Instant Pot Pot Roast: A Hearty Meal for Every Occasion
When you’re craving comfort food, it doesn’t get any better than Instant Pot Pot Roast. This easy recipe features fall-apart tender beef that melts in your mouth, complemented by perfectly cooked potatoes and carrots, all enveloped in a rich, flavorful gravy. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that every bite is infused with deep, savory goodness. The combination of hearty vegetables and succulent beef creates a satisfying meal that warms the soul and brings a sense of home with every forkful.
Gather your family and friends for Sunday dinner and enjoy the simplicity and comfort of this classic dish. The Instant Pot Pot Roast is a perfect centerpiece for a cozy, family-style meal, encouraging everyone to come together and savor the moment. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both seasoned cooks and beginners looking to impress their loved ones. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this pot roast is sure to become a favorite in your household, providing comfort and delight with each serving.
Ingredients and Their Roles
3-4 pound chuck roast: The star of the dish, chuck roast is known for its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. It’s a cut that benefits greatly from slow, moist cooking methods like braising, making it ideal for the Instant Pot.
1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the beef.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil: Used for searing the meat, which helps to develop a deep, savory crust that adds complexity to the dish.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Onions add sweetness and depth to the gravy, breaking down during cooking to enhance the overall flavor.
2 cups beef broth or beef stock: Provides the necessary liquid for pressure cooking, infusing the beef and vegetables with rich, beefy goodness.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the gravy, balancing the richness of the beef.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces umami and a bit of sweetness, enhancing the savory flavors in the dish.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Classic herbs that pair perfectly with beef, providing aromatic and earthy notes.
2 bay leaves: Impart a subtle, slightly floral flavor that complements the beef and vegetables.
1 pound baby potatoes, halved: These soak up the flavorful juices, becoming tender and delicious during cooking.
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick chunks: Add sweetness and a pop of color, balancing the savory elements of the dish.
For the Corn Starch Slurry:
3 tablespoons corn starch mixed with 3 tablespoons of cold water: This mixture is used to thicken the gravy, giving it a rich, smooth texture that coats the meat and vegetables beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Meat
Cut the beef: Divide the chuck roast into three 1-pound portions. This helps it cook more evenly and ensures each piece gets nicely browned.
Season: Generously season each piece with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the beef.
Sauté the Beef
Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE: Select the SAUTE setting on your Instant Pot and allow it to heat up. This takes about 5 minutes.
Add the oil: Once the pot is hot, add the vegetable oil or olive oil.
Sear the beef: Place the seasoned beef portions in the pot and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until each side is nicely browned. This step locks in the juices and adds a layer of flavor to the final dish.
Remove the beef: After searing, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Onion
Add the onion: Without cleaning the pot, add the diced onion. The residual heat and oil will start to cook the onions immediately.
Cook until translucent: Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the beef stock: Carefully pour the beef broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are full of flavor and will enrich the gravy.
Switch off the SAUTE setting: Turn off the SAUTE function by pressing CANCEL.
Add Seasonings
Stir in the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring until it’s fully dissolved in the broth.
Add Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and bay leaves: Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and bay leaves. These ingredients will infuse the beef and vegetables with deep, savory flavors.
Pressure Cook the Beef
Return the beef to the pot: Place the seared beef portions back into the Instant Pot, nestling them into the broth and seasonings.
Secure the lid: Ensure the lid is properly secured and the vent is set to SEALING.
Select PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL: Set the Instant Pot to PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL on high pressure for 60 minutes. The pot will take about 7-8 minutes to reach pressure.
Quick Release
Release the steam: Once the cooking time ends, carefully perform a quick release of the steam by turning the vent to VENTING. This will release the pressure quickly, allowing you to open the pot.
Add Vegetables
Add the potatoes and carrots: Remove the lid and add the halved baby potatoes and carrot chunks to the pot, distributing them evenly around the beef.
Secure the lid again: Ensure the lid is properly secured and the vent is set to SEALING.
Select PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL: Set the Instant Pot to PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Natural Release
Allow natural release: Once the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This helps the vegetables finish cooking and ensures they are perfectly tender.
Quick release any remaining pressure: After the natural release period, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Finish the Gravy
Remove the beef and vegetables: Carefully remove the beef and vegetables from the pot and set them aside.
Switch on the SAUTE setting: Turn the Instant Pot back to the SAUTE setting.
Add the corn starch slurry: Stir the corn starch slurry (3 tablespoons corn starch mixed with 3 tablespoons of cold water) into the pot, whisking continuously.
Thicken the sauce: Cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Serve
Shred the beef: Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Serve with vegetables: Arrange the beef on a serving platter with the potatoes and carrots.
Spoon the gravy over the top: Generously spoon the rich, thickened gravy over the beef and vegetables.
Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Variations and Substitutions
Herbs and Spices: Customize the flavor profile by experimenting with different herbs. Fresh thyme and rosemary can be used in place of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Adding garlic during the sautéing stage can also introduce a deeper, more complex taste.
Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables to suit your preference. Parsnips, celery, and mushrooms are great additions that provide extra flavor and texture. You can also include turnips or sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce you use are certified gluten-free. If needed, you can replace the corn starch with another gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
Why This Recipe is Special
This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe stands out because it delivers the rich, comforting flavors of traditional pot roast in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooking process ensures that the beef is fall-apart tender, and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. The ability to prepare this meal quickly without sacrificing flavor makes it a go-to for busy weeknights or a relaxed Sunday dinner.
The customizable nature of the recipe allows you to tweak it to suit your taste, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. The satisfaction of enjoying a homemade, hearty meal with minimal effort is what makes this dish truly special. The Instant Pot Pot Roast brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting nostalgia of a classic pot roast and the convenience of modern cooking technology. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and delight, providing warmth and comfort with every bite.
