Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, few things are as satisfying as a Pot Roast. And with the help of an Instant Pot, you can achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in a fraction of the time it would take using a slow cooker or traditional oven. This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe features juicy, fall-apart beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow along for the step-by-step instructions to make the best Instant Pot Pot Roast!

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What Is Instant Pot Pot Roast?

Instant Pot Pot Roast is a classic beef pot roast made in an electric pressure cooker, like the Instant Pot, which dramatically reduces the cooking time. The beef becomes incredibly tender in just over an hour, and the vegetables absorb all the rich flavors from the broth and seasonings. The dish is finished off with a luscious gravy made from the flavorful drippings. It's a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.

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Ingredients List for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious, tender pot roast:

For the Pot Roast:

• 3-4 lb chuck roast (boneless, well-marbled)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced or chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 lb baby potatoes (or Yukon gold potatoes, halved)
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

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Substitutions and Variations

Want to customize your Instant Pot Pot Roast? Here are a few options:

• Beef alternatives: If you don’t have chuck roast, you can use a brisket or bottom round roast, though chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness.
• Wine substitute: If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute with an additional cup of beef broth or use apple cider for a sweeter flavor.
• Root vegetables: Add turnips, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes along with the carrots for added variety and sweetness.
• Herb variety: Fresh rosemary and thyme can replace dried herbs for more aromatic flavors.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making a delicious, tender Instant Pot Pot Roast!

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How to Cook Instant Pot Pot Roast: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

1. Season the roast: Generously season the chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the beef: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the roast to the pot and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until each side is nicely browned. This step helps build flavor in the final dish. Remove the roast and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Cook the onions: Add the onion slices to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften and begin to brown.
2. Add garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

1. Deglaze with red wine: Pour in the red wine (if using) or ½ cup beef broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits, which add tons of flavor to the final dish.
2. Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste to give the broth extra depth.

Step 4: Add the Roast and Vegetables

1. Return the roast: Place the seared roast back into the Instant Pot.
2. Add vegetables: Scatter the carrots and baby potatoes around the roast.
3. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Ensure the broth covers about halfway up the roast.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

1. Set the Instant Pot: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) mode on high pressure for 60 minutes (or 20 minutes per pound of roast).
2. Natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes. Afterward, manually release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

1. Remove the roast and vegetables: Carefully remove the roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a serving platter. Cover with foil to keep warm.
2. Thicken the gravy: Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the liquid in the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
3. Taste and adjust: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice or shred the pot roast, and serve it alongside the tender vegetables. Drizzle the rich gravy over the top for the ultimate comfort food experience!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not searing the roast: Searing the roast creates a beautiful crust that enhances the flavor of the dish. Don’t skip this step!
2. Rushing the natural release: Letting the pressure release naturally ensures the meat stays tender and juicy. Manually releasing the pressure too early can make the meat tougher.
3. Using too little liquid: The Instant Pot requires enough liquid to create steam and build pressure. Ensure you use the recommended amount of broth or other liquid.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Pot roast is a comforting, rustic dish, but you can still serve it beautifully. Here’s how to make your Instant Pot Pot Roast dinner extra special:

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Family-style: Serve the pot roast on a large platter with the vegetables arranged around it. Pour the gravy over the top or serve it in a gravy boat for easy pouring.
• With sides: Complement the roast with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up the gravy.
• As a sandwich: Shred any leftover roast beef and serve it on a toasted bun with gravy or horseradish sauce for a delicious roast beef sandwich.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the roast for a pop of color.
• Serve in a cast-iron skillet: For a rustic, farmhouse-style presentation, serve the pot roast directly from a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.
• Add a drizzle of gravy: For a mouthwatering look, drizzle some of the thickened gravy over the sliced roast just before serving.

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Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe Tips

• For extra tenderness: If you want the roast to be even more tender, let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Chuck roast is very forgiving and becomes more tender with longer cooking times.
• Freeze leftovers: You can freeze leftover pot roast and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
• Make it ahead: Pot roast tastes even better the next day! Prepare the roast a day in advance, refrigerate overnight, and reheat in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Yes! You can cook a frozen roast in the Instant Pot, though you’ll need to add about 20-30 extra minutes of cooking time depending on the size of the roast. You won't be able to sear the frozen beef, but it will still turn out tender and flavorful.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire roast and gravy in a skillet over low heat.

What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the gravy?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour instead. Make a slurry with 2 tablespoons of flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the gravy to thicken it.

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Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal in a fraction of the time it usually takes to make a traditional roast. The beef turns out fall-apart tender, the vegetables are perfectly cooked, and the rich, savory gravy brings everything together. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pot roast is sure to impress and satisfy.

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