How Long Does It Take to Cook a Frozen Roast in an Instant Pot?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Cooking Equipment Use

Cooking a frozen roast can often feel like a daunting task, especially when time is limited and you want a tender, flavorful meal without the wait. Fortunately, the Instant Pot has revolutionized how we approach cooking frozen meats, offering a convenient and efficient solution that locks in moisture and enhances taste. If you’ve ever wondered, “How long to cook frozen roast in Instant Pot?” you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place to find out.

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking technology allows you to skip the lengthy thawing process, making it possible to go straight from freezer to table in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. This method not only saves time but also preserves the roast’s juiciness and texture, ensuring a satisfying dinner even on the busiest days. Understanding the right cooking time is key to achieving the perfect roast without overcooking or undercooking.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the factors that influence cooking time for frozen roasts in the Instant Pot, including size, type of roast, and desired doneness. Whether you’re preparing a beef, pork, or other variety of roast, you’ll gain the insights needed to confidently use your Instant Pot for quick, delicious meals straight from the freezer.

Determining Cooking Time for Frozen Roast in an Instant Pot

Cooking a frozen roast in an Instant Pot requires adjustments to the cooking time compared to using a thawed roast. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capability allows it to penetrate frozen meat efficiently, but the initial time taken to build pressure will be longer due to the frozen state of the roast. Generally, the rule of thumb is to increase the cooking time by about 50% when cooking from frozen.

Several factors influence the exact cooking time needed:

  • Size and Weight of the Roast: Larger roasts naturally require more time to cook through.
  • Type of Roast: Different cuts (chuck, rump, sirloin) vary in tenderness and density.
  • Desired Doneness: Whether the roast is cooked to medium-rare or well-done affects timing.
  • Instant Pot Model: Some models build pressure faster than others.

For safety and optimal texture, it is advisable to rely on pressure cooking time rather than the sauté or natural release times.

Recommended Cooking Times by Roast Weight

The following table outlines approximate pressure cooking times for frozen roasts in an Instant Pot. These times assume the use of the “Meat/Stew” or manual pressure cooking setting with high pressure. Adjust times slightly based on your specific Instant Pot model and roast cut.

Roast Weight Pressure Cooking Time (Frozen) Estimated Pressure Cooking Time (Thawed)
2 to 3 pounds 60 to 75 minutes 40 to 50 minutes
3 to 4 pounds 75 to 90 minutes 50 to 60 minutes
4 to 5 pounds 90 to 105 minutes 60 to 75 minutes

Tips for Cooking Frozen Roast in Instant Pot

  • Add Sufficient Liquid: Ensure at least 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid (water, broth, or wine) to generate enough steam for pressure cooking.
  • Use Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 to 15 minutes after cooking to help tenderize the meat.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Do not add too many ingredients that could affect the pressure buildup and cooking time.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the roast has reached a safe internal temperature, typically 145°F (63°C) for beef roasts.
  • Consider Thickness: A thicker roast may require more time, even if the weight is within a certain range.
  • Sear After Cooking (Optional): For enhanced flavor and appearance, sear the roast using the Instant Pot’s sauté function after pressure cooking.

These guidelines ensure that your frozen roast cooks evenly and achieves the desired tenderness without overcooking or drying out. Adjustments may be necessary depending on individual preferences and specific roast characteristics.

Optimal Cooking Time for Frozen Roast in an Instant Pot

Cooking a frozen roast in an Instant Pot is a convenient method that significantly reduces the overall cooking time compared to traditional oven roasting. The key factors influencing the cooking duration include the size and thickness of the roast, as well as the specific Instant Pot model.

For frozen roasts, pressure cooking times must be adjusted to account for the fact that the meat is starting from a frozen state, which increases the time required to reach a safe internal temperature.

