This Instant Pot pot roast is unbelievably delicious. It has melt-in-your-mouth tender beef and a gravy that’s out of this world. I cannot wait for you to try this easy recipe!.
I’ve fallen hard for this Instant Pot pot roast recipe. I use my 6-quart Instant Pot, but any electric pressure cooker works for this recipe.
The beef in this pot roast is so tender. I love to shred it and put it on top of mashed potatoes, which I make in the Instant Pot with fresh potatoes. Delicious!.
Beef tenderloin is considered one of the most tender, delicious, and versatile cuts of beef. Its buttery smooth texture and mild flavor make it perfect for everything from elegant roasts to easy weeknight meals. While tenderloin can be prepared using various cooking methods, using an instant pot is one of the fastest and most foolproof ways to cook this premium cut of meat.
With an instant pot, you can cook beef tenderloin from start to finish in under an hour without sacrificing any flavor or tenderness The pressurized environment gently forces steam into the meat, breaking down tough tissues and yielding incredibly tender results every time
Read on to learn everything you need to know about cooking times, tips and tricks for making the most succulent beef tenderloin in your instant pot.
Factors that Determine Beef Tenderloin Cook Times
Several factors impact how long beef tenderloin needs to cook in an instant pot to reach your desired level of doneness. Here are the key considerations:
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Weight and thickness – A whole 2-3 lb tenderloin needs more time than individual 1 lb portions Thicker cuts also require longer cook times
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Level of doneness – Rare tenderloin cooks faster than medium-well or well-done.
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Frozen vs. thawed – Frozen beef needs extra pressure cooking time to safely thaw and come up to temperature.
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Altitude – At higher elevations, increase pressure cook times by 5-15%.
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Quantity – Cooking multiple tenderloins stacked may increase cook times slightly.
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Natural vs. quick release – Natural release adds carryover cooking so reduce cook times slightly.
Taking these factors into account will help you determine the ideal instant pot cook times for your beef tenderloin.
Cook Times for Whole Beef Tenderloin
For a whole, untrimmed tenderloin between 2-3 pounds, these instant pot cook times generally apply:
- Rare: 20-22 minutes
- Medium rare: 25 minutes
- Medium: 28-30 minutes
- Medium well: 35-40 minutes
- Well done: 40-50 minutes
Use natural pressure release after cooking. These times are based on a thawed tenderloin. Add 5 extra minutes minimum if cooking frozen.
For best results, choose a tenderloin around 2.5 pounds. Larger cuts over 3 pounds run the risk of uneven cooking in an instant pot. For very large tenderloins, it is better to cut in half and cook two smaller roasts.
Guidelines for Partial Tenderloin Cuts
If cooking just a portion of tenderloin, reduce cook times following these guidelines:
- 1 lb tenderloin filet or roast:
- Rare: 7-9 minutes
- Medium rare: 10-12 minutes
- Medium: 13-15 minutes
- 1.5 lb tenderloin filet or roast:
- Rare: 10-13 minutes
- Medium rare: 15-18 minutes
- Medium: 20 minutes
The thickness of the cut will also impact the time needed. Plan for extra minutes if working with a very thick portion.
For tenderloin steaks under 1 inch thick, it’s best to pan sear or grill them instead of pressure cooking to prevent overcooking.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Tenderloin in an Instant Pot
Follow these tips for the most flavorful, juicy instant pot beef tenderloin every time:
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Pat dry and generously season the beef before pressure cooking for the best flavor.
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Brown the tenderloin first using the Saute function to develop a rich, caramelized crust.
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Add aromatics like garlic, shallots, herbs and spices to the pot along with 1 cup broth or wine.
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Use a trivet or steamer basket if cooking tenderloin alone to prevent burning on the pot bottom.
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Allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 15 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.
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Check for doneness by taking internal temperatures in a few spots using a meat thermometer.
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Always let the tenderloin rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it.
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas
Beef tenderloin’s mild flavor pairs well with all different seasonings and ingredients. Here are some serving suggestions:
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Herb-crusted – Coat with Dijon, fresh herbs and panko for a crispy crust.
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Peppercorn sauce – Classic creamy, peppery sauce.
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Red wine reduction – Intensify flavors with a rich red wine glaze.
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Horseradish cream – Bright horseradish cuts through the richness.
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Mushroom medley – Sauteed mushrooms complement tenderloin perfectly.
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Roasted vegetables – Root veggies like potatoes, carrots and parsnips.
You can also turn tenderloin into easy meals like beef stroganoff, French onion beef tenderloin, or beef tenderloin tacos. Experiment with your favorite seasonings and sauces.
Common Questions about Instant Pot Beef Tenderloin
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to cook a 2 lb beef tenderloin in an instant pot?
For a 2 lb tenderloin, cook for 22-25 minutes on high pressure for rare to medium doneness. Use natural release.
Can you cook frozen beef tenderloin in an instant pot?
Yes, frozen tenderloin can go straight into the instant pot but add at least 5 extra minutes to the cook time.
Is beef tenderloin better cooked in instant pot or oven?
The instant pot yields more consistently tender meat, while the oven can sometimes dry out the lean tenderloin. Both work well with the right techniques.
Should you sear beef tenderloin before instant pot?
It is recommended to brown the tenderloin first as it significantly enhances flavor, but it is not strictly necessary.
How long does it take to cook 1 lb of beef tenderloin?
For a 1 lb portion, cook for just 7-10 minutes for rare to medium doneness. Adjust time as needed for thickness.
Get Perfectly Cooked Beef Tenderloin Every Time
Cooking beef tenderloin in the instant pot couldn’t be easier. With the right cook times and a few simple tips, you can enjoy incredibly tender, juicy and flavorful tenderloin ready in under an hour.
Refer to the guidelines above to determine the ideal pressure cook time based on the size and doneness you want. And don’t skip resting the meat after cooking for the most succulent results.
With minimal effort you can serve up restaurant-quality beef tenderloin with your choice of easy sauces and sides. Impress your family and guests with melt-in-your-mouth tenderloin straight from your instant pot!
How to Make Instant Pot Pot Roast
This Instant Pot pot roast recipe calls for you to use your pressure cooker for everything. First, use the sauté function to brown the beef all over until it’s golden brown. Then, move the beef to a plate.
After sear the beef, there will be some rendered beef fat left over. We will use that to cook the vegetables (hello flavor!)
There will be a lot of browned bits stuck at the bottom of the Instant Pot. We need to scrape those up before adding the beef back in. Take out the vegetables and add the beef broth, bouillon, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer the mixture while scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This step is building even more flavor!.
It’s time to return the beef and veggies to the pot. Then add the fresh herbs and potatoes. Seal the Instant Pot and cook at high pressure.
The cooking time depends on how much beef you have. I like to assume 20 minutes for every pound of meat. So, for my 3-pound beef chuck, I will need to cook at high pressure for 1 hour. After the hour, I release the pressure and shred the tender beef.
When the beef is done, you can make our optional gravy. After taking the meat, vegetables, and herbs out of the pot, you’ll use the sauté function to slowly cook the liquid until it thins out a bit. Then, you’ll whisk in a simple mixture of cornstarch and water and a splash of cream.
