If you’re craving mouthwatering BBQ beef but don’t have hours to spend smoking meat outdoors, the Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef recipe is your ultimate kitchen hack. With this method, you get fork-tender, juicy beef infused with bold BBQ flavor—all in under 90 minutes. No smoker. No grill. Just your Instant Pot Pro and a few simple ingredients.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to master this recipe: choosing the right cut of beef, step-by-step cooking instructions, variations, expert tips, and FAQs to help you avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this Instant Pot BBQ beef will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why Choose the Instant Pot Pro?
The Instant Pot Pro is a next-generation pressure cooker equipped with advanced features like custom presets, faster heat-up times, and larger capacity—perfect for family-sized meals. When making BBQ beef, this tool:
- Cuts cook time dramatically
- Delivers deeply infused flavor
- Keeps beef moist and tender
- Makes cleanup a breeze
With the pressure cooking feature, even the toughest cuts turn into juicy, flavorful BBQ perfection.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Pro BBQ Beef Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Take 3 pounds of beef chuck roast or brisket and cut it into big chunks.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Boosters:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Liquid smoke (for added smokiness)
Preparing the Beef
1. Trim and Cut
Trim excess fat and cut the beef into 4–6 large chunks. This helps it cook evenly and absorb flavor.
2. Season Generously
Mix the dry spices and rub them evenly onto all sides of the beef chunks.
3. Optional Marinade
Let the beef sit in the seasoning mix with Worcestershire sauce and vinegar for 1–2 hours (or overnight) for deeper flavor.
How to Cook BBQ Beef in the Instant Pot Pro
Step 1: Sear for Flavor
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté (High).
- Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sear the beef chunks for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.
- Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build Flavor Base
- Using the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic for about 2 minutes, just until they start to soften and smell amazing.
- Pour in the BBQ sauce, broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of vinegar. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
- Return seared beef to the pot.
- Lock the lid, set vent to Sealing.
- Pressure cook on High for 60 minutes.
- Let pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, then switch to Venting.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
- Remove beef and shred with two forks.
- Return to pot, stir into sauce.
- Serve over buns, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This beef is ultra-versatile. Here are some favorite ways to serve it:
- BBQ Sandwiches with slaw and pickles
- Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Tacos or Burritos
- BBQ Beef Bowls with rice and roasted veggies
- Sliders for party appetizers
Expert Tips for Perfect BBQ Beef
1. Use the Right Cut
Chuck roast or brisket is ideal. They have enough fat and connective tissue to become fall-apart tender when pressure cooked.
2. Don’t Skip Searing
It enhances flavor and seals in juices. Searing also leaves behind a layer of flavorful bits—called fond—at the bottom of the pot, which adds extra depth to the sauce.
3. Always Include Liquid
The Instant Pot needs at least 1 cup of liquid to pressurize. Broth and BBQ sauce together create a flavorful cooking base.
4. Natural Pressure Release
This step is crucial for juicy beef. A quick release can make meat tough. Be patient—it’s worth it!
5. Adjust Sauce After Cooking
Taste the sauce and adjust with extra sweetness (brown sugar or honey), acidity (vinegar), or heat (chili flakes) as needed.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
1. Sweet & Spicy BBQ Beef
- Add 1 tbsp honey and ½ tsp cayenne for a sweet kick with heat.
2. Smoky Maple BBQ Beef
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup and add ½ tsp liquid smoke.
3. Asian-Style BBQ Beef
- Use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in place of BBQ sauce.
4. Beer-Braised BBQ Beef
- Swap the broth for a dark stout or lager to give the dish a deeper, richer flavor.
What to Serve With BBQ Beef
Complete your meal with one (or more) of these sides:
- Classic coleslaw
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Cornbread or dinner rolls
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
- Mac and cheese
- Pickled red onions
Storage and Meal Prep
This recipe is perfect for leftovers!
Fridge:
Keep it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay good for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in zip-top bags (with sauce) for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
Reheat it gently on the stove or pop it in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce feels too thick, just add a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Using lean beef (e.g., sirloin) | Use chuck roast or brisket |
| Skipping searing | Always sear for better flavor |
| Not enough liquid | Use at least 1 cup of broth |
| Quick releasing pressure | Allow natural release for tenderness |
| Overcrowding during searing | Sear in batches |
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but skip the searing step and increase cook time to 90 minutes. Always ensure meat reaches safe internal temperature.
Can I make this in a regular Instant Pot?
Absolutely! The recipe works in any 6–8 qt Instant Pot model. Just follow the same steps.
Is BBQ sauce safe in pressure cookers?
Yes, you can—but be sure to mix it with a bit of broth or water first. This prevents burning and ensures enough liquid for pressure.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as the pot isn’t filled above the ⅔ mark. Increase pressure time to 75 minutes.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Pro BBQ beef recipe is a weeknight lifesaver and a party favorite all in one. It brings together the rich, smoky-sweet taste of slow-cooked barbecue with the quick convenience of a pressure cooker. No more waiting hours for your beef to break down—this method gets it done in a fraction of the time without sacrificing a bit of flavor or tenderness.
Whether served on buns with slaw or as the centerpiece of a hearty dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Plus, with all the variations and tips provided, you can make this recipe your own every single time.