Are you looking to make a flavorful and tender roast in your Instant Pot? Slow cooking a roast in an Instant Pot is a convenient and easy way to achieve delicious results. Whether you’re cooking beef, pork, or lamb, the cooking time will depend on the size and type of roast you have.

The great thing about using an Instant Pot for slow cooking is that it helps to lock in moisture and flavors, resulting in a juicy and tender roast. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature allows you to cook your roast in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods.

When it comes to cooking times, a general rule of thumb for slow cooking a roast in an Instant Pot is to cook it for 20-25 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 3-pound roast, you would cook it for approximately 60-75 minutes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on factors such as the thickness of the roast and your desired level of doneness.

Tip: For best results, use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to brown the roast before slow cooking. This will help enhance the flavor and texture of the meat.

Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This will help the juices in the meat redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender roast.

Now that you know how long to slow cook a roast in an Instant Pot, you can confidently create a delicious and satisfying meal. Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of your roast, and enjoy the convenience of slow cooking with your Instant Pot.

How to Slow Cook Roast in Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot to slow cook a roast is a convenient and easy way to achieve tender and flavorful meat. Here are the steps to follow:

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 pound roast (such as beef chuck or pork shoulder)
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the roast generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and add the oil. Once hot, sear the roast on all sides until browned. Remove the roast from the pot and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Saute for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  4. Add the broth and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Return the seared roast to the pot and secure the lid.
  6. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode, and cook on high pressure for 60-90 minutes, depending on the size and desired tenderness of the roast.
  7. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
  8. Remove the roast from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  9. Optional: If desired, you can thicken the cooking liquid into a gravy by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering until it reaches the desired consistency.
  10. Serve the sliced roast with the vegetables and gravy, and enjoy!
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With these simple steps, you can confidently slow cook a delicious roast in your Instant Pot. The result will be tender, flavorful meat that is perfect for a hearty meal.

Preparation

Before you begin cooking your roast in the Instant Pot, there are a few steps you need to follow in order to ensure a delicious and tender result.

Gather the Ingredients

First, gather all the necessary ingredients for your recipe. This usually includes the roast itself, any seasoning or marinade you plan to use, as well as any vegetables or other accompanying ingredients.

Prepare the Roast

Before cooking the roast, it is important to prepare it properly. Start by patting the roast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasonings adhere better and promote browning.

Depending on your recipe, you may want to season the roast with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Rub the seasonings into the meat, ensuring an even distribution on all sides.

If you have time, consider allowing the roast to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This will help infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it further.

If desired, you can also sear the roast before slow cooking it in the Instant Pot. Searing helps create a rich, caramelized crust and adds extra depth of flavor. Simply heat some oil in a skillet over high heat and brown the roast on all sides before transferring it to the Instant Pot.

Lastly, prepare any accompanying ingredients, such as vegetables or potatoes, by washing, peeling, and chopping them as necessary.

Once everything is prepared, you are ready to start cooking your roast in the Instant Pot!

Seasoning the roast

Before cooking the roast in your Instant Pot, it’s important to season the meat to enhance its flavor. Here’s how you can season your roast:

  1. Prepare the roast by patting it dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the roast generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. If desired, you can also add additional herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor even more.
  4. Make sure to rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure that it coats the surface evenly.
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Once the roast is properly seasoned, you can proceed to cook it in your Instant Pot for the desired amount of time to achieve a tender and flavorful meat.

Setting up the Instant Pot

Before you begin cooking your roast in the Instant Pot, it’s important to set up the appliance correctly. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Make sure the Instant Pot is properly cleaned and dry before using it.
  2. Place the stainless steel inner pot into the Instant Pot base.
  3. Attach the lid securely by aligning the arrows on the lid and the base.
  4. Ensure that the pressure release valve is set to the SEALING position. This is important for building pressure inside the Instant Pot.

Once you have set up the Instant Pot, you are ready to start prepping your roast and cooking it in the appliance.

Cooking time

Cooking times will vary depending on the size and cut of the roast, as well as personal preferences for doneness. As a general guide, a 3-pound roast will take approximately 30 minutes to cook under high pressure, followed by a natural release of pressure for about 10-15 minutes.

For larger roasts, you may need to increase the cooking time under high pressure. As a rule of thumb, add approximately 5 minutes of cooking time per additional pound of meat. For example, a 5-pound roast would need approximately 40 minutes of cooking time under high pressure.

It’s important to note that the cooking time does not include the time it takes for the instant pot to come to pressure or the time it takes for the pressure to naturally release. These additional steps can add approximately 10-20 minutes to the overall cooking time.

After cooking, it’s recommended to let the roast rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps to ensure a tender and flavorful roast.

Natural release and resting

Once the cooking time for your roast has finished in the Instant Pot, it is important to allow for a natural release of pressure. This means that you simply let the pressure release on its own, without manually releasing the valve. This can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your roast.

During the natural release, the roast will continue to cook and the flavors will meld together further. This resting period also allows the meat to become more tender and juicy. It is essential to be patient during this step, as rushing the release can result in tough meat.

Once the pressure has naturally released, carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot. At this point, you can remove the roast and transfer it to a cutting board. It is recommended to let the roast rest for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent roast.

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During the resting period, you can cover the roast loosely with aluminum foil to help retain the heat. This will also prevent any moisture from escaping the meat, ensuring a moist and tender final product. After the resting period, your roast is ready to be sliced and served.

Serving the roast

Once the roast is cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot, it’s time to serve and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors. Here are some tips for serving the roast:

1. Resting the roast:

Before serving, it’s important to let the roast rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy final result.

2. Slicing the roast:

When slicing the roast, it’s best to cut against the grain. This will result in more tender and easier to chew slices. Use a sharp knife and make even slices of your desired thickness.

3. Garnishing options:

You can garnish the roast with some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to enhance the flavors. Additionally, you can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a creamy sauce.

Here’s a table summarizing the cooking times for different roast sizes in the Instant Pot:

Roast Size Cooking Time (per pound)
2-3 pounds 20-25 minutes
3-4 pounds 25-30 minutes
4-5 pounds 30-35 minutes

Q&A

What is a slow cook roast?

A slow cook roast is a large cut of meat, usually beef, that is cooked slowly at a low temperature to ensure tender and flavorful results.

Can I use an Instant Pot for slow cooking?

Yes, you can use an Instant Pot for slow cooking. The Instant Pot has a slow cook function that allows you to cook your roast slowly and evenly.

How long should I cook a roast in an Instant Pot?

The cooking time for a roast in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the size of the roast and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you can cook a roast in an Instant Pot for about 20 minutes per pound of meat.

What are the benefits of slow cooking a roast in an Instant Pot?

Slow cooking a roast in an Instant Pot allows the meat to become tender and juicy, while also infusing it with the flavors of any seasonings or ingredients used. It also saves time compared to traditional slow cooking methods, as the Instant Pot cooks at a faster rate.

Can I use the slow cook function on the Instant Pot for other dishes?

Yes, the slow cook function on the Instant Pot can be used for a variety of dishes besides roasts. You can use it to make soups, stews, chili, and even desserts like cheesecake.