Best Instant Pot Roast Beef Recipe

Elevating Your Instant Pot Roast Beef for Maximum Flavor

Choosing the Best Cut of Meat

The quality and type of beef you select will have a significant impact on the final taste and texture of your Instant Pot Roast Beef. While chuck roast is the most commonly used cut due to its high marbling and deep flavor, there are other options worth considering:

• Brisket – Offers a richer, slightly smoky taste but requires a slightly longer cooking time for optimal tenderness.
• Top round – A leaner option that results in a firmer texture but benefits from an extra marinade or a longer natural pressure release to retain moisture.
• Short ribs – While not traditional for roast beef, bone-in short ribs can enhance the dish with deeper, more complex flavors due to their gelatin-rich bones.

To further improve tenderness, consider dry brining the beef by seasoning it with salt and letting it rest overnight in the refrigerator. This process enhances moisture retention and develops a more intense beefy flavor.

Enhancing the Seasoning for a Richer Taste

A simple salt and pepper rub is traditional, but expanding the seasoning mix can bring more complexity to your dish. Here are a few seasoning variations to try:

• Smoky flavor – Add smoked paprika and a dash of chipotle powder for a subtle heat and depth.
• Herb-infused roast – Mix thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage to create a more pronounced herbaceous aroma.
• Bold umami boost – Incorporate soy sauce or miso paste into the broth to deepen the savoriness.
• Garlic lovers’ twist – Roast whole garlic cloves before adding them to the broth to intensify the sweet and caramelized garlic notes.

For an even bolder crust, coat the roast with a mustard-based rub before searing, which adds a tangy depth and helps lock in juices.

The Importance of Searing

One of the most overlooked steps in making a great Instant Pot Roast Beef is properly searing the meat before pressure cooking. This step is essential for:

• Caramelizing the exterior, which leads to deeper, richer flavors.
• Creating fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pot, which dissolves into the broth and enhances the final gravy’s depth.

For the best results, ensure the meat is completely dry before searing and use a high smoke point oil such as avocado or grapeseed oil.

Elevating the Gravy

The gravy is just as important as the meat itself. Instead of a simple broth-thickened sauce, consider these upgrades:

• Deglazing the pan with red wine or balsamic vinegar before pressure cooking enhances the gravy’s complexity.
• Adding a splash of heavy cream at the end results in a luxuriously smooth texture.
• Using roasted vegetables like carrots and onions in the broth and pureeing them into the gravy makes it naturally thick and full-bodied.
• Finishing with a pat of butter gives the sauce a silky finish and extra richness.

For a healthier alternative, swap out cornstarch for arrowroot powder or pureed cauliflower as a natural thickener.

Why Homemade is Always Better

Making Instant Pot Roast Beef at home gives you complete control over ingredient quality, portion sizes, and seasonings. Many pre-packaged or restaurant-made versions contain:

• Excessive sodium – Commercial gravies and pre-seasoned meats often have high salt content, which can be adjusted in a homemade version.
• Preservatives and artificial flavors – Cooking from scratch ensures only fresh, natural ingredients go into the dish.
• Healthier fats – Using olive oil instead of processed vegetable oils improves the nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.

By preparing your roast beef at home, you can also tailor the recipe to dietary preferences by using low-sodium broth, organic meats, and fresh vegetables.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced home cooks can make avoidable errors when preparing Instant Pot Roast Beef. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• Not searing the beef properly – A quick 30-second sear is not enough. Take the time to brown all sides deeply for maximum flavor.
• Using too much liquid – The Instant Pot requires far less broth than traditional slow cookers. Too much liquid can result in a watery gravy.
• Skipping the natural pressure release – Releasing the pressure too quickly can cause the meat to tighten up and become dry. A 15-minute natural release ensures a tender texture.
• Overcooking vegetables – If adding potatoes and carrots, they should be added after the initial cook time and cooked under pressure for just 5 minutes to retain texture.

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

For those looking to make this dish lighter or more nutritious, consider these healthy alternatives:

• Swap potatoes for cauliflower mash to reduce carbs while keeping the same creamy consistency.
• Use bone broth instead of standard beef broth for added collagen and gut health benefits.
• Replace cornstarch with chia seeds or flaxseed meal to naturally thicken the gravy while increasing fiber.
• Add mushrooms for an extra umami flavor boost and more plant-based nutrients.

Adding Unique Flavors for a Special Twist

Want to customize your roast beef to make it unique? Try these specialty variations:

• French-style Roast Beef – Add Dijon mustard and herbes de Provence for a classic French flavor profile.
• Mexican-inspired Roast Beef – Include chipotle peppers and cumin for a spicy kick.
• Asian-inspired Beef Roast – Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to infuse the dish with umami-packed flavors.
• Italian-style Roast Beef – Add sundried tomatoes, basil, and a splash of red wine for a Mediterranean twist.

Making the perfect Instant Pot Roast Beef is all about understanding the fundamentals—from choosing the right cut of beef, enhancing the seasonings, and mastering the gravy. By avoiding common mistakes and exploring new flavors, you can take this classic comfort food to an entirely new level. Whether you're looking for a traditional, healthy, or globally inspired variation, there’s no limit to how you can improve and personalize this dish to suit your taste.