Instant Pot Shredded Beef

Why Make This Recipe

Instant Pot Shredded Beef is an easy and delicious recipe that can transform dinner time. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy tender, flavorful beef without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. The Instant Pot does all the work, leaving you with juicy shredded beef that you can use in a variety of dishes.

One of the biggest advantages of making shredded beef in an Instant Pot is the time it saves. Traditional methods of slow cooking or braising can take several hours, but with the Instant Pot, you can have this hearty meal ready in about an hour. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it in tacos, burritos, or over rice, making it suitable for a wide range of family tastes. Plus, the flavors from the spices and the beef broth create a rich and comforting dish that everyone will love.

How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Beef

Making shredded beef in your Instant Pot is simple. Follow these easy steps to create a meal your family will want to enjoy time and again.

Ingredients

To get started, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. This will allow you to prepare the onions and garlic before cooking the beef.

2. Add onions and garlic: Once the pot is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until they soften. This step adds flavor to your dish.

3. Season the beef: While the onions and garlic are cooking, take your beef chuck roast and rub it with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Make sure to cover all sides of the meat for the best flavor.

4. Add the beef: Place the seasoned beef into the Instant Pot on top of the sautéed onions and garlic.

5. Pour in beef broth: Next, add 1 cup of beef broth to the pot. This will help create the moisture needed for pressure cooking.

6. Seal and cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Make sure to set the valve to sealing. Cook the beef on manual mode for 60 minutes.

7. Release the pressure: After the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, switch to quick release to let out any remaining steam.

8. Shred the beef: Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the beef from the pot. Use two forks to shred the beef into small pieces. It should come apart easily if cooked properly.

9. Serve: Now that your beef is shredded, you can use it in tacos, burritos, or serve it over rice. Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Instant Pot Shredded Beef

Shredded beef is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

• Tacos: Place the shredded beef in soft or hard taco shells. Top with your choice of toppings like salsa, avocado, cheese, and lettuce.

• Burritos: Wrap the shredded beef in a large tortilla along with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying burrito.

• Rice Bowls: Serve the shredded beef over a bed of rice. Add sautéed vegetables and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a complete meal.

• Sandwiches: Use the shredded beef to make delicious sliders or sandwiches. Add some barbecue sauce for a tasty twist.

• Salads: Top a bed of greens with shredded beef, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and a nice dressing for a hearty salad.

How to Store Instant Pot Shredded Beef

Storing leftover shredded beef is simple and can make for great meals throughout the week. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cool down: Before storing, let the shredded beef cool down to room temperature.

2. Use an airtight container: Place the shredded beef in an airtight container. If you want to store the broth as well, make sure to keep it in the container with the beef.

3. Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next 3-4 days.

4. Freeze for later: If you have more than you can eat within a few days, consider freezing it. Store the shredded beef in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

5. Reheat: When you want to eat the leftovers, reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Instant Pot Shredded Beef

To get the best results from your Instant Pot Shredded Beef, consider these helpful tips:

1. Choose the right cut: Chuck roast is ideal for shredding, but you could also use brisket or round roast. Make sure to choose a cut with some fat for the best flavor and texture.

2. Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to adjust the spices in the recipe to suit your personal preferences. If you like a spicier taste, add more chili powder or even some cayenne.

3. Don’t skip the sautéing step: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the beef builds a base of flavor that enhances the overall dish.

4. Let it rest before shredding: Allowing the beef to rest for a few minutes after cooking makes it easier to shred and helps retain moisture.

5. Consider adding veggies: You can add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the pot before sealing if you want to include more nutrition in your dish.

Variations

While Instant Pot Shredded Beef is great as-is, there are a few variations you can try to keep things interesting:

• BBQ Shredded Beef: Add your favorite BBQ sauce to the shredded beef after cooking for a tangy twist. Use the beef in sandwiches for a delicious meal.

• Mexican Spices: Swap the spices for a blend of Mexican seasonings, such as oregano and coriander, to create a different flavor profile.

• Sweet and Spicy: Add a bit of brown sugar and some hot sauce for a sweet and spicy version.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but you will need to increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes. Ensure it’s safe to use frozen meat in your Instant Pot and follow all safety guidelines.

2. How do I know if my beef is done?
The beef should be very tender and easily shreddable. If it’s not tender enough, you can return it to the Instant Pot for an additional 10-15 minutes under pressure.

3. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your Instant Pot has enough capacity. Keep in mind that cooking times remain the same, but it may take longer for the pot to come to pressure.

4. Can I add beans to this recipe?
You can add beans, but they may require separate cooking. It’s generally best to cook beans separately and serve them alongside the shredded beef.

5. What dishes can I make with the leftover shredded beef?
You can use leftover shredded beef in various dishes like nachos, stuffed peppers, soups, and casseroles!

By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy flavorful Instant Pot Shredded Beef with minimal effort. The Instant Pot makes it a breeze, and with the variety of ways to serve it, you’ll always have exciting meals at your table. Happy cooking!