Instant Pot Cooking: Frozen Chuck Roast Perfection

Cooking a frozen chuck roast in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your roast, but generally, it will take around 60-90 minutes on high pressure for a thawed 3-5 pound roast, and you'll need to add about 20-30 minutes to the cooking time if your roast is frozen.

It's important to note that you should not quick-release the pressure when cooking a pot roast, as this will result in tough meat. Instead, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10-30 minutes.

Additionally, while searing the meat is not necessary, it adds a nice caramelization and intensifies the flavor of the roast. If you're short on time or your roast is frozen, you can skip this step.

Cooking time for a frozen chuck roast

Cooking a frozen chuck roast in an instant pot is a great way to get a delicious meal with minimal effort. Here is a guide on how to do it, along with some tips and tricks to ensure the best results.

Preparation

First, gather your ingredients and tools. You will need:

• A frozen chuck roast (2-5 pounds)
• Beef broth or stock (3-4 cups)
• Spices and seasonings of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, paprika, etc.)
• Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions (optional)
• A trivet or something similar to elevate the roast (optional)

Cooking Instructions

• Place the trivet at the bottom of your instant pot, if using one.
• Put the frozen chuck roast on top of the trivet. If you are not using a trivet, place the roast directly into the pot.
• Pour the beef broth over the roast.
• Sprinkle your desired spices and seasonings over the roast.
• If desired, add in the vegetables. However, keep in mind that they will cook much faster than the roast, so they should be added towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
• Close the lid of the instant pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
• Set the pressure cook time depending on the weight of your roast. For a frozen roast, cook for 30 minutes per pound. For example, a 3-pound roast should be cooked for 90 minutes.
• Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for at least 15 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.
• Open the lid and remove the roast, placing it on a platter or cutting board. Tent it with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• If you are using vegetables, it is recommended to cook them separately or add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
• For a more tender roast, consider doing a full natural release instead of a quick release. This will help retain moisture and result in juicier meat.
• To make gravy, use the juices released by the roast while it cooks. Thicken the juices with a flour-water mixture, cornstarch, or a gluten-free alternative.
• When choosing a cut of meat, chuck roast is typically recommended for pot roasts due to its marbling, which adds flavour and juiciness. However, brisket or round cuts can also be used.
• If you prefer to sear your meat before cooking, only do so if the roast is thawed. Frozen meat cannot be seared.

Cooking a frozen chuck roast in an instant pot is a convenient and tasty way to prepare a meal. By following the above instructions and tips, you can ensure a delicious and tender roast every time. Enjoy!

How to make gravy in an instant pot

Making gravy in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Firstly, press the "Sauté" function on your Instant Pot and add some butter or oil. You can use the Normal setting for this step. This will help to caramelise the onions and garlic, adding flavour to your gravy.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Add roughly chopped onions and garlic to the Instant Pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly caramelised. You can also add other aromatics like celery or carrots at this stage for extra flavour.

Step 3: Add Liquid

Next, pour in your choice of liquid. You can use chicken stock, beef stock, or a combination of both for a richer flavour. If you're making gravy to go with a particular meat, it's best to use the same type of stock—for example, use beef stock for a roast beef dinner. Add enough liquid to just cover the aromatics, usually around 2 cups.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the liquid to a rapid simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps to intensify the flavours and reduce the liquid.

Step 5: Season and Purée

Now it's time to taste and season your gravy with salt and pepper. Use an immersion blender to purée the contents of the pot, creating a smooth, thick gravy. If you like your gravy extra smooth, you can strain it through a sieve to remove any unblended bits of onion or garlic.

Step 6: Thicken

To thicken your gravy further, create a slurry by mixing equal parts flour and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. With the Instant Pot still on the Sauté function, gradually pour in the flour slurry, continuously stirring with a spatula or whisk. Keep adding the slurry and stirring until you reach your desired thickness.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Finally, stir in an optional extra knob of butter for a glossy finish. Bring the gravy to a simmer, then turn off the "Sauté" function. Pour the gravy into a serving bowl or jug and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can make a larger batch by doubling the ingredients.
• Leftover gravy can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for later use.
• For a gluten-free option, replace the flour with gluten-free flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot flour.

What cut of meat to use

When it comes to choosing the right cut of meat for your instant pot roast, a chuck roast is the best option. It is well-marbled, which means it will become irresistibly tender as it cooks. The fat in the chuck roast will melt and create a velvety, pull-apart texture that is perfect for shredding.

However, other cuts of meat can also be used. A brisket, for example, has a lot of connective tissue that breaks down during the long, slow cooking process, resulting in tender meat. A bottom or top round cut of beef is another option, though it is leaner than a chuck roast or brisket, so you may want to add some extra fat like oil or butter during cooking to prevent it from drying out.

Ultimately, the best cut of meat for an instant pot roast is one that is well-marbled and has some fat content to ensure a juicy, tender final product.

