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Instant pot apple BBQ pulled beef bowl

Instant Pot Apple BBQ Pulled Beef Bowl: Sweet, Tangy & Fall-Ready

Sweet, smoky, and tender, this Instant Pot apple BBQ pulled beef bowl brings fall flavors to life with juicy beef, tangy sauce, and soft, spiced apples.

  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale

2.5 lbs chuck roast, cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium apples (Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
1 cup apple cider
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (for thickening)

Instructions

Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sear beef chunks on all sides until browned, then remove and set aside.
Sauté sliced onions and garlic in remaining oil until softened, about 3 minutes.
Deglaze pot with a splash of apple cider, scraping up any browned bits.
Return beef to pot. Add apples, apple cider, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Seal lid and set to Pressure Cook on high for 60 minutes. Let pressure naturally release for at least 20 minutes.
Remove beef, shred with two forks, then return to the pot.
Turn on sauté mode. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to reduce. Mash apples for natural thickness, or stir in cornstarch slurry if needed.
Serve warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes with desired toppings.

Notes

Use brisket or stew beef if chuck roast isn’t available.
Add chopped apples only in the last 30 minutes if making in a slow cooker to prevent overcooking.
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.

  • Author: Mouny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Category: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Bowls
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free