How long should a 5 pound pot roast cook?

It's impossible to give you an exact cooking time for a 5-pound pot roast without knowing more information. Here's why:

* Cooking Method: The cooking time varies drastically depending on how you're cooking it:

* Slow Cooker: This is the most forgiving method, typically taking 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

* Oven: Expect 2-3 hours for a 5-pound roast at 325°F.

* Instant Pot: This is a quick option, usually taking 90 minutes to 2 hours.

* Cut of Meat: Some cuts of meat are naturally tougher and need longer cooking times than others.

* Desired Doneness: Do you want your roast to be rare, medium, or well-done? This will impact the cooking time.

Here's what I recommend:

1. Check the Recipe: If you're following a specific recipe, it will most likely have a recommended cooking time.

2. Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your roast is cooked to the desired doneness is to use a meat thermometer. A good general rule of thumb is to cook pot roast to an internal temperature of 145°F for medium.

3. Start Checking Early: Begin checking the temperature of the roast about 30 minutes before the estimated cook time to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Here are some resources for pot roast recipes with cooking times:

* Allrecipes: [https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/115/main-dish/beef/pot-roast/](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/115/main-dish/beef/pot-roast/)

* Food & Wine: [https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pot-roast](https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pot-roast)

* Bon Appetit: [https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/collection/pot-roast](https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/collection/pot-roast)

Happy cooking!