Cooking a fresh chuck roast

A fresh chuck roast is a great option for a hearty family meal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook a fresh chuck roast in your Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

• 3-5 pound beef chuck roast
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika)
• 2-3 tablespoons of oil
• 1-2 cups of beef broth or stock
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4-5 carrots, chopped into large chunks
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• Optional: cornstarch and water for thickening the gravy

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Season the Meat: Start by seasoning your chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, or try other combinations like steak seasoning or a packet of onion soup mix. Make sure to coat all sides of the roast evenly.
• Sear the Meat: Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a tablespoon or two of oil. Once the oil is hot, use tongs to place the roast in the pot. Sear the meat for 3-4 minutes on each side until it is nicely browned. Then, transfer the roast to a clean plate.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic to the remaining oil. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are softened and lightly browned. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also add other vegetables like celery or mushrooms at this stage.
• Deglaze the Pot: Pour in about half a cup of beef broth or stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step will add flavor to your dish and prevent the "burn" notice on your Instant Pot.
• Add Liquid and Herbs: Return the seared roast to the pot, along with the remaining beef broth. You can also add some bouillon cubes or mix to enhance the flavor. For extra flavor and tenderness, you can also add a splash of red wine, apple cider vinegar, or horseradish.
• Pressure Cook: Close and secure the lid of your Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to the "sealing" position. Set the pressure cook time based on the weight of your roast. For a fresh 3-pound roast, cook at high pressure for 60 minutes. Adjust the time accordingly for larger or smaller roasts (around 20 minutes per pound).
• Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for at least 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release the remaining pressure by moving the valve to the "venting" position.
• Shred the Meat: Open the lid and transfer the roast to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into chunks or slices, depending on your preference.
• Make Gravy (Optional): If you want to make a gravy, remove the vegetables and herbs from the cooking liquid. Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and let the liquid simmer until it reduces by about a quarter. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this mixture into the reduced liquid and continue whisking until it thickens into a gravy.
• Serve: Your fresh chuck roast is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sides. Don't forget to drizzle the delicious gravy over the meat and veggies.

Tips for Success:

• For a more intense flavor, try searing the meat before pressure cooking. However, if you're short on time or prefer a quicker method, you can skip the searing step and go directly to pressure cooking.
• When seasoning the meat, be generous and make sure to coat all sides evenly. This will ensure that your roast is flavorful throughout.
• If you want to add potatoes and carrots, consider their cooking time. These vegetables tend to cook faster than the roast, so you may want to add them towards the end of the pressure cooking process or cook them separately.
• For a richer and more flavorful gravy, use good-quality beef broth and add bouillon cubes or mix. You can also thicken the gravy by creating a cornstarch slurry and whisking it into the reduced cooking liquid.

Now you're ready to cook a delicious fresh chuck roast in your Instant Pot! Enjoy the tender, juicy, and flavorful meal with your family and friends.

How to store leftovers

Storing leftovers is a great way to ensure that your food doesn't go to waste. Here are some tips on how to store your leftover chuck roast:

Refrigeration

Leftovers should be refrigerated as soon as possible and can be safely stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. Make sure to use airtight containers to prevent the food from drying out or absorbing odours from other items in the fridge.

Freezing

If you have a large amount of leftovers or don't plan on eating them within a few days, freezing is a great option. Leftover chuck roast can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag and ensure it is sealed properly.

Reheating

When reheating your leftover chuck roast, it's important to do so properly to maintain its signature quality. Here are three methods you can use:

• Microwave: Place the leftover chuck roast in a bowl with a splash of the roast juice, beef broth, or water. Cover the bowl with cling film, poking a few holes with a toothpick. Reheat in 30-second intervals, checking the meat each time to avoid overcooking.
• Slow cooker: Set your slow cooker to low heat and place the leftover roast, along with some of its juices and 1/2 to 1 cup of water (depending on the amount of roast), in the pot. Reheat for two to four hours, depending on the amount of roast.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the leftover chuck roast into smaller pieces and place them in a baking dish with some of the roast juices. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the meat is heated through.

Leftover Chuck Roast Recipes

If you're looking for some creative ways to use your leftover chuck roast, here are some delicious ideas:

• Shredded Beef Tacos: Reheat and shred your leftover chuck roast and serve it in tortillas with your favourite toppings.
• Leftover Chuck Roast Bagel: Slice or shred the leftover roast and serve it on a toasted bagel with mustard, mayonnaise, thinly sliced onions, gherkins, and capers.
• Cuban Crispy Beef With Rice: Marinate the leftover chuck roast in lime juice and garlic, then crisp it up in a skillet and serve with rice and black beans.
• Stuffed Baked Potato: Bake a large potato and fill it with leftover chuck roast, hot dogs, bacon, and your favourite toppings.
• Italian Beef Sandwich: Reheat and re-season the leftover meat in broth, then serve it on a sandwich with provolone cheese.
• Leftover Chuck Roast Hash: Combine leftover roast with potatoes and eggs for a hearty breakfast skillet.
• Enchiladas: Dip small tortillas in enchilada sauce, grill them, and fill them with leftover chuck roast, cheese, and your choice of toppings.
• Boeuf Bourguignon: Reheat the leftover roast in wine and combine it with mushrooms and onions for a French classic.
• Chuck Roast Patty Melt: Caramelise some onions and combine them with the leftover chuck roast. Top with provolone and cheddar cheese and grill or toast until melted.
• Beef Stroganoff: Combine leftover chuck roast with other tender cuts of meat, like flank steak or sirloin, in a rich and creamy sauce.
• Beef Quesadillas: Fill quesadillas with leftover chuck roast and serve with pico de gallo and sour cream.
• French Dip Sliders: Fill sliders with leftover chuck roast and serve with au jus for a juicy sandwich.
• Shepherd's Pie: Combine leftover roast with vegetables and broth and bake between layers of mashed potatoes.
• Vegetable Beef Soup: Simmer leftover chuck roast with your favourite vegetables in a hearty soup.

Frequently asked questions