To cook a pot roast in an Instant Pot, follow these steps:
Select a suitable pot roast: Choose a well-marbled and tender cut of beef for the best results, such as chuck roast or round roast.
Prepare the ingredients: Gather the following ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds of pot roast
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beef broth or stock
- Optional: additional herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves for added flavor
- Optional: vegetables like carrots and potatoes
Preheat the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Saute" function. Add the cooking oil and let it heat up.
Sear the roast: Season the pot roast with salt and pepper, then place it in the Instant Pot. Sear the roast on all sides until browned. This helps to lock in the flavors.
Add the remaining ingredients: Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, beef broth or stock, and any additional herbs and spices you prefer. If desired, you can also add vegetables like carrots and potatoes around the roast.
Pressure cook: Securely close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to the "Sealing" position. Select the "Meat/Stew" function or manually set the cooking time based on the size of your roast. As a guideline, you can cook a 2-3 pound roast for about 60-75 minutes on high pressure.
Natural release and resting: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15-20 minutes. After that, you can perform a quick release by carefully turning the pressure release valve to the "Venting" position.
Check for doneness: Carefully open the Instant Pot lid and check the roast for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and easily pull apart. If it needs more time, you can cook it for an additional few minutes.
Optional: Thicken the gravy (if desired): If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can remove the cooked roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot and set them aside. Select the "Saute" function again and let the liquid simmer. Mix a slurry of cornstarch or flour with water, then gradually add it to the simmering liquid while stirring until the desired thickness is reached.
Serve and enjoy: Slice or shred the pot roast, and serve it with the vegetables and gravy. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the roast. It's always a good idea to consult the manual that came with your specific Instant Pot model for more precise instructions.