Instant Pot Arm Roast Recipe

OMG, cooking this arm roast in the Instant Pot was a total game-changer for my dinner routine – it’s like cheat codes for a melt-in-your-mouth meal! The blend of garlic, onions, and herbs with that tender beef and hearty veggies literally gave me life, and the leftovers are seriously next-level.

My affection for the Instant Pot continues to blossom. See, I am from the South.

I am a large part of the Louisiana, Colorado, and Texas cultures of my family. Those cultures bring food to the forefront.

Hearty meals are what my people do exceptionally well. So, when I first heard about the Instant Pot, I thought this was yet another kitchen tool that would be a waste of time and space.

Lately, however, I have been eating fewer animal proteins and more plant-based foods, and my daughter has embraced the vegetarian diet.

Instant Pot Arm Roast Recipe Ingredients

• Arm Roast: Rich in protein, provides deep flavor and savory taste.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances browning and flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness, depth, and aromatic qualities.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity, brings pungent, aromatic notes.
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory base, enhances umami and richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy depth and savory complexity.
• Dried Thyme: Infuses earthy and aromatic essence.
• Carrots: Provide natural sweetness, fiber, and color.
• Potatoes: Offer hearty texture, carbohydrates, and comfort.

Instant Pot Arm Roast Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3-4 pound arm roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 3 carrots, cut into chunks
• 2-3 large potatoes, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

How to Make this Instant Pot Arm Roast Recipe

1. Start by drying the arm roast with paper towels and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

2. Put the Instant Pot on ‘Sauté’ mode and pour in the olive oil. When the oil is hot, set in the arm roast and let it go for 3-4 minutes on each side, until it’s browned all over. Then take the roast out and put it to the side.

3. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the pot, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and has a pleasant scent.

4. Add beef broth and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Make sure to get everything off the bottom to properly deglaze the pot.

5. Mix the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary in well.

6. Return the arm roast to the pot and place it atop the liquid and onions.

7. Position the carrots and potatoes in a ring around the roast in the pot. If possible, ensure they are submerged in the pot’s liquid.

8. Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Choose ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ and then set the timer for 60 minutes on high pressure.

9. After the cooking time is finished, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.

10. Take the roast and vegetables out of the pot. If you wish, you can mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, add it to the pot, and then set the pot to “Sauté” for a few minutes to let the sauce thicken up. Pour the sauce over the roast and serve. Serve it all warm.

Instant Pot Arm Roast Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
2. Paper towels
3. Tongs
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Wooden spoon
9. Mixing bowl (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
10. Whisk or spoon (optional, for mixing cornstarch slurry)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?Yes, you can use a brisket or chuck roast as an alternative, though cooking times may vary somewhat based on which cut you choose.
• Q: How long should I cook the arm roast in the Instant Pot?A: Arm roast cook time, high pressure 60-75 minutes, thickness determines exact time.
• Q: Should I sear the roast before pressure cooking?A: Yes, searing the roast on all sides in the Instant Pot with olive oil amps up the flavor.
• Q: Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce?A: Although the sauce boosts the flavor of the beef, you can omit it or replace it with soy sauce. Soy sauce provides a totally different taste sensation without chemical additives.
• Q: How do I thicken the gravy?A: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a cornstarch slurry, then add it after pressure cooking and use the sauté function to thicken.
• Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?A: Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, and use cornstarch as the thickener to keep the whole recipe gluten-free.

Instant Pot Arm Roast Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Two tablespoons of olive oil. Substitute with vegetable or avocado oil.
1 big onion, chopped: You may use 2-3 shallots or a thinly sliced leek in its place.
For 4 cloves of minced garlic, substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 2 teaspoons of garlic paste.
2 cups beef broth—sub in chicken or vegetable broth, if needed.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Change to soy sauce or tamari for a different flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Brown the Meat Properly When browning the arm roast, make sure the oil in the Instant Pot is sufficiently hot before adding the meat. This will form a nice crust on the roast, enhancing its flavor and sealing in the juices.

2. Deglaze with Care After sautéing the onions and garlic, make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape off all the brown bits stuck to the bottom, as they will add a rich depth of flavor to the sauce.

3. Herb Infusion Tip For an enhanced herb flavor, consider using fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried if available. Tie them into a small bundle with kitchen twine for easy removal after cooking.

4. Vegetable Considerations Cut the carrots and potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. If you prefer firmer vegetables, consider leaving them in larger pieces or adding them halfway through the cooking time.

5. Thickening the Sauce When making the cornstarch slurry, ensure it’s mixed thoroughly with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid in the pot. This prevents clumping and helps achieve a smooth, even sauce consistency. Adjust the amount of cornstarch for your preferred sauce thickness.