Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef Roast Perfection – Instant Pot Style

Dinner doesn’t get much easier or more delicious than an insanely tender beef shoulder roast cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. This foolproof method results in a flavorsome, fall-apart beef roast that will have the whole family begging for seconds.

Keep reading and I’ll walk you through everything you need to nail this classic comfort food meal using your multi-cooker. Let’s get cookin’!

Picking the Primo Roast for Your Instant Pot

Not all roasts are created equal when it comes to pressure cooking Here’s what to look for

Chuck roast – The well-marbled fat content makes chuck roast IDEAL. It gets melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Decent marbling – You want some fat running through the meat to keep it moist. Avoid super lean cuts.
3-5 pounds – Stick to a medium size roast that will fit comfortably in your Instant Pot
Fresh vs. frozen – Fresh is best for maximum flavor and juiciness But frozen works too if thawed first

Your butcher is your best friend here. Ask them to trim off excess fat and set you up with the perfect pork shoulder roast.

Pre-Game Prep for Best Results

A little prep before cooking is crucial:

Trim fat – Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat. Leave a thin layer intact.
Pat dry – Blot the roast thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning.
Season generously – Coat all sides with salt, pepper and your favorite dry rub.
Let sit – Once seasoned, let the roast rest for 30-60 minutes to really absorb flavors.

Now it’s ready to transform into the star of your meal!

Transform Your Roast into Magic in the Instant Pot

Here are the simple steps to Instant Pot perfection:

Sear the roast – Use the Saute function to brown the roast deeply on all sides. This seals in juices.
Add aromatics – Toss in sliced onions, carrots, celery, and smashed garlic cloves. Saute just until softened.
Deglaze the pot – Pour in broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits. This adds mad flavor!
Insert roast & liquids – Place seared roast on top of veggies. Add more broth until roast is halfway submerged.
Pressure cook – Lock the lid. Cook on High Pressure for 45-60 minutes depending on size. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before venting.
Shred, sauce & serve – Carefully remove roast and shred meat with forks. Make an easy gravy to spoon over meat and sides!

It’s that simple to make your best beef roast yet. Keep reading for more tips, tricks and tasty additions!

Amp Up Your Roast’s Flavor

Don’t be afraid to loads up your Instant Pot roast with herbs, spices and other flavor boosters:

Dry rub – Coat roast in pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, etc.
Fresh herbs – Add woody herbs like rosemary, thyme or bay leaves to pot.
Glazes & sauces – Brush on your favorite barbecue sauce or make a flavorful au jus.
Umami boosters – Add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce or bouillon paste.
Spicy kick – Mix cayenne, chili powder or red pepper flakes into dry rub.

Go crazy experimenting with flavors! Just remember, you can always add more seasoning after cooking if needed.

Nail the Cook Time for Tender, Juicy Roast

Cooking time can vary a bit based on your roast’s exact size and shape. For best results:

1.5-2 lbs – High Pressure 30-35 minutes
2-3 lbs – High Pressure 40-50 minutes
4-5 lbs – High Pressure 55-65 minutes

Check for doneness with a meat thermometer – aim for at least 195°F internally. If undercooked, simply pressure cook for 5-10 minutes more.

Letting pressure release naturally before opening the lid is crucial for ultra-tender meat. Be patient!

7 Savory Sidekicks for Your Instant Pot Roast

While your roast cooks, make one of these tasty sides. Everything cooks in one pot!

Mashed potatoes – Cook cubed potatoes right in the pot. Mash with butter and cream.
Roast carrots and parsnips – Toss in carrot and parsnip chunks to roast in juices.
Creamy polenta – Stir in quick polenta after cooking roast. So creamy and delicious.
Braised red cabbage – Sauté cabbage wedges in the pot after removing roast.
Cheesy cauliflower – Add cauliflower florets and shredded cheddar at end.
Buttery peas – After cooking roast, add frozen peas and let steam for 2 minutes.
Spinach & artichokes – Saute spinach and artichokes in pot juices for a tasty side.

With the meat and sides all cooking in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Now let’s talk gravy!

Make an Easy, Delicious Gravy

No great roast is complete without gravy! Here’s how:

Simmer liquid – After removing roast, simmer pot juices until reduced, about 5 minutes.
Thicken – Whisk a cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid to thicken into gravy.
Flavor boost – Stir in a splash of red wine, Worcestershire, or bouillon for extra flavor.
Finish with richness – For ultra creamy gravy, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream.

You can even blend the cooked veggies into the gravy for a more robust flavor and texture. Trust me, this gravy is lip-smackin’ good!

Tips for Leftover Instant Pot Roast Success

Leftover roast keeps

Instant Pot Classic Pot Roast Recipe

FAQ

Is beef shoulder roast good for pot roast?

Pot roasts typically use the tougher cuts of beef—a chuck roast or shoulder roast—which have the most flavor. Slow cooking at low heat is what melts the tough connective tissue between the muscle fibers, leaving you with tender meat that pulls apart with your fork.

Why is my roast beef tough in Instant Pot?

If you find that it’s still tough after cooking, you’ll need to cook it for another 10 to 20 minutes at high pressure – it just needs a bit longer to continue to brine and break down the connective tissue.

Does roast have to be covered with liquid in Instant Pot?

Don’t Skip the Extra Liquid. Typically you need at least 1 cup of liquid in the Instant Pot; the remaining 1/2 cup comes from the juices released by the chuck roast and the tomato sauce.

How long does it take to cook 2 pounds of beef in the Instant Pot?

For example, cook a 2-pound pot roast at high pressure for 40 minutes and a 3-pound pot roast for 60 minutes. Frozen beef: I highly recommend thawing your beef for this recipe, since you cannot sear the frozen beef. If you must use frozen beef, assume 30 minutes per pound.

How to cook beef chuck roast in Instant Pot?

Cut the beef chuck roast in half. Sprinkle the salt and pepper on all sides of the beef. Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot using the saute setting until hot. Place the seasoned beef in the pot and brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side.

How to cook beef shoulder roast in Instant Pot?

Before you start cooking your beef shoulder roast in the Instant Pot, it’s important to prepare the pot for cooking. First, make sure the inner pot is clean and dry. Then, turn on the Instant Pot and select the “saute” function. This will heat up the pot and help to sear the roast.

How do you cook a roast in an Instant Pot?

In a small bowl, stir together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub mixture all over the roast to coat all sides. Drizzle oil in Instant Pot, wait about 30 seconds, then use tongs to place roast in the pot. Do not move it for 3-4 minutes until well-seared and browned.

How to cook beef in Instant Pot?

Slice the carrots and celery into thick, long sticks. Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife and peel away the skins. 4 Pat the beef dry the beef with paper towels, then rub all over with the spice mixture. 5 Heat the oil in your Instant Pot with the Sauté setting on high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, about 4 minutes per side.