Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

Looking for a comforting, tender, and flavorful pot roast in a fraction of the time? This Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe is a game-changer! With the help of your Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can transform a tough cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth meal in just a couple of hours, rather than the usual slow-cooking method that takes all day. Loaded with savory vegetables and a rich, beefy broth, this pot roast is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Read on for step-by-step instructions, tips, and delicious variations!

this Recipe

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What is Pot Roast?

Pot Roast is a classic American dish made by slow-cooking a tough cut of beef (such as chuck roast) with vegetables like carrots and potatoes in a rich broth. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef, making it juicy and fall-apart delicious. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same tenderness in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing flavor. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor!

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Ingredients List for Instant Pot Pot Roast

To make this easy and flavorful pot roast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chuck Roast – 3 to 4 pounds, for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Salt and Pepper – To season the roast.
• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, for searing the beef.
• Onion – 1 large, roughly chopped.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced.
• Carrots – 4 large, peeled and cut into large chunks.
• Potatoes – 4 medium, peeled and quartered (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best).
• Beef Broth – 2 cups, to add rich flavor and moisture.
• Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons, to deepen the flavor of the broth.
• Worcestershire Sauce – 2 tablespoons, for umami richness.
• Thyme (fresh or dried) – 1 teaspoon, for herbal notes.
• Rosemary (fresh or dried) – 1 teaspoon, for aromatic flavor.
• Bay Leaves – 2, for added depth in the broth.
• Cornstarch (optional) – 2 tablespoons, for thickening the gravy.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe is easy to adapt to your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Meat Options: Chuck roast is the classic choice, but you can use brisket, bottom round, or even pork shoulder for a different take on the dish.
• Vegetables: In addition to carrots and potatoes, you can add parsnips, celery, turnips, or mushrooms to the pot for extra flavor and variety.
• Herbs and Seasoning: Swap out the thyme and rosemary for your favorite herbs like oregano, parsley, or sage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Wine: Add ½ cup of red wine to the broth for a richer, more robust flavor.
• Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you use cornstarch to thicken the gravy, ensure it’s a gluten-free brand.

These substitutions and variations let you customize the pot roast to your liking while keeping it flavorful and satisfying!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Instant Pot Pot Roast step by step:

1. Season the Roast:
   • Season the chuck roast generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Beef:
   • Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the roast and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until a golden brown crust forms. This step adds depth of flavor to the meat and broth. Remove the roast and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for about 1 minute. Then pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot (scrape up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom).
5. Add the Vegetables and Roast:
   • Place the carrots and potatoes in the Instant Pot, arranging them around the edges of the pot. Nestle the seared roast in the center. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves on top.
6. Pressure Cook:
   • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and set the timer for 60 minutes on High Pressure (if your roast is larger than 4 pounds, increase the cooking time to 75-80 minutes).
7. Natural Release:
   • Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. After that, turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
8. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
   • To make a thicker gravy, remove the roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot and set them aside. Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pot and simmer the gravy for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
9. Serve:
   • Slice or shred the pot roast and serve it with the carrots, potatoes, and gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

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

Here’s a quick summary of the key steps:

1. Sear the roast in the Instant Pot to create a flavorful crust.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic and deglaze with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
3. Add the vegetables and arrange them around the roast.
4. Pressure cook the roast for 60 minutes on high pressure.
5. Natural release the pressure for 10-15 minutes before serving.
6. Optional: Thicken the gravy with cornstarch if desired.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Searing Step: Searing the roast before pressure cooking adds a depth of flavor to the meat and broth that can’t be achieved otherwise. Don’t skip this important step!
• Not Deglazing the Pot: After sautéing the onions and garlic, make sure to deglaze the pot with broth to scrape up the browned bits. These add tons of flavor to the dish.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: For firmer vegetables, add the carrots and potatoes after pressure cooking the roast and cook them separately on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
• Not Using Enough Liquid: The Instant Pot needs sufficient liquid to come to pressure. Make sure you use at least 1 to 1½ cups of beef broth to avoid a Burn warning.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

A pot roast is a hearty, rustic dish, but a little attention to presentation can make it feel extra special!

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast:

• Family Style: Serve the pot roast on a large platter, surrounded by the carrots and potatoes. Drizzle with gravy and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
• Individual Portions: Slice or shred the pot roast and serve it on plates with a generous portion of vegetables and a spoonful of the rich gravy.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Pot Roast:

• Rustic Platter: Use a large wooden or ceramic serving platter for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Side Ideas: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious gravy, or add a side of buttered green beans or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

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Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can make the pot roast a day in advance. Store the beef, vegetables, and gravy in the fridge, and reheat on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot before serving.
• Leftovers: Pot roast leftovers are delicious! Shred the leftover meat and use it for sandwiches, tacos, or add it to soups and stews.
• Freezing: Pot roast freezes well. Store the cooked meat and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen roast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a frozen roast, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to 90-100 minutes on high pressure. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to sear the frozen meat.

How can I avoid dry pot roast?
To ensure a tender pot roast, use a well-marbled cut like chuck roast. Also, be sure to cook it for the full time at high pressure, and allow the pressure to release naturally.

Can I add wine to the recipe?
Yes, adding ½ cup of red wine to the broth will give the roast a richer flavor. You can replace some of the beef broth with the wine.

What can I do with leftover pot roast?
Leftover pot roast is versatile! You can use it for sandwiches, tacos, or mix it into pasta. It’s also great in soups and stews.

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Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe delivers a classic, tender pot roast in a fraction of the time compared to traditional slow cooking. With juicy, fall-apart beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich gravy, it’s the perfect comforting meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the ease of the Instant Pot and savor every bite of this hearty, delicious dish!

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