What is comfort food? Think Sunday dinners at Grandma’s, the kind where the whole house smells incredible and you just have to sit and eat. I can’t wait to dig in. Instant Pot Pot Roast is that feeling, but without the all-day cooking commitment. It’s just like the traditional slow-cooked version, but lightning fast and even MORE tender. If you’re a fan of classic beef stew, but want something even more hearty and satisfying, you should try this recipe. I absolutely need to try this. What is the best Instant Pot pot roast recipe? Is this a keeper?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is Instant Pot Roast?
What is the best way to break it down.? Instant Pot Pot Roast is basically the magic trick of taking a tough cut of beef – usually chuck. How do you roast a chicken in less time? What are the best ways to cook in a slow cooker? What are some of the best ways to get those nostalgic Sunday supper vibes? It’s essentially a braised beef dish, where the meat is seared, then cooked in liquid (usually beef). What are some good veggies to eat with broth and wine? What is the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking action? What are some savory flavors? Is it simple, satisfying, and makes even the busiest weeknight feel a little bit special?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I make an Instant Pot Pot Roast?
- Flavor Explosion:The combination of seared beef, savory broth, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked vegetables. What are some of the best flavor profiles out there? The meat literally falls apart, and it’s infused with so much richness. My family always says it’s like the flavors have been simmering together all day, even though it’s a pretty good day. Is that true? Is it true that time is only a fraction of the time?
- Seriously Simple: What isDon’t let the name “pot roast” intimidate you. This recipe is incredibly easy. What is the best way to cook meat in an Instant Pot? Is cleaning a breeze?
- Budget FriendlyWhat is Chuck roast? How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank? Plus, the vegetables are pantry staples. I sometimes use frozen veggies if that’s all I have on hand!
- What are some of theInstant Pot Pot Roast is great with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even polenta. What are the best leftovers for a shepherd’s pie? Is there a blank canvas for deliciousness?
What I love most is that it rivals my Grandma’s pot roast (don’t tell her). Is it faster? What are some of the best beef bourguignon recipes? Is there a Plus, I can throw it together on a Tuesday night and still have that warm, comforting meal on the couch.
How do I make Instant Pot Roast?
Quick Overview
How do I make Instant Pot Pot Roast? First, you’ll sear the chuck roast to develop a beautiful crust and lock in the flavors. What’s your favorite vegetable? What are the best ingredients for beef broth, herbs, and red wine? Instant Pot works its magic, transforming the tough cut of beef into fork-tender perfection. It’s seriously foolproof, and the results are always incredible. I always make sure to deglaze the pot after searing the meat – that’s where all the extra flavor comes out. So if you’re a vegetarian, you can make it even more delicious.
Ingredients
What is a pot roast?
- 3-4 lb Chuck roast: Look for one with good marbling (those streaks of fat – that’s flavor!).
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the roast. You could also use avocado oil.
- I like to use kosher salt. Or more to taste.
- Is it safe to use fresh ground black pepper?
- 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
- 3-4 Carrots, chopped: I usually peel and roughly chop them.
- 3-4 Potatoes, peeled and cubed: Russet or Yukon Gold are my go-to choices.
- How do I prepare 4 cloves of garlic minced?
- Is it safe to consume 1 cup of beef broth?
- 1 cup Red Wine (optional): Adds depth of flavor. Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- What is the best way to thicken tomato sauce?
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Or use fresh thieme sprigs if you have them.
- What is the best way to use dried rosemary?
- 1 Bay Leaf: Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
For Thickening the Sauce (optional): What is the
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch: Mixed with 2 Tbzp cold water to create a slurry.
What is the step by
Step 1: Sear the Roast
Turn on your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the roast in the Instant Pot. I like to sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don’t skip it! I always get a little impatient, but trust me, it’s worth the wait for that beautiful crust.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Remove the roast from the Instant Pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
What is the recipe for beef broth and red wine? Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. What is the secret of the extra flavor? Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Roast
Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the Instant Pot. Cook for 5 minutes. Place the seared chuck roast on top of the vegetables. Make sure the roast is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of your roast. A 3-lb roast will need about 60 minutes, while a 4-pound roast would need closer to 75 minutes. I always err on the side of longer cooking time – you can always shred the beef if it’s too tender!
Step 6: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure for 15-20 minutes. If you have a heavy hand, release any remaining pressure manually. When releasing pressure, be cautious as hot steam will escape!
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Remove the roast from the Instant Pot and set aside. If you want thicker sauce, turn on the “Sauté” function again. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the Instant Pot, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. I usually skip this step if I’m serving it over mashed potatoes, but it’s great a richer, more flavorful potato.
Step 8: Shred and Serve
Shred the chuck roast with two forks. Serve the Instant Pot pot roast with the cooked vegetables and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
This Instant Pot pot roast is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas for taking it to the next level:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic pairing for pot roast. I like to add a little garlic and cream cheese to mine for extra flavor.
- Egg Noodles: Buttered egg noodles are another great option for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Creamy Polenta: For a slightly more sophisticated twist, try serving the pot roast over creamy polenta.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping into the sauce!
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pot roast.
Growing up, we always had pot roast with a side of buttered peas. It’s a simple, but nostalgic, combination that I still love to this day. And honestly? Sometimes I just grab a spoon and eat it straight from the bowl! No judgment here.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Instant Pot Pot Roast
Here are some of my tried-and-true tips for making the best Instant Pot pot roast ever:
- Don’t skimp on the searing: This is where you build the foundation of flavor. Make sure to get a nice, deep brown crust on all sides of the roast.
- Deglaze, deglaze, deglaze!: Seriously, don’t forget to scrape up those browned bits from the bottom of the pot. They’re liquid gold!
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: I like to add the potatoes and carrots towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy. You can add them about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time if you prefer them firmer.
- Use good quality beef broth: The flavor of the broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the pot roast, so choose a high-quality brand.
- Add a splash of red wine: It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce, but it’s optional. If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with more beef broth.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally: This helps to keep the roast moist and tender.
- Shred the roast with two forks: This makes it easier to serve and allows the sauce to penetrate the meat.
I learned the hard way about not searing the meat properly. One time, I was in a hurry and just tossed the roast in the Instant Pot without searing it first. The flavor was definitely lacking! Now, I always make sure to take the time to sear it properly – it makes a world of difference.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your Instant Pot pot roast for the best results:
- Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the pot roast at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pot roast. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or reheat the entire pot roast in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Add a little extra beef broth if needed to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the Instant Pot on the “Warm” setting. One thing I always do is add a pat of butter when reheating – it helps to revive the flavors and adds a little extra richness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Instant Pot pot roast recipe. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich sauce are simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a comforting, easy, and budget-friendly meal, this is it! And if you’re in the mood for more Instant Pot magic, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup and Instant Pot Chili recipes – they’re just as delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, friends! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out – I can’t wait to hear from you!
Instant Pot Pot Roast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs Chuck Roast
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Season the chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Place the onion and garlic in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Sear the chuck roast on all sides in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the roast and shred with two forks.
