If you’re looking for the best Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This easy, foolproof recipe delivers juicy, smoky, and fall-apart tender beef in under 90 minutes. Whether you want to make BBQ beef sandwiches, serve it over mashed potatoes, or use it for meal prep, this Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe is packed with bold flavors and effortless to make.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from selecting the best cut of beef to perfecting the Instant Pot Pro settings for the most tender results. Ready to make the bestInstant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe ever? Let’s get started!
Looking for more delicious Instant Pot recipes? Check out our Instant Pot Yogurt Recipe for a creamy, homemade treat!
Introduction to Instant Pot BBQ Beef
Why Choose the Instant Pot Pro for BBQ Beef?
The Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe is an excellent tool for making Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe because:
- It locks in moisture and flavor while cooking under pressure.
- The high-pressure cooking process breaks down tough connective tissues, making even leaner cuts tender.
- It significantly reduces cooking time compared to slow cookers or stovetop methods.
Whether you’re short on time or want to ensure consistently tender results, the Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe is the best method for preparing Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe .
What Makes This Recipe Special?
ThisInstant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe stands out because:
✔️ Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – Just a few pantry staples create a rich, smoky BBQ taste.
✔️ Versatile Uses – Serve it in sandwiches, on rice, or with mashed potatoes.
✔️ Foolproof Cooking Process – With the right settings, even a beginner can nail this recipe.
Essential Ingredients for the Best BBQ Beef
To create the ultimate Instant Pot BBQ beef, you’ll need:
- Beef Roast (Chuck Roast or Bottom Round) – The best cuts for tenderness.
- BBQ Sauce – Homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference.
- Beef Broth or Water – Helps create a rich cooking base.
- Onions & Garlic – For added depth of flavor.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika) – Enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
- Liquid Smoke (Optional) – Gives it that authentic smoky BBQ flavor.
Choosing the Best Cut for Instant Pot BBQ Beef
The key to juicy, tender Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe starts with picking the right cut. Since the Instant Pot Pro uses high-pressure cooking, some cuts perform better than others.
Chuck Roast vs. Bottom Round: Which One Works Best?
The best cuts for Instant Pot BBQ beef are those with marbling (fat content), which helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
| Beef Cut | Texture & Flavor | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck Roast (Recommended) | Rich, tender, fall-apart texture | BBQ beef, shredded beef, sandwiches |
| Bottom Round Roast | Leaner, firmer texture, less marbling | Slicing, serving over rice or mashed potatoes |
| Brisket (Alternative) | Dense but flavorful, needs longer cook time | Smoky BBQ-style beef |
Why Marbling Matters for Flavor
Marbling refers to the thin streaks of fat within the meat. The more marbling, the juicier and more flavorful your Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe will be. As the beef cooks under pressure, the fat melts into the meat, keeping it from drying out.
- Chuck roast has more marbling, making it the best choice for BBQ beef.
- Bottom round is leaner, so you may need to add extra liquid or shred it finely to keep it tender.
Trimming Fat: Should You Do It?
- If your chuck roast has excessive fat, trim some off before cooking.
- However, leave some fat for moisture—it will render down during cooking.
- After cooking, you can skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid if needed.
Essential Ingredients for the Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe
To make the best Instant Pot BBQ beef, you need the right mix of ingredients to enhance the beef’s natural flavor while adding that signature sweet, smoky BBQ taste.
Key BBQ Sauce Ingredients
BBQ sauce is the heart of this recipe. You can use store-bought or make your own. Here’s a simple, delicious homemade BBQ sauce:
Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
- 1 ½ cups ketchup (base ingredient)
- ½ cup brown sugar (adds sweetness)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (balances flavors with acidity)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika (essential for smoky BBQ flavor)
- 1 tsp chili powder (adds mild spice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (extra flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional but enhances the smoky taste)
Using Liquid Smoke for That Smoky BBQ Flavor
Liquid smoke gives your Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe that slow-smoked, outdoor BBQ taste without using a smoker.
- Best Flavors of Liquid Smoke:
- Hickory – Classic deep, smoky BBQ taste
- Mesquite – Stronger, earthy smoke flavor
- Applewood – Slightly sweet and mild
Best Seasonings to Use for BBQ Beef
While BBQ sauce adds flavor, seasoning the beef before cooking ensures every bite is well-seasoned.
