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Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, juicy, and incredibly flavorful roast that comes together in no time, you’re going to adore this Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the turkey turns out, and the rich, creamy gravy just takes the whole meal over the top. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a total game-changer that I can’t wait to share with you.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy Juicy Turkey: Using the Instant Pot means juicy, tender turkey in under an hour without drying out.
  • Flavor-Packed Gravy: The pan drippings transform into a luscious gravy that elevates the whole dish.
  • Minimal Fuss: With simple seasoning and one-pot cooking, cleanup is a breeze.
  • Family Favorite: This recipe quickly became a dinner staple in my home—and yours will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get that perfect balance of savory herbs and juicy meat, the ingredients for this Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe work together beautifully. Don’t worry—nothing complicated here, just friendly staples you likely already have.

Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe - Ingredients
  • Fresh boneless turkey breast roast: Choose a good-quality 3-pound roast for even cooking and tender slices.
  • Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning for flavor.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning and unlocking the turkey’s natural flavors.
  • Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the roast.
  • Paprika: Brings mild smokiness and color for a beautiful crust.
  • Fresh rosemary: Adds that woodsy aroma that pairs perfectly with poultry.
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor profile nicely.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh garlic for that punch of savory goodness.
  • Water: For creating steam in the Instant Pot and mixing with drippings for gravy.
  • Cornstarch (or flour): Thickens the gravy to the perfect silky consistency.
  • Poultry broth: Enriches the gravy with extra flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the gravy for a creamy finish.
  • Heavy cream: Gives the gravy that luxurious smoothness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe is how easy it is to adapt it to your tastes. Feel free to experiment with herbs or swap out ingredients based on what you have at home.

  • Herb Swaps: I’ve tried using thyme or sage in place of rosemary, and it’s equally delicious—gives the roast a slightly different but wonderful twist.
  • Dairy-Free Gravy: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or plant-based cream to keep it dairy-free without losing richness.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked chili powder to the seasoning mix really wakes up the flavors.
  • Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in some baby carrots or small potatoes on the rack beneath the turkey, and they cook alongside for a one-pot meal.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Season Your Turkey Roast with Love

First things first: pat your turkey roast completely dry using paper towels. This is key because moisture on the surface can interfere with browning and seasoning adherence. Rub olive oil all over the roast so the herbs and spices stick beautifully. Then sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic evenly on all sides. I usually let it sit on a plate for at least 15 minutes to soak up the flavors—a little patience goes a long way!

Step 2: Setup Your Instant Pot for Perfect Cooking

Pour ½ cup of water into the Instant Pot’s inner pot. This creates the steam environment needed to cook the turkey and also prevents drippings from burning. Place a heat-proof wire rack inside and carefully put the turkey roast on top. This keeps the turkey elevated from the liquid, letting it cook evenly all around while still capturing those delicious drippings below.

Step 3: Pressure Cook and Rest

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual pressure cooking for 45 minutes. When the timer’s up, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes; this slow release helps keep the meat tender. For a crispier skin, I sometimes transfer the turkey to the oven and broil it for 10 minutes afterward—totally optional but so worth it if you like a little crunch!

Step 4: Make That Dreamy Gravy

Switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode on high to get the drippings going. Whisk together cornstarch and poultry broth in a small bowl until smooth, then add this mixture, along with butter and heavy cream, to the pot. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens up and becomes silky. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking—this step always makes me want to double the gravy because it’s that good!

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove the netting or butcher’s twine from the turkey roast, slice it into beautiful, juicy medallions, and drizzle generously with the homemade gravy. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe

  • Dry Your Turkey Thoroughly: Patting your roast dry before seasoning ensures better browning and flavor penetration.
  • Natural Pressure Release is Key: Letting the pressure come down slowly keeps your turkey juicy—not rubbery or overcooked.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check for 165°F (74°C) to guarantee perfectly cooked and safe-to-eat turkey.
  • Broil for Crispness: If you love crispy skin, popping the roast under the broiler for a few minutes is a simple trick I swear by.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe

Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled right over the gravy—it adds a fresh pop of green and a bright note that balances the richness. Sometimes a few lemon wedges on the side brighten things up, too!

