Instant Pot Shredded Beef

Why Make This Recipe

Instant Pot Shredded Beef is a fantastic dish for anyone who loves hearty meals packed with flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the time it saves in the kitchen. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful shredded beef in a fraction of the time it typically takes to cook in the oven or slow cooker.

The flavors meld beautifully while the beef cooks under pressure, leaving you with a rich and savory dish that can be used in various meals. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or simply serving it over rice, this recipe allows for flexibility and creativity. Moreover, the ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe requires minimal prep time.

By making this dish, you’re not just cooking; you’re preparing a delicious meal that can be enjoyed by family and friends. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep for the week, or special occasions where you need to feed a crowd.

How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Beef

Making Instant Pot Shredded Beef is straightforward and requires just a few steps. Below you will find the key ingredients and directions to make this delicious dish.

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Season the beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
4. Place the beef in the Instant Pot, pour the beef broth over it, and seal the lid.
5. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
6. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Remove the beef from the pot and shred it with two forks.
8. Serve with tortillas for tacos or as desired.

How to Serve Instant Pot Shredded Beef

Once your Instant Pot Shredded Beef is ready, there are several delicious ways to serve it. One of the most popular ways is to make tacos. Simply fill warm corn or flour tortillas with the shredded beef. Top with your favorite toppings like diced onions, cilantro, avocado, salsa, or cheese.

You can also serve it over rice or quinoa for a satisfying bowl meal. Adding some sautéed vegetables can enhance the nutrition and flavor even more.

Another great way to serve this beef is in burritos. Fill large tortillas with shredded beef, beans, rice, cheese, and any other fillings you enjoy. Roll them up, and you’ve got a tasty meal on the go.

If you’re looking to stretch your dish even further, consider using the beef in sandwiches or wraps. You can also mix it with barbecue sauce for pulled beef sandwiches or enjoy it as a comforting beef stew with some added veggies.

How to Store Instant Pot Shredded Beef

Storing Instant Pot Shredded Beef is easy and convenient. Once the beef is completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

If you’d like to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled shredded beef into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The beef can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

To reheat the stored shredded beef, you can use the microwave, stovetop, or even the Instant Pot on the sauté setting with a bit of broth to help moisten it up.

Tips to Make Instant Pot Shredded Beef

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef: While chuck roast is excellent for shredding due to its marbling and tenderness when cooked, you can also use other cuts like brisket or round if that’s what you have on hand. Just ensure that it has some fat for the best flavor.

2. Searing the Meat: Although optional, searing the beef on all sides before pressure cooking adds a great depth of flavor. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the meat for a few minutes on each side before adding the onions and garlic.

3. Adjusting Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the spices in this recipe according to your taste preferences. You can add more chili powder for heat or extra smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

4. Making a Gravy: After you shred the beef, you can thicken the leftover broth into a gravy. To do this, set the Instant Pot back to sauté mode, mix in a cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened for a delicious topping.

5. Serving Suggestions: Always serve the shredded beef warm, and consider offering a variety of toppings so guests can customize their dishes.

Variation

Though this recipe is fantastic on its own, there are many ways to vary it up.

1. Spicy Variation: If you want a kick, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef while it cooks.

2. BBQ Flavor: Substitute the beef broth for your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy twist. You can then serve the beef on buns or over coleslaw for a southern-style meal.

3. Mexican Inspired: For a more traditional Mexican flair, add some diced tomatoes or green chiles to the broth. Use additional spices like oregano and coriander to enhance the flavor.

4. Beer Braised Beef: Swap the beef broth for a light beer to give a unique depth of flavor and a slight nuttiness to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it will increase the cooking time. You will need to add at least 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if the beef is frozen. Always ensure it’s cooked to the right temperature for food safety.

2. Can I make this dish without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can slow cook or braise the beef in a Dutch oven or slow cooker. For the oven or stovetop method, cooking time will increase significantly, usually taking around 4-6 hours on low heat for it to become tender.

3. How can I make this recipe healthy?

To make this recipe healthier, consider using less oil or swapping traditional beef broth with low-sodium versions. Also, serving the beef with whole-grain tortillas or adding more vegetables to your meal can enhance its nutritional balance.

4. What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer as mentioned above. You can also get creative by making nachos, beef enchiladas, or adding to rice bowls for another quick and delicious meal.

5. How long does it take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure?

The time it takes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure can vary based on the amount and temperature of the contents. Generally, it can take around 10-15 minutes for the pot to build pressure before the cooking time begins.

In conclusion, Instant Pot Shredded Beef is an easy way to create a comfort food classic that’s versatile and packed with flavor. With the help of your Instant Pot, you can enjoy your favorite beef dishes without spending all day in the kitchen.

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