Best Dry Rub for BBQ Beef
- 1 tbsp salt (enhances natural beef flavor)
- 1 tbsp black pepper (adds boldness)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (smoky taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (rich depth)
- ½ tsp onion powder (savory kick)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to make this tender, flavorful Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe.
Step 1: Prepping the Beef
- Trim excess fat – Remove large chunks of fat but keep some for moisture.
- Cut into large chunks – This helps the beef cook evenly.
- Season generously – Rub the beef with the dry seasoning mix (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, etc.).
- Let it sit – Allow the meat to absorb the flavors for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Searing for Extra Flavor
Searing the beef locks in juices and adds a deep, rich flavor to your BBQ beef.
- Turn the Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe to “Sauté” mode and let it heat up.
- Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the pot.
- Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until it’s nicely browned.
- Remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Onions
- Add sliced onions to the Instant Pot.
- Sauté for 2 minutes, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze (remove any browned bits).
- Pour in 1 ½ cups beef broth or water to fully deglaze.
Step 4: Pressure Cooking the Beef
- Return the seared beef chunks to the Instant Pot.
- Pour in 1 cup BBQ sauce (save the rest for after cooking).
- Add 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional for extra smokiness).
- Secure the lid and set the vent to “Sealing.”
- Select “Pressure Cook” (Manual) on High Pressure for 60 minutes (for a 3-4 lb roast).
- Once done, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 10-15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shredding & Adding BBQ Sauce
- Remove the beef and shred it using two forks.
- Skim off excess fat from the liquid in the pot.
- Mix the shredded beef with extra BBQ sauce (adjust to taste).
Step 6: Serving the BBQ Beef
Your Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe is now ready to serve! Here are some great serving ideas:
- Classic BBQ beef sandwiches on toasted buns
- Over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal
- In tortillas or pita bread for BBQ beef tacos
- As a protein topping for salads
Adjusting Cooking Time Based on Beef Size
Cooking times in the Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe depend on the size and cut of beef you’re using. If your beef is undercooked and tough, don’t worry—we’ll cover how to fix it below.
How Long to Cook Beef in Instant Pot Per Pound?
Here’s a simple cooking time guide for different cuts of beef:
| Beef Cut | Weight | Pressure Cook Time | Release Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck Roast | 2 lbs | 45 minutes | 10 min NPR |
| Chuck Roast | 3-4 lbs | 60 minutes | 15 min NPR |
| Bottom Round | 3-4 lbs | 70 minutes | 15 min NPR |
| Brisket | 3-4 lbs | 75-80 minutes | 15 min NPR |
What to Do If the Beef is Still Tough?
If your beef isn’t shredding easily, it may need more time to break down the connective tissue. Here’s what to do:
- Check the texture: If it feels rubbery or tough, it needs more time.
- Put it back in the Instant Pot: Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Make sure there’s enough liquid: Add ½ cup extra broth if needed.
- Use Natural Pressure Release (NPR): A longer release time helps tenderize the meat.
Natural vs. Quick Pressure Release: Which is Best?
- Natural Pressure Release (NPR) – Best for large, tough cuts like chuck roast. Helps retain moisture and prevents dryness.
- Quick Pressure Release (QPR) – Only recommended for small cuts (under 2 lbs) to avoid overcooking.
How to Thicken & Enhance the BBQ Sauce
A great BBQ beef recipe isn’t complete without a rich, flavorful sauce. Here’s how to thicken, adjust, and enhance your BBQ sauce for the best results.
How to Thicken BBQ Sauce in the Instant Pot
If your sauce is too thin, try these methods to thicken it:
1. Reduce the Liquid Using “Sauté” Mode
- After removing the beef, set the Instant Pot Pro to “Sauté” mode.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The excess liquid will evaporate, leaving a thicker sauce.
2. Add a Cornstarch Slurry
- Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Stir into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
3. Blend the Onions into the Sauce
- Use an immersion blender to puree the onions directly in the pot.
- This naturally thickens the sauce while adding extra flavor.
