The Instant Pot is a popular electric pressure cooker that can cook food quickly and conveniently. With an Instant Pot, you can cook cuts of meat that normally take hours in a fraction of the time. The quick cooking time makes cheaper, tougher cuts of beef become tender and delicious. While many cuts of beef work well in the Instant Pot, some are better than others. The best cuts of beef for Instant Pot cooking are those that have a good amount of connective tissue and fat. These cuts become incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure.
Things to Consider When Choosing Beef for Instant Pot
When selecting a cut of beef for the Instant Pot, here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Tenderness – Look for tougher cuts with a lot of connective tissue that will become tender during the pressurized cooking process. More tender cuts may turn out mushy.
- Fat content – Fattier cuts add moisture and flavor as the fat renders. Lean cuts can turn out dry.
- Cut size – Opt for larger roasts or cubes over thin slices which can overcook.
- Bone – Bone-in cuts add extra collagen and moisture. Boneless cuts cook quicker.
- Flavor – Bolder flavored cuts stand up well to the intense Instant Pot environment.
The best beef cuts for the Instant Pot tend to come from the shoulder, chuck, brisket, round, and short plate. Now let’s look at some of the top options in more detail.
Top Cuts of Beef for Instant Pot
Chuck Roast
Chuck roast comes from the shoulder and neck region of the cow. It contains a lot of connective tissue that breaks down into succulent gelatin when cooked under pressure. This is an affordable cut that becomes deliciously tender in the Instant Pot. Chuck roast can be cooked whole or cut into stew meat cubes.
Cooking Time: High pressure 25-40 minutes
Beef Brisket
Beef brisket is another excellent choice for the Instant Pot. This tough cut from the lower chest benefits greatly from the pressurized environment. The intense heat melts away the fat and tenderizes the meat. Whole briskets can cook for 1-2 hours until fork tender. Cut the brisket into chunks if you want a faster cooking time.
Cooking Time: High pressure 60-120 minutes
Short Ribs
Short ribs have tremendous flavor and become absolute perfection when cooked in the Instant Pot. The marbling of fat and connective tissue makes the ribs incredibly tender. Browning the ribs first adds caramelized flavor. Try cooking the ribs on a rack over water or broth for ideal texture.
Cooking Time: High pressure 35-45 minutes
Bottom Round Roast
This lean and inexpensive cut from the rear leg cooks up nicely in the Instant Pot. Cook it whole or cut into cubes to make stews or pot roasts. Add moisture like broth or sauce to prevent it from drying out. Let the meat rest before slicing for juicy results.
Cooking Time: High pressure 40-60 minutes
Flank Steak
Flank steak has lots of beefy flavor and fibers that break down with pressure cooking. Make sure to slice against the grain after cooking for maximum tenderness. It does well with marinades and pairs great with vegetables.
Cooking Time: High pressure 15-25 minutes
Best Practices for Cooking Beef in Instant Pot
Here are some top tips to keep in mind when cooking beef in the Instant Pot:
- Brown the meat first for added flavor – use the saute function on the Instant Pot.
- Cut uniform size pieces for even cooking.
- Add liquid like broth, wine or water – 1 cup for pot roasts or stews.
- Layer vegetables on bottom to prevent burning.
- Use natural pressure release to allow meat to continue cooking gently.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer if unsure.
- Let meat rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Following these best practices will help ensure you get tender, juicy and delicious results every time.
Instant Pot Beef Cooking Times
Cooking times can vary based on the cut, amount, and size of the meat. Here are some approximate high pressure cooking times as a guide:
| Beef Cut | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Chuck Roast (whole 2-3 lbs) | 25-40 minutes |
| Chuck Roast (cubed for stew) | 15-20 minutes |
| Beef Brisket (whole 3-4 lbs) | 60-120 minutes |
| Short Ribs | 35-45 minutes |
| Bottom Round Roast | 40-60 minutes |
| Flank Steak (1-1.5 inch thick) | 15-25 minutes |
Always check for doneness and adjust cooking time as needed. Use a meat thermometer to confirm safe internal temperatures.
Instant Pot Beef Recipes
Here are some delicious recipe ideas for cooking beef in the Instant Pot:
Pot Roast
– Chuck Roast
– Onion, carrots, potatoes
– Beef broth
– Fresh herbs
Short Ribs
– Bone-in beef short ribs
– Tomato sauce
– Red wine
– Mushrooms
Beef Stew
– Chuck roast cubed
– Onion, celery, carrots
– Beef broth
– Frozen peas
– Thyme
Barbacoa Beef
– Chuck roast
– Chipotle peppers in adobo
– Cumin, oregano, garlic
– Lime juice
Beef Brisket
– Whole beef brisket
– BBQ rub
– BBQ sauce
– Broth
Try out these savory beef recipes in your Instant Pot to enjoy tender, flavorful meat any night of the week. The options are endless!
Conclusion
The Instant Pot shines when it comes to cooking tough, collagen-rich cuts of beef. Chuck roast, brisket, short ribs, bottom round, and flank steak all become succulent and delicious with the pressurized environment of the Instant Pot. Look for well-marbled, larger cuts when selecting beef. Follow best practices like browning, adding liquid, layering vegetables, and allowing natural pressure release. Check doneness with a meat thermometer. With a little trial and error, you can cook just about any cut of beef to perfection in your Instant Pot. Enjoy incredible weeknight meals with melt-in-your-mouth beef.