How to Cook Frozen Beef in an Instant Pot – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking frozen beef in an instant pot is a game-changer for getting tender, juicy meat on the table fast. The instant pot’s pressurized environment rapidly thaws and cooks beef, saving you time and effort. In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through exactly how to cook frozen beef in an instant pot using simple tips and techniques.

Benefits of Using the Instant Pot for Frozen Beef

There are several advantages to using an instant pot for frozen beef:

• Fast thawing and cooking – The pressurized heat quickly thaws frozen beef and cooks it through. This greatly reduces cook times.

• Tender and moist meat – The instant pot keeps beef nice and juicy. The meat turns out super tender from edge to edge.

• Convenience – Skip overnight thawing. Toss beef in straight from the freezer.

• More flavor – Cooking under pressure infuses beef with seasonings and liquids

• Safe – The high heat pasteurizes beef, eliminating bacteria concerns

Tips for Cooking Frozen Beef in the Instant Pot

Follow these handy tips when cooking frozen beef in your instant pot:

• Cut beef into 1-inch chunks or smaller for even cooking.

• Add at least 1/2 cup liquid like broth or water to create steam.

• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, especially for large cuts.

• Allow pressure to naturally release to retain moisture in meat.

• Extend cook times 5-10 minutes for bone-in or larger frozen pieces.

• Brown ground beef or stew meat after cooking for better texture.

• Season beef after opening instant pot, not before.

How to Cook Frozen Beef Roast in the Instant Pot

Beef roasts like chuck or rump roast become fall-apart tender when cooked from frozen in an instant pot. Here are the simple steps:

1. Cut roast into 1-inch chunks and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Add 1 cup broth or water to instant pot. Add seasoned beef chunks to pot.

3. Pressure cook on High for 35-45 minutes depending on size. Allow natural release for 20 minutes.

4. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F.

5. Remove roast chunks and shred or slice to serve.

Frozen beef roast turns deliciously tender in just an hour start to finish!

Cooking Frozen Beef Stew Meat in the Instant Pot

You can quickly braise frozen beef stew meat into a simple dinner thanks to the instant pot. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Cut stew meat into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt, pepper, herbs.

2. Add beef and 1 cup broth to instant pot. Pressure cook 15 minutes.

3. Allow natural release for 10 minutes. Check beef is tender.

4. For thicker gravy, simmer uncovered until reduced.

5. Serve stew meat over mashed potatoes or pasta.

The pressurized environment softens up even the toughest frozen beef stew meat in 30 minutes or less.

How to Cook Frozen Ground Beef in the Instant Pot

You can skip dirtying an extra pan by cooking frozen ground beef right in the instant pot. Here’s all you need to do:

1. Add 1 cup water and trivet to instant pot. Top with 1-2 pounds frozen ground beef block.

2. Pressure cook on High for 25 minutes. Allow 10 minute natural release.

3. Remove cooked beef block and crumble with a fork.

4. Drain any excess liquid. Use as called for in recipes.

The instant pot gently thaws and cooks the frozen ground beef to perfection, ready to become tacos, chili, meatloaf and more!

Handy Instant Pot Frozen Beef Cook Time Charts

For easy reference, use these instant pot cook times when preparing frozen beef:

Frozen Beef Roast Cook Times

Frozen Beef Stew Meat Cook Times

Frozen Ground Beef Cook Times

Tips for Best Results

Here are some additional tips for successfully cooking frozen beef in the instant pot:

• Place beef on a trivet or steamer basket out of cooking liquid.

• For bone-in or larger cuts, add 5-10 extra minutes to cook time.

• Allow pressure to fully release naturally before opening lid.

• Use a meat thermometer for doneness, especially with large roasts.

• Cook beef in lower 1/3 of pot, away from heating element.

• Add fresh herbs and spices after cooking for best flavor.

More Delicious Ways to Use Instant Pot Frozen Beef

The possibilities are endless for turning frozen beef into delicious meals with the instant pot. Here are just a few recipe ideas:

• Barbecue Beef Sandwiches – Shred pressure cooked frozen beef roast and mix with barbecue sauce.

• Beef Enchiladas – Fill tortillas with seasoned instant pot frozen beef and top with sauce and cheese.

• Beef Stroganoff – Cook frozen beef chunks in mushroom gravy over egg noodles.

• Beef Chili Mac – Pressure cook frozen ground beef then mix with chili seasoning and macaroni.

• Beef Pot Pie – Make a comforting beef filling with frozen beef. Top with pie dough and bake.

With the proper techniques, you can cook just about any frozen beef cut to tender perfection in the instant pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to sear frozen beef before pressure cooking?

No, searing is not necessary. The pressurized heat will fully cook frozen beef without any browning needed first.

Is it safe to cook frozen beef in an instant pot?

Yes, it’s completely safe. The high heat kills bacteria and cooks the beef thoroughly. Just check thickness and adjust cook times as needed.

How much liquid do you need to pressure cook frozen beef?

Use a minimum of 1/2 cup broth, water or sauce to create steam. For larger cuts or quantities, add more liquid as needed.

What cut of frozen beef works best?

Chuck roasts, rump roasts, stew meat, and ground beef all cook up nicely from frozen. Avoid large frozen steaks.

Get Cooking Frozen Beef the Instant Pot Way!

As you can see, cooking frozen beef in the instant pot is easy and yields amazing results. Perfectly cooked, flavorful beef can be ready in an hour or less thanks to this handy kitchen appliance.