How Long to Cook Beef Cubes to Perfection in Your Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, making dishes that once took hours now possible in minutes. With its pressurized environment, the Instant Pot can turn even the toughest cuts of meat into fork-tender morsels in no time. This includes transforming cubes of chuck roast or stew meat into melt-in-your-mouth beef perfection.

But exactly how long do you need to cook beef cubes in the Instant Pot to achieve the ideal texture? The precise timing depends on a few factors, which we’ll explore in this complete guide. Read on for tips, tricks, and recipes to help you make tasty Instant Pot beef cubes every time!

Benefits of Cooking Beef Cubes in the Instant Pot

There are several advantages that make the Instant Pot shine for cooking beef cubes:

• Speed – Beef cubes cook up ultra-fast in the Instant Pot. Save hours compared to oven braising or stovetop simmering.

• Convenience – Make an entire beef dish from start to finish in one pot. Sauté, simmer, and pressure cook all in one appliance

• Flavor – Intense heat drives seasoning into the meat and concentrates flavors. Broths and sauces reduce down for robust taste.

• Tenderness – High pressure transforms tough cuts into fall-apart tender morsels by breaking down connective tissues.

• Juiciness – Quick cook times seal in moisture so beef cubes stay succulent and juicy.

Factors That Affect Cook Time

Several key factors impact how long to cook cubed beef in the Instant Pot:

• Size of cubes – Small 1-inch cubes cook faster than large 2-3 inch chunks. Uniform size is key.

• Quantity of beef – Cooking more beef cubes adds to pressurize time. Don’t overstuff the pot.

• Type of cut – Tougher cuts like chuck need longer cook times than tenderloin or sirloin.

• Amount of liquid – More liquid lengthens the time for pressure to build. Use the minimum needed.

• Presence of bones – Boneless cubes cook marginally quicker than bone-in beef.

• Instant Pot model – Newer models may cook slightly faster than older versions.

• Altitude – Higher altitudes require added cooking time in pressure cookers.

Now let’s dive into exactly how long to cook common cuts and amounts of beef cubes.

Cook Times for Beef Cubes

For 1-inch cubes from chuck roast or stew meat, cook:

• 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds bone-in: 25-35 minutes
• 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds boneless: 20-25 minutes
• 1 1⁄2 to 2 pounds bone-in or boneless: 30-35 minutes

For 2-inch chunks from chuck or stew meat, cook:

• 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds bone-in: 35-40 minutes
• 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds boneless: 25-30 minutes
• 1 1⁄2 to 2 pounds bone-in or boneless: 35-40 minutes

These general guidelines will result in perfectly tender beef after pressure cooking. Check doneness and adjust cook time as needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps for foolproof Instant Pot beef cubes:

1. Cut beef into 1-2 inch cubes and pat dry. Trim excess fat.

2. Season cubes all over with salt, pepper, herbs or spices.

3. Sauté aromatics like onions and garlic to build flavor.

4. Brown beef in batches if desired for caramelized flavor.

5. Deglaze pot with broth, scooping up browned bits.

6. Add remaining ingredients – beef, vegetables, seasonings. Don’t overfill.

7. Pressure cook on High for recommended time based on cut and quantity.

8. Natural release for at least 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.

9. Check doneness. Cook longer if needed for tender cubes.

10. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Handy Tips for Success

• Cut uniform sized cubes for even cooking.

• Generously season cubes before cooking to amplify flavor.

• Brown beef in batches for the best caramelized flavor.

• Use the minimum liquid needed for your recipe to reduce pressurize time.

• Allow natural release to prevent overcooking from quick release.

• Note cook times and adjust in future batches for doneness preference.

• Let pressure fully drop before opening lid to avoid spatter accidents.

In no time you’ll be an expert on cooking melt-in-your-mouth beef cubes in the Instant Pot!

FAQs About Cooking Beef Cubes

What cut of beef works best?

Chuck roast and stew meat shine with their flavor and tenderizing connective tissues. Avoid expensive cuts like tenderloin.

Can I double the recipe?

It’s better to cook in batches to prevent changes in pressurize and cook times.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

Browning builds tremendous flavor but isn’t mandatory. At minimum sauté aromatics.

Should I quick release or natural release pressure?

Natural release is often recommended to prevent overcooking, but follow recipe directions.

What if my beef cubes are under or overcooked?

For underdone cubes, cook longer in 5 minute increments. For overcooked meat, reduce time.

Tips for Adding Flavor

While cook time is key, don’t forget to add flavor with:

• Marinades: Let cubes soak in a flavorful marinade before cooking.

• Spice rubs: Coat cubes in bold spice rubs – chili, cumin, garlic, paprika.

• Herbs and aromatics: Rosemary, thyme, garlic, and onion add flavor.

• Sauces and glazes: Toss cooked cubes in bbq, teriyaki, hoisin, or other sauces.

• Caramelization: Browning the beef builds tremendous savory depth.

• Reduced cooking liquids: Concentrate flavors by simmering sauces after pressure cooking.

With the simple tips above, you can easily achieve tasty and tender pressure cooked beef cubes for all your favorite recipes. Master the simple art of cooking beef in your Instant Pot and enjoy fall-apart tender meat any night of the week.