An internal combustion engine includes a valve seat insert within an engine housing, and a gas exchange valve. The valve seat insert has a compound valve seat with a valve recession-resistive profile formed by a leading radius contacted by the valve seat at an early wear state of the valve head and valve seat insert, a trailing radius contacted by the valve head at a later wear state of the valve head and valve seat insert, and an outer seat face. The compound valve seat is shaped and proportioned to cushion contact by a gas exchange valve and retard valve recession.