Side Dishes

This turkey roast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a simple green salad. If I’m feeling cozy, I’ll also whip up some buttered egg noodles or garlic bread to soak up every bit of that luscious gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to serve slices of turkey roast fanned out on a large wooden board surrounded by colorful roasted veggies and fresh herbs. It makes a stunning centerpiece and invites everyone to dig in family-style. You can also arrange slices layered in a gravy boat for an elegant touch at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or place it in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The gravy goes into a separate jar or container to keep it fresh. Properly stored, leftovers last about 3-4 days and taste just as good when reheated.

Freezing

Freezing the sliced turkey with gravy works great. I cool everything completely first, then freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I recommend reheating the turkey and gravy slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the meat. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the gravy if it thickens too much in the fridge.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?

    While you can use frozen turkey breast, it’s best to thaw it completely first for even cooking in the Instant Pot. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven doneness, so patience with thawing ensures juicy results.

  2. How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked in the Instant Pot?

    The most reliable way is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast—once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), your turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

  3. Can I make the gravy without heavy cream?

    Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, respectively. The gravy will still thicken nicely thanks to the cornstarch and butter.

  4. Is it okay to broil the turkey after pressure cooking?

    Definitely! Broiling the turkey for 5-10 minutes warms it up and crisps the exterior, adding a delightful texture contrast. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

  5. Can I add vegetables to cook with the turkey in the Instant Pot?

    Yes! Placing sturdy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions on the rack below or around the turkey lets them cook in the steam, making for a simple, all-in-one meal.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dinners because it delivers on flavor, tenderness, and convenience every single time. I love how easy it is to prepare yet how impressive it tastes—and I know you’ll feel the same when you try it. So next time you’re craving cozy comfort food that comes together without stress, give this recipe a whirl. Your family (and your Instant Pot) will thank you!

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Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 143 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes (pressure cooking) + 10 minutes (optional broiling)
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A flavorful and tender Instant Pot Turkey Roast cooked with aromatic herbs and spices, finished with a rich homemade gravy. This easy-to-make recipe ensures juicy turkey in under 90 minutes, perfect for a family meal or special occasion.


Ingredients

Turkey Roast

  • 1 (3 pound) fresh boneless turkey breast roast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup water

Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or flour)
  • 1/2 cup poultry broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)


Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey roast dry with paper towel while still in its netting or butcher’s twine. Rub the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic evenly over the entire surface. Let it rest on a plate for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
  2. Set up the Instant Pot: Pour 1/2 cup water into the inner pot to prevent drippings from smoking and help with pressure cooking. Insert a heat-proof wire rack inside the Instant Pot, and place the seasoned turkey roast on top.
  3. Pressure Cook the Turkey: Seal the Instant Pot with the lid, ensuring the steam release knob is in the sealed position. Set the pressure cooking mode to manual and cook the turkey for 45 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for about 15 minutes or perform a quick release by turning the steam valve to venting.
  4. Check for Doneness: Using a digital meat thermometer, confirm the turkey’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
  5. Optional Broil for Crispy Skin: For a crispy exterior, transfer the turkey roast to an oven-safe dish and broil under high heat for 10 minutes.
  6. Let the Turkey Rest: Transfer the turkey onto a plate, cover with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices and improve tenderness.
  7. Make the Gravy: Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode on high to start making the gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and poultry broth until smooth. Add this mixture along with butter and heavy cream to the turkey drippings in the Instant Pot. Stir constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve: Remove the netting or butcher’s twine from the turkey roast. Slice the turkey and serve it hot with the creamy homemade gravy.

Notes

  • Using fresh rosemary enhances the aroma but dried rosemary can be substituted if unavailable.
  • To get crispier skin without broiling, you can also sear the roast in a hot skillet before pressure cooking, but this step is optional.
  • Make sure the turkey reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
  • Leftover gravy can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stove.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch quantity slightly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 4 ounces)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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