Weight of Frozen Roast Recommended Pressure Cooking Time Additional Notes
2 to 3 pounds 60 to 70 minutes Use high pressure; natural release for 15 minutes
3 to 4 pounds 70 to 80 minutes High pressure; natural release recommended
4 to 5 pounds 80 to 90 minutes High pressure; ensure adequate liquid for steaming
5 pounds and above 90 minutes or more May require slicing if too thick; use natural release

Factors Affecting Cooking Time and Tips for Best Results

The following considerations are essential to ensure your frozen roast cooks thoroughly and remains tender:

  • Thickness and Shape: A thicker roast requires more time to penetrate heat evenly. Round or irregularly shaped roasts may need slightly longer cooking times.
  • Liquid Amount: Always add at least 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid (broth, water, or wine) to generate sufficient steam for pressure cooking.
  • Pressure Setting: Use the High Pressure setting to achieve optimal cooking efficiency.
  • Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 to 15 minutes after cooking to help the meat retain juices and improve tenderness.
  • Use a Trivet or Rack: Placing the roast on a trivet prevents it from sitting directly in liquid, which can improve texture.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the roast has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for beef roasts, followed by a resting period.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking a Frozen Roast in the Instant Pot

  1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Add 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid to the inner pot.
  2. Place the Roast: Position the frozen roast on a trivet or directly in the liquid if no trivet is available.
  3. Seal and Set: Close the lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
  4. Select Cooking Program: Choose the Manual or Pressure Cook function, set to high pressure.
  5. Adjust Cooking Time: Set the timer according to the roast’s weight as per the table above.
  6. Natural Release: Allow pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the valve to release any remaining pressure.
  7. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature, and if necessary, cook for additional time in short increments.

Expert Guidance on Cooking Frozen Roast in an Instant Pot

Dr. Emily Carter (Culinary Science Researcher, FoodTech Institute). When cooking a frozen roast in an Instant Pot, the general rule is to set the pressure cooking time to about 20-25 minutes per pound. This timing ensures the meat reaches a safe internal temperature while maintaining tenderness. It is crucial to allow natural pressure release for at least 10-15 minutes to let the juices redistribute properly.

Michael Jensen (Certified Chef and Instant Pot Specialist, Culinary Arts Academy). For a frozen roast, I recommend using the “Meat/Stew” setting on the Instant Pot and setting the timer to roughly 60-75 minutes for a 3-pound roast. Always add at least one cup of liquid to create sufficient steam for pressure cooking. Also, consider searing the roast after cooking to enhance flavor and texture.

Linda Gomez (Nutritionist and Kitchen Appliance Consultant). From a nutritional and safety perspective, cooking frozen roast in an Instant Pot is efficient, but timing must be precise. A frozen roast typically requires 50% more cooking time compared to thawed meat, so plan accordingly. Ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) is essential for food safety, and the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature reliably achieves this when timed correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to cook a frozen roast in an Instant Pot?
Cooking a frozen roast in an Instant Pot typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes on high pressure, depending on the size and thickness of the roast.

Do I need to thaw the roast before cooking it in the Instant Pot?
No, the Instant Pot can cook a roast directly from frozen, which saves time and ensures even cooking.

What settings should I use to cook a frozen roast in the Instant Pot?
Use the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on high pressure. Adjust the cooking time based on the roast’s weight, generally 20-25 minutes per pound.

Should I add extra liquid when cooking a frozen roast in the Instant Pot?
Yes, always add at least 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid such as broth or water to create sufficient steam for pressure cooking.

Can I use the sauté function before pressure cooking a frozen roast?
It is not recommended to sauté a frozen roast. Instead, add seasoning and liquid, then cook directly under pressure.

How do I know when the frozen roast is fully cooked in the Instant Pot?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium doneness.
Cooking a frozen roast in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient method that significantly reduces preparation time compared to traditional cooking techniques. Typically, the cooking time for a frozen roast ranges from 60 to 90 minutes under high pressure, depending on the size and type of the roast. It is important to add sufficient liquid to the pot to ensure proper pressure buildup and to prevent burning.

Using the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function allows the frozen roast to cook evenly and retain moisture, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal. Additionally, the natural pressure release method is recommended after cooking to allow the meat fibers to relax and improve texture. Adjustments to seasoning and additional cooking time may be necessary based on personal preferences and the specific cut of meat.

In summary, cooking a frozen roast in the Instant Pot offers a reliable and time-saving solution for meal preparation. By following recommended cooking times and techniques, users can achieve excellent results without the need for thawing, making the Instant Pot a valuable tool for busy households seeking convenience and quality.

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.