Are you looking for a quick and easy way to make a delicious beef roast during the week?
Look no further than your trusty pressure cooker! With the help of this handy kitchen appliance, you can have a tender and flavorful pot roast on the table in no time.
But how long should you cook it for? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cooking a beef roast in a pressure cooker, from the best cuts of meat to use to how long to cook it for depending on its size and thickness.
So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook A Beef Roast In Pressure Cooker?
The cooking time for a beef roast in a pressure cooker will depend on its size and thickness. As a general rule of thumb, you should cook a chuck roast on high pressure for 20 minutes per pound.
For example, if you have a 3-pound roast, you would set the cooking time to 60 minutes. It’s important to note that after the cooking time has elapsed, you should let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes. This will help ensure that the roast stays tender and doesn’t become tough.
If you find that your roast isn’t as tender as you’d like after the initial cooking time, you can always add more time. A good starting point is to add an additional 20 minutes and another 10-minute natural release.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Meat For Your Pressure Cooker Beef Roast
When it comes to choosing the right cut of meat for your pressure cooker beef roast, it’s important to consider the level of marbling and fat content. These factors will affect the tenderness and flavor of the final product.
For a pot roast recipe, chuck roast is the most commonly used cut of beef. This cut has plenty of marbling, which makes it juicy and flavorful after cooking. It becomes incredibly tender after low and slow cooking in a pressure cooker, making it a great option for this cooking method.
If you prefer a leaner cut of beef, you can try using a bottom or top round cut. This cut comes from the rear of the cow and is leaner than both brisket and chuck roast. However, it’s important to add a little more fat to the Instant Pot when using this cut to keep it moist.
Brisket is another great option for cooking in a pressure cooker. Although it’s a little pricier than chuck roast, it has a lot of connective tissue that makes it tender after slow cooking. It’s perfect for use in the Instant Pot.
When shopping for meat to use in your pressure cooker beef roast, remember that the best cuts are usually cheap, fatty meats with bones, skin, and marbling from fat and tendons. These cuts will result in a flavorful and tender final product. On the other hand, premium lean meats without bones or skin and little to no fat are not ideal for pressure cooking as they can become overcooked by the high temperature.
Preparing Your Beef Roast For Pressure Cooking
Before cooking your beef roast in a pressure cooker, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure that it turns out tender and flavorful.
First, trim any excess fat from the roast using a sharp knife. Leaving too much fat on the meat can result in a greasy and unappetizing final product.
Next, season the roast with your desired spices and seasonings. It’s important to note that you should avoid adding too much liquid to the pressure cooker, as the meat will release its own juices as it cooks.
Once the roast is seasoned, you can begin searing it in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. This will help to lock in the flavor and create a nice crust on the outside of the meat.
After searing the roast on all sides, you can add any additional ingredients such as vegetables or broth. Be sure to follow your pressure cooker’s instructions for adding liquid and reaching full pressure before beginning the cooking time.
By properly preparing your beef roast for pressure cooking, you can ensure that it turns out tender and delicious every time.
Setting Up Your Pressure Cooker For Beef Roast
Before you start cooking your beef roast in a pressure cooker, it’s important to properly set up your cooker. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Heat up your pressure cooker on medium-high heat and add oil.
2. While the oil is heating up, season your beef roast with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. Once the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides until it’s browned.
4. Pour in your desired liquid (such as beef broth or water) and any additional ingredients, such as onions or garlic.
5. Seal the lid of your pressure cooker and bring it up to full pressure.
6. Reduce the heat to low to maintain full pressure and cook for the recommended time based on your roast’s weight and thickness.
7. Once the cooking time has elapsed, use the quick-release method to lower the pressure.
8. Carefully remove the lid and transfer the roast and any vegetables to a serving dish.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your beef roast comes out tender and flavorful every time you cook it in a pressure cooker.
Quick Release Or Natural Release: Which One To Use
After the cooking time has elapsed, you’ll need to release the pressure from the pressure cooker. There are two ways to do this: quick release and natural release.
Quick release involves turning the pressure release valve to release the pressure immediately. This method is best for foods that can quickly overcook, such as vegetables and seafood. However, it’s important to note that quick release can cause the meat to become tough if used too soon after cooking.
On the other hand, natural release involves letting the pressure dissipate on its own without any intervention. This method is best for larger cuts of meat, such as a beef roast, as it allows for a more gradual release of pressure and helps keep the meat tender. It’s important to note that natural release can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes depending on the size of the roast.
In general, it’s best to use natural release for beef roasts in a pressure cooker. This will help ensure that the meat stays tender and doesn’t become tough. However, if you’re short on time or cooking a recipe that calls for quick release, be sure to follow the recipe guidelines closely to avoid overcooking or tough meat.
Tips For Making The Perfect Pressure Cooker Beef Roast
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect pressure cooker beef roast:
1. Sear the roast before pressure cooking: This step is optional, but it can add a lot of flavor to your roast. Heat up some oil in the pressure cooker and sear the roast on all sides until browned. This will help to lock in the juices and keep the meat moist.
2. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your beef roast is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F. For a medium roast, aim for 145-150°F.
3. Cut the roast into smaller pieces: If you have a large roast, consider cutting it into smaller pieces before cooking. This will help to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and is tender throughout.
4. Add vegetables for flavor: Adding vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions can add flavor to your beef roast and make it a complete meal. Be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
5. Let the pressure release naturally: After the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes before using the quick-release method. This will help to keep your beef roast tender and moist.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and tender beef roast in your pressure cooker every time.
