Preparing a Tri Tip roast in your instant pot is an easy way to make a delicious meal your entire family will love with way less cooking time than other methods.

Text overlay "Super Easy Instant Pot Tri-Tip Roast" over a pile of meat

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As much as I love my slow cooker, I’ve become an Instant Pot convert. There is usually no need to prep the night before with an instant pot recipe. You can just take your meat out of the freezer before work in the morning, let it defrost during the day, and let it work its magic while you prepare your side dishes, set the table, and enjoy a glass of red wine. 🙂

This easy recipe for tri-tip takes minimal effort, and the meat can be served in various ways.

What is a Tri-Tip

Tri tip is a cut of beef that comes from a crescent-shaped muscle on the bottom of the sirloin. It generally has excellent marbling, is full of beefy flavor, and is more economical than some other cuts of beef. It’s easily distinguishable by its triangular shape and is often cut into a tri-tip steak that is great for grilling.

This cut of meat is originally from California and is sometimes known as “Santa Maria Steak,” after the town that made the roast famous at an annual bbq festival. Today, it’s readily available at the grocery store and becomes very tender when cooked in an electric pressure cooker.

What You’ll Need to Make Instant Pot Tri Tip

A partially shredded tri tip roast on a platter with wooden spoons in the background

2.5 – 3 pounds tri-tip beef roast
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups of beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons of dry rub or seasoning blend of your preference

How to Make Instant Pot Tri Tip Roast

Step One

Begin by massaging the dry rub or seasoning mix plus the salt and pepper into the roast.
Turn the saute function on your Instant Pot and sear the meat for about a minute on each side. Remove the meat from the pressure cooker once you’re done searing it.

Step Two

Place your instant pot trivet (or this amazing sling) in the bottom of the pot. Place the tri tip on the trivet.
Add the onion and garlic to the bottom of the pot. Pour the beef broth over the tri-tip.
Place the lid on the pot and make sure the valve is closed.
Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and use the manual button to set the cook time to 25 minutes.

Step Three

Perform a quick release on the instant pot when the timer goes off.
Once it is safe to remove the lid, carefully remove the meat to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes and then slice or shred it for serving.

How to Serve Tri-Tip Roast

For a hearty meal, cut it into slices and serve with potatoes, a delicious gravy, veggies, and a crusty loaf of bread.
My favorite way to eat this triangle tip roast is on a crusty roll and topped with tangy bbq sauce.
You can shred it and use it in place of ground beef for tacos or in fajitas.

white bowl filled with a meal of shredded beef and mashed potatoes

More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

Shredded tri tip roast on a gray platter

5 from 1 vote

Easy Instant Pot Tri-Tip Roast

Print Recipe

Preparing a Tri-Tip roast in your instant pot is an easy way to make a delicious meal your entire family will love with way less cooking time than other methods.

Prep Time:5

Cook Time:35

Ingredients

2.5 – 3 pounds tri-tip beef roast
1 small onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 cups of beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons of dry rub or seasoning blend of your preference