Name: Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Creamy Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 59 reviews

If you’ve ever wondered how to get that perfectly tender, flavorful turkey roast without hours of fuss, you’re in for a treat. This Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Creamy Gravy Recipe is an absolute game-changer—juicy, hands-off, and crowned with the richest homemade gravy you can imagine. I love this recipe because it cuts down cooking time dramatically while still delivering all those cozy, comforting flavors we expect from a slow-roasted turkey. Stick around—I’ll share my best tips to help you nail it every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Time Saver: Cuts traditional roasting time in half without sacrificing taste or texture.
Juicy, Tender Turkey: Pressure cooking locks in moisture resulting in a perfectly succulent roast.
Rich, Creamy Gravy: Made right in the Instant Pot from the drippings—no extra pots needed!
Fail-Proof Method: I’ve tested it multiple times, and it always comes out amazing—even if you’re new to Instant Pot cooking.

A cooked roast meat with a golden-brown color and a textured surface covered in pepper and seasoning sits on a wooden board. The roasted meat has visible crisscross grill marks and a slightly crispy outer layer. To the left, there are two lemon slices lying flat on the wooden board. In the foreground, a few green, fresh rosemary sprigs rest next to the meat. The background and surface beneath the board have a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Turkey Roast, Turkey Roast with Creamy Gravy, Juicy Turkey with Instant Pot, Easy Turkey Roast Recipe, Pressure Cooker Turkey Meal

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in simple, quality ingredients that work beautifully together to create mouthwatering flavor without over-complicating things. I’ve included tips on picking items that make this turkey roast absolutely shine.

Flat lay of a fresh boneless turkey breast roast seasoned with bright green chopped rosemary, vibrant red paprika powder, minced garlic cloves, sprigs of Italian herbs, and a small dish of golden olive oil, arranged beautifully alongside coarse ground black pepper, fresh rosemary sprigs, and a small bowl of heavy cream, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Turkey Roast, Turkey Roast with Creamy Gravy, Juicy Turkey with Instant Pot, Easy Turkey Roast Recipe, Pressure Cooker Turkey Meal

Fresh boneless turkey breast roast: Fresh is best for juiciness and even cooking—look for one around 3 pounds for easy portioning.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and adds subtle richness.
Salt: Essential for flavor and helps tenderize the meat during resting.
Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful color.
Fresh rosemary: I love chopping it finely to release all those piney, fragrant oils.
Italian seasoning: Brings herbs like oregano and thyme together for an extra flavor boost.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a must for that robust, savory kick.
Water: Used inside the Instant Pot to create steam and gather drippings for gravy.
Cornstarch (or flour): Thickens the gravy beautifully without lumps.
Poultry broth: Enhances the gravy’s flavor and richness.
Butter: Adds silkiness and depth to the gravy.
Heavy cream: For that luscious, creamy finish—totally worth it!

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

I always encourage making this recipe your own because turkey roast is so versatile! Over the years, I’ve added my personal twists that I think you’ll enjoy, depending on the occasion or what’s in your pantry.

Herb Mix Swaps: Instead of Italian seasoning, try fresh sage and thyme for an earthy, classic holiday vibe—I’ve had great success with this combo when serving guests.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder with the paprika for some warmth that my family can’t get enough of.
Dairy-Free Gravy: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a little olive oil instead of butter to make it friendly for lactose intolerance. I tested this, and it still turned out creamy and flavorful!
Smaller Portions: If you’re cooking for two, scale down the roast and pressure time accordingly—just make sure to use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Turkey Roast

First, pat your turkey roast completely dry with paper towels—this little step makes a world of difference in browning and avoids steaming. Rub the olive oil over the meat, then evenly coat it with salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. I like to let it rest on a plate for at least 15 minutes—this short marinating time helps the flavors really settle in.