How to Adjust BBQ Sauce Flavor
If your BBQ sauce doesn’t taste perfect, adjust it with these simple fixes:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Too Sweet? | Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. |
| Too Tangy? | Stir in 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey to balance flavors. |
| Not Smoky Enough? | Add ½ tsp liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika. |
| Too Spicy? | Mix in 1-2 tbsp ketchup or a bit of honey to mellow out the heat. |
Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
Now that we’ve perfected our Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe, let’s talk about the best ways to serve it and what side dishes pair well with it.
BBQ Beef Sandwiches: Best Breads & Toppings
One of the most popular ways to serve Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe is in a sandwich. Here’s how to build the ultimate BBQ beef sandwich:
Best Breads for BBQ Beef Sandwiches
- Brioche buns – Buttery and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up BBQ sauce.
- Kaiser rolls – Sturdy and holds up well to juicy shredded beef.
- Pretzel buns – Adds a slight saltiness that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
- Texas toast – Thick-cut, buttery toast for an open-faced sandwich.
Tasty Toppings for BBQ Beef
- Coleslaw – Adds crunch and balances the rich beef.
- Pickles – A tangy contrast to the sweet BBQ sauce.
- Jalapeños – For a spicy kick.
- Cheddar cheese – Melts perfectly over warm BBQ beef.
- Crispy onions – Adds a satisfying crunch.
Serving BBQ Beef Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes
If you prefer a hearty meal without bread, try these options:
1️⃣ BBQ Beef & Rice – Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or Cajun-style dirty rice for a flavorful meal.
2️⃣ BBQ Beef & Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich BBQ sauce, making each bite irresistible.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly BBQ Beef Ideas
For a low-carb meal, skip the bread and try these ideas:
- BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps – Use large romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves as a wrap.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Fill roasted bell peppers with BBQ beef for a nutritious meal.
- BBQ Beef Over Cauliflower Mash – A keto-friendly substitute for mashed potatoes.
- BBQ Beef with Roasted Veggies – Pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or asparagus.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with BBQ Beef
Here are some classic and creative sides to pair with your Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe:
| Classic BBQ Sides | Creative Twists |
|---|---|
| Cornbread | Sweet potato fries |
| Baked beans | Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze |
| Coleslaw | Grilled pineapple slices |
| Mac & cheese | Cauliflower mac & cheese |
| Potato salad | Avocado cucumber salad |
Instant Pot Pro Settings & Troubleshooting Tips
Using the Instant Pot Pro correctly ensures your BBQ beef turns out tender, juicy, and flavorful every time. In this section, we’ll cover the best settings to use, what to do if your Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe doesn’t have a specific button, and how much water to add for perfect results.
What Is the Meat Setting on Instant Pot Pro?
The “Meat/Stew” setting on the Instant Pot Pro is a preset for cooking tougher cuts of meat. It automatically selects:
✔ High pressure
✔ 35 minutes (adjustable based on meat size)
💡 Best Practice:
For BBQ beef, use “Pressure Cook” on High Pressure for 60 minutes instead of the preset. This ensures the meat fully breaks down for shredding.
What If My Instant Pot Doesn’t Have a “Meat/Stew” Button?
If your Instant Pot model doesn’t have a “Meat/Stew” button, don’t worry! Just use the manual “Pressure Cook” setting and set it to:
- 60 minutes for a 3-4 lb chuck roast
- 70 minutes for a 3-4 lb bottom round roast
- 75-80 minutes for a brisket
How Much Water to Put in a Pressure Cooker for Meat?
To prevent the Instant Pot from burning, always add enough liquid to create steam for pressure cooking.
For BBQ beef, use:
✔ 1 ½ cups beef broth (adds flavor)
✔ Or 1 ½ cups water (if you don’t have broth)
✔ Never use less than 1 cup of liquid!
Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Issues
If you run into any problems, here’s how to fix them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot won’t pressurize | Make sure the sealing ring is in place and the vent is set to “Sealing.” |
| Burn notice on display | Scrape any stuck bits off the bottom after sautéing. Add extra ½ cup liquid if needed. |
| Beef is too tough | Put it back in for 10-15 more minutes on high pressure. |
| Too much liquid in the pot | Use “Sauté” mode to simmer and reduce the sauce. |
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating BBQ Beef
If you have leftovers (or want to meal prep), this Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe stores and reheats beautifully. Let’s go over the best methods for keeping it fresh and flavorful.
