Season the roast all over with salt, pepper and your choice of herbs or spices. Robust flavors are best with this lean cut.

• Quickly sear the roast on all sides to add flavor. Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot.

• Add 1 cup water or broth to the pot to provide moisture. Use a trivet to keep the roast elevated above the liquid.

How Long to Cook Eye Round Roast in an Instant Pot

The cooking time can vary a bit based on the size of your roast, but these general guidelines will prevent over or undercooking:

• For a 2-3 pound eye round roast:

• High Pressure: 35-40 minutes

• Let pressure release naturally for at least 30 minutes

• For a 4-5 pound eye round roast:

• High pressure: 45-55 minutes

• Let pressure release naturally for at least 40 minutes

Always allow the pressure to release naturally rather than quick releasing. This allows the meat to continue cooking gently and develop its tenderness.

Tips for Instant Pot Eye Round Roast Success

Follow these tips when cooking eye round roast in your Instant Pot:

• Choose a roast between 2-5 pounds – Too small and it will dry out

• Generously season the meat before cooking

• Quickly brown the roast for flavor

• Use at least 1 cup broth or water for moisture

• Cook on high pressure for the recommended time

• Allow the pressure to naturally release – Do not quick release

• Let the roast rest at least 10 minutes before slicing for juicy results

Satisfying Instant Pot Eye Round Roast Recipes

Now for the fun part – here are three of my favorite Instant Pot eye round roast recipes to enjoy this tasty yet affordable cut:

Italian Herb Eye Round Roast

• 2-3 lb eye round roast
• 2 tbsp Italian herb seasoning
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup beef broth

1. Season roast all over with Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder.
2. Add broth to pot then place seasoned roast on a trivet.
3. Cook 35-40 minutes on high pressure. Allow pressure to release naturally 30 minutes.
4. Slice and serve Italian eye round roast with your favorite pasta or risotto.

Easy BBQ Eye Round Roast

• 3-4 lb eye round roast
• 1⁄2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup beef broth

1. Mix BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, garlic powder and onion powder. Coat roast with sauce mixture.
2. Add broth to pot then place coated roast on a trivet.
3. Cook 45-55 minutes on high pressure. Allow pressure to release naturally 40 minutes.
4. Slice roast and drizzle with more BBQ sauce if desired before serving.

French Onion Eye Round Roast

• 2-3 lb eye round roast
• 2 packets French onion soup mix
• 1⁄4 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth

1. Season roast all over with packets of French onion soup mix.
2. Add broth and optional red wine to pot then place seasoned roast on a trivet.
3. Cook 35-40 minutes on high pressure. Allow pressure to release naturally 30 minutes.
4. Slice roast and smother with gravy from pot juices.

Now You’re Ready to Enjoy Flavorful Eye Round Roast

Cooking eye round roast in an Instant Pot results in a tender, juicy roast in a fraction of the traditional oven roasting time. With a few easy prep tips and following the recommended cook times, you’ll have delicious roast beef any night of the week.