Step 2: Set Up Your Instant Pot and Pressure Cook

Pour half a cup of water into the Instant Pot’s inner pot—this prevents burning and will help make the gravy later. Insert a heat-proof wire rack (or trivet) so the turkey sits above the water. Place your roast on top. Seal the lid properly and make sure the steam release valve is set to “Sealed.” Select manual pressure cook for 45 minutes. When done, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 3: Optional Broil for Crispy Skin

If you love crispy skin like I do, transfer the turkey roast to a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for about 10 minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn—this step “finishes” the exterior with a beautiful golden crust that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Rest the Turkey

Once out of the Instant Pot (and oven if you broiled it), tent your turkey with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Whip Up That Creamy Gravy

Switch your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting on high. In a small bowl, mix your cornstarch and poultry broth until smooth—this slurry will thicken the gravy perfectly. Add it to the pot along with butter and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Within 2-3 minutes, you’ll have a rich, velvety gravy ready to drizzle. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the netting or butcher’s twine from the turkey roast before slicing. Serve the juicy slices with generous spoonfuls of that dreamy creamy gravy. My family goes crazy every time I make this—it’s a true crowd-pleaser!

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Pat the Meat Dry: Drying the turkey thoroughly before seasoning helps create a better crust and prevents steaming.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee perfectly cooked turkey.
Don’t Skip the Resting: Resting lets the juices settle so your slices stay moist and flavorful.
Make Gravy in the Pot: Using the drippings left in the Instant Pot saves cleanup and ensures maximum flavor in your gravy.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Creamy Gravy Recipe

A wooden board holds a thick round piece of cooked turkey sliced into five layers, with the top layer still mostly whole and the rest fanned out below it. The turkey is light beige inside with a browned, seasoned outer skin. A creamy brown gravy is poured over the center, flowing down through the layers. To the side, half a yellow lemon slice and fresh green rosemary sprigs add color. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Turkey Roast, Turkey Roast with Creamy Gravy, Juicy Turkey with Instant Pot, Easy Turkey Roast Recipe, Pressure Cooker Turkey Meal

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few sprigs of rosemary atop the sliced turkey. It brightens up the plate visually and adds a hint of fresh herb aroma that pairs beautifully with the creamy gravy.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this turkey roast are garlic mashed potatoes (because gravy and potatoes are a match made in heaven!), roasted root vegetables, and a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. For something extra cozy, I sometimes add creamy stuffing or buttery dinner rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I like to arrange the sliced turkey on a large wooden board, surrounded by colorful roasted veggies and fresh herbs. It looks rustic and inviting—plus, everyone loves helping themselves from a communal platter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the turkey from getting soggy and the gravy fresh. They typically last 3-4 days, which gives you plenty of time for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

Both the turkey slices and gravy freeze well. I recommend freezing them in individual portions so you can thaw exactly what you need. Just be sure to use freezer-safe bags or containers and label with the date—you can enjoy these treats for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the turkey slices covered (to retain moisture) in the microwave or in a low oven. Warm the gravy separately on the stovetop, stirring gently to bring back that creamy smooth texture. This two-step reheating really preserves the original deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this Instant Pot recipe?

Yes! One of the perks of cooking in an Instant Pot is it handles frozen meat well. Just increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving for safety and juiciness.
How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

To thicken the gravy, mix in a bit more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold broth) and cook it a minute or two longer. For thinner gravy, simply stir in a small splash more poultry broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe without the Instant Pot?

Absolutely, but it will take longer. You’d roast the turkey in the oven at 350°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until internal temp hits 165°F. The gravy can be made on the stovetop using turkey drippings and broth.
Is it safe to pressure cook poultry with seasoning and oils?

Yes! Just be sure there’s enough liquid (water or broth) in the Instant Pot to create steam and avoid burning. This recipe calls for ½ cup of water to keep things moist and prevent the drippings from scorching.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Roast with Creamy Gravy Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and hands-off. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, it’s the kind of recipe I recommend to friends again and again. So give it a try—you’ll be surprised how satisfying turkey can be when you take advantage of your Instant Pot and a little homemade gravy love.