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July 23, 2026

Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast

For a 3-pound piece of beef, the total time required is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. While it may seem lengthy, it’s necessary for achieving ultra-tender and juicy beef. The Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time compared to other methods like a slow cooker or stovetop.

Bringing the beef to room temperature for about an hour before cooking not only enhances tenderness but also allows the salt to season the meat effectively.

Using Frozen Beef

It is possible to use frozen beef for pot roast, but it will extend the cooking time by 20 to 30 minutes. For the best results, it’s recommended to use thawed beef that has been seasoned with salt and allowed to come closer to room temperature. Thawed beef also allows for browning before braising, adding extra flavor to the dish.

Instant Pot Pot Roast with potatoes, carrots, and herbs.

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How to Make Pot Roast in a Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)

In our illustrations, we use a 6-quart Instant Pot, an electric pressure cooker. If you own another brand, this recipe should work seamlessly, but be sure to consult your user manual beforehand.

Step 1: Season the beef and bring it to room temperature. Season generously with salt and let it sit at room temperature for an hour to enhance tenderness and flavor.

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