Best Ways to Store Leftover BBQ Beef
Proper storage keeps your BBQ beef moist and delicious for days. Follow these simple steps:
1️⃣ Cool the beef completely – Let it cool for 15-20 minutes before storing to prevent condensation.
2️⃣ Use an airtight container – Keeps moisture in and prevents fridge odors from affecting the taste.
3️⃣ Store with extra sauce – Mixing in a bit of BBQ sauce before storing helps prevent the meat from drying out.
Storage Time in the Fridge
- Shredded BBQ beef lasts 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep it in an airtight container or sealed zip-top bag.
How to Freeze BBQ Beef for Meal Prep
BBQ beef freezes really well, making it great for meal prepping.
1️⃣ Let the beef cool completely.
2️⃣ Divide into meal-sized portions (so you don’t have to thaw everything at once).
3️⃣ Store in freezer bags or airtight containers.
4️⃣ Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
5️⃣ Label with the date so you know when you made it.
Freezer Storage Time
- Shredded BBQ beef lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Use a vacuum sealer for even longer storage.
Best Ways to Reheat BBQ Beef Without Drying It Out
To keep your BBQ beef tender and juicy, follow these reheating tips:
1. Reheating in the Microwave (Fastest Method)
- Place BBQ beef in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add 1-2 tbsp of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
- Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
2. Reheating on the Stovetop (Best for Flavor)
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of beef broth or BBQ sauce.
- Stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
3. Reheating in the Instant Pot (Best for Large Batches)
- Add ½ cup beef broth or BBQ sauce to the Instant Pot.
- Use the “Keep Warm” setting or the “Sauté” function on Low for 5 minutes.
- Stir and serve once heated through.
Final Thought: Meal Prep Idea with BBQ Beef
Make a big batch of this Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe and store it for quick, easy meals throughout the week. Here are some meal prep ideas:
- BBQ beef sliders for lunch
- BBQ beef tacos for dinner
- BBQ beef-stuffed sweet potatoes for a healthy meal
- BBQ beef over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner
FAQs
Why is my beef tough in the Instant Pot?
Tough beef happens when the connective tissues haven’t broken down fully. Here’s how to fix it:
✔ Cook it longer – If the beef isn’t shredding easily, return it to the Instant Pot for another 10-15 minutes on high pressure.
✔ Use Natural Pressure Release (NPR) – Let the Instant Pot sit for at least 10-15 minutes before releasing pressure.
✔ Choose the right cut – Chuck roast works best for tender, shreddable BBQ beef.
What is the best cut of beef to use in an Instant Pot?
The best cuts for Instant Pot BBQ beef are:
✔ Chuck Roast – Best for shredding, high in marbling.
✔ Bottom Round Roast – Leaner but still works well with longer cooking.
✔ Brisket – Very flavorful but needs a longer cook time.
How long to cook beef in the Instant Pot per pound?
Use this guide for perfectly cooked BBQ beef:
| Beef Weight | Cook Time (High Pressure) | Natural Release (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs | 45 minutes | 10 minutes |
| 3-4 lbs | 60 minutes | 15 minutes |
| 5 lbs | 75 minutes | 15 minutes |
What is the meat setting on Instant Pot Pro?
The Meat/Stew setting is a preset function that automatically selects:
✔ High pressure
✔ 35-minute cook time (adjustable)
How much water to put in a pressure cooker for meat?
For Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe, always use at least 1 cup of liquid to create steam and prevent burning.
✔ Best option: 1 ½ cups beef broth (adds flavor)
✔ Alternative: 1 ½ cups water (if you don’t have broth)
🔥 Too much liquid? After cooking, use the “Sauté” mode to reduce the sauce.
What if my Instant Pot does not have a “Meat/Stew” button?
No problem! Simply use:
✔ “Pressure Cook” (Manual) on High Pressure
✔ Set the time based on the weight of your beef (see chart above)
