How Long to Cook Chuck Roast in Instant Pot

Today, we’re keeping things simple and super tasty as we tackle the question: How long does it take to cook a chuck roast in the Instant Pot?  Or How Long to Cook Chuck Roast in Instant Pot?

Pot roast, while undeniably delicious, often demands the patience of a saint due to its slow-cooking nature. But fear not, for today, we unveil the secret weapon: the Instant Pot.

A culinary superhero that slashes the traditional cooking time, turning the hours-long process into a mere hour and a half.

Join us as we dive into the art of cooking a perfect chuck roast in the Instant Pot, unlocking the flavors and precious hours in our busy lives.

Chuck Roast in Instant Pot

Highlights:

  • Instant Pot transforms the classic pot roast, usually an all-day affair, into a succulent dish ready in just 90 minutes.
  • Cut chuck roast in half for faster cooking and better searing, enhancing both flavor and tenderness.
  • Sear with purpose – ensure a hot pan, sizzling sounds, and a golden-brown crust to capture maximum flavor.
  • Strategically layer ingredients – thinner liquids first, thicker tomato product last – for a foolproof and mess-free Instant Pot experience.
  • Allow 20 minutes of natural decompression after cooking for fork-tender results that will melt in your mouth.

How to Cook Chuck Roast in Instant Pot

Cut the roast in half to cook a Chuck Roast in the Instant Pot for quicker and more even cooking. Sear the pieces on high heat, sauté onions and garlic, then add beef broth, herbs, and a tomato product. Pressure cook on high for 70 minutes, allow natural decompression and enjoy a tender, flavorful chuck roast in a fraction of the traditional time.

How Long to Cook Chuck Roast in Instant Pot

Cook a 3-pound chuck roast in the Instant Pot for about 70 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 20-minute natural decompression for optimal tenderness.

Cook Chuck Roast in Instant Pot

Chuck Roast in Instant Pot Recipe

Ingredients

  • Chuck roast (approximately 3 pounds)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • Garlic cloves, crushed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking oil
  • Beef broth (about 2 cups)
  • Herbs (your choice, fresh or dried)
  • Tomato product (such as tomato paste or crushed tomatoes)

Instructions

Get ready for a speedy, fuss-free cooking adventure that's bound to make your Instant Pot your new favorite kitchen sidekick!

1. Vegetable Prep

  • Dice the onion by cutting it vertically in half and then slicing it. Follow the grain of the onion for a perfect dice.
  • Crush the garlic cloves to release their flavor.

2. Chuck Roast Prep

Chuck Roast Prep

  • Cut the chuck roast in half to speed up the cooking process, increase the surface area for searing, and ensure more even cooking.
  • Season the roast with salt and pepper, focusing on the faces of each piece for maximum flavor.

3. Searing in the Instant Pot

Searing in the Instant Pot

  • Set the Instant Pot to "Saute" mode and choose the "More" option for high heat.
  • Add a bit of cooking oil to create a non-stick surface.
  • Sear each side of the chuck roast until a golden-brown crust forms. Ensure you hear the sizzle; this is crucial for flavor development.

4. Saute Aromatics

Saute Aromatics

  • Switch to "Saute" mode again, this time choosing the "Normal" option for medium heat.
  • Add diced onions and crushed garlic to the pot. Sprinkle a bit more salt to draw out moisture from the onions.
  • Pour in beef broth and add your choice of herbs.

5. Layering and Pressure Cooking

  • Increase the heat to high and let the broth simmer.
  • Place the seared chuck roast halves in the pot, and add the tomato product on top.
  • Seal the Instant Pot and set it to "Pressure Cook" mode on high for 70 minutes.

6. Natural Decompression

  • Once the timer is done, let the Instant Pot naturally decompress for about 20 minutes. This enhances tenderness.

7. Serve and Enjoy

serve

  • Unlock the Instant Pot, and witness the perfectly cooked chuck roast.
  • Optionally, use the cooking liquid to make a flavorful gravy.
  • Serve the chuck roast over noodles, with potatoes, or as desired.

8. Enjoy Your Instant Pot Roast

Enjoy Your Instant Pot Roast

  • The chuck roast should be fork-tender and bursting with classic pot roast flavors.
  • Experiment with different side dishes or serving options to suit your taste.

FAQs

What herbs are best for this pot roast?

You can use a mix of rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves for a classic flavor. Feel free to customize based on your preferences.

How long does it take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure?

 It typically takes about 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. The time can vary depending on the quantity and temperature of the ingredients.

Can I add more vegetables to the pot roast?

Carrots, potatoes, and celery work well. Add them with the other aromatics before pressure cooking.

What should I do if the Instant Pot shows a burn error during cooking?

If you see a burn error, release the pressure, check for sticking on the bottom, add more liquid if needed, and resume cooking.

Can I use frozen chuck roast for this recipe?

It’s recommended to thaw the meat first, even for cooking. Using frozen meat may alter the cooking time and result in uneven doneness.

How can I make a thicker gravy from the cooking liquid?

Mix a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the liquid, then stir it into the pot. Set the Instant Pot to “Saute” and cook until the gravy thickens.

Conclusion

There you have it – a mouthwatering Instant Pot Classic Chuck Roast that’s delicious and saves you a significant amount of time.

As we bring our Instant Pot chuck roast adventure to a close, we celebrate the delicious outcome and the reclaimed hours in our day. The Instant Pot has proven itself to be more than a kitchen appliance; it’s a time-saving ally in our quest for flavorful, wholesome meals. 

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