Tender & Juicy Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe for Busy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering Instant Pot roast brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Tender meat falls apart with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Rich aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Slow-cooked perfection happens quickly with this simple technique.

Minimal ingredients create maximum deliciousness in less than an hour.

Robust seasonings meld together, creating a classic dish everyone will request again.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future cozy dinners.

FAQs

• What kind of beef cut works best for this pot roast?

Chuck roast is ideal due to its high fat content and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of fresh herbs. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less than fresh.

• Do I need to sear the meat before pressure cooking?

Searing creates a deep, rich flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface and developing complex flavor compounds. While not mandatory, it significantly enhances the overall taste of the pot roast.

Reasons to Try Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Instant Pot transforms tough beef into tender, mouthwatering roast in a fraction of traditional cooking time, making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Minimal Hands-On Cooking: Simply brown meat, add ingredients, and let the Instant Pot do the heavy lifting, creating a delicious meal with minimal active cooking effort.
• Packed with Hearty Flavors: Herb-infused broth and slow-cooked beef deliver rich, deep flavors that taste like they've been simmering all day, without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pot Comfort Meal: Complete protein and vegetables cook together, reducing cleanup and providing a satisfying, nutritious dinner that feeds the whole family with minimal dishes to wash.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

• Beef Roast: A tender cut perfect for slow cooking and absorbing rich flavors.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Classic herbs that add earthy and fragrant notes to the roast.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the meat.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the meat moist.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a hint of acidity to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a complex, umami flavor to the roast.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for creating a smooth gravy.

• Carrots, Potatoes: Classic root vegetables that become tender and absorb the delicious cooking juices.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat the Instant Pot on saute mode. Pour a splash of olive oil into the pot.

Carefully place the beef in the hot oil, turning it to create a golden-brown crust on all sides. Once beautifully seared, lift the beef out and set it on a nearby plate.

Step 2: Caramelize Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pot. Let them dance and soften for about 2 minutes, soaking up all the delicious beef drippings.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Roast

Gently lower the seared beef back into the pot.

• Chunky carrots
• Quartered potatoes

Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the Instant Pot lid. Set to high pressure and cook for 60 minutes.

Once complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Luxurious Gravy

Remove the beef and vegetables from the pot.

If you want a luscious gravy, whisk cornstarch into the remaining liquid until it thickens beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving platter.

Drizzle with the homemade gravy. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Helpful Tips for Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

• Sear the beef thoroughly to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a beautiful golden-brown exterior that enhances the overall taste of the pot roast.
• Choose well-marbled chuck roast for maximum tenderness and juiciness, ensuring the meat remains moist and succulent during pressure cooking.
• Allow the natural pressure release to help tenderize the meat further, preventing it from becoming tough and maintaining its delicate texture.
• Create a smooth, lump-free gravy by whisking the cornstarch slurry carefully and gradually to achieve the perfect consistency without clumping.
• Opt for fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary instead of dried ones to elevate the aromatic profile and bring more vibrant, garden-fresh flavors to the dish.

Flavor Twists for Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

• Slow Cooker Variation: Replace Instant Pot with a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
• Vegetarian Pot Roast: Swap beef with large portobello mushrooms or seitan, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based version.
• Herb-Infused Modification: Experiment with different herb combinations like sage, marjoram, or oregano to create unique flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip potatoes, add more low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, turnips, or radishes to maintain a hearty meal while reducing carbohydrates.

Suggested Pairings for Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

• Sunday Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table for a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone closer together.
• Rustic Farmhouse Plating: Arrange the tender roast and colorful vegetables on a large wooden cutting board, drizzle with rich gravy, and sprinkle fresh parsley for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Meal Prep Champion: Slice the roast and store in airtight containers with vegetables and gravy for easy, delicious lunches throughout the week, saving time and enjoying home-cooked goodness.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Shred the beef and mix with vegetables and gravy, serving in deep bowls with crusty bread for a warm, satisfying one-bowl meal that hugs your soul.

Storage Tips for Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

• Refrigerate leftover pot roast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the meat and vegetables separately from the gravy to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Refrigerated pot roast stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Best Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Instant pot pot roast brings hearty comfort to family dinners with tender beef slowly braised in rich, savory sauce. Midwest home cooks know this classic dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 4 medium carrots (cut into chunks)
• 3 medium potatoes (quartered)
• 1 large onion (quartered)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Thickening and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Activate the Instant Pot’s searing function and heat olive oil, thoroughly caramelizing the beef on each surface until a rich golden-brown crust develops.
2. Transfer the seared meat to a temporary plate, then introduce chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried herbs, creating a robust and aromatic liquid base for braising.
4. Gently nestle the browned beef back into the pot, strategically arranging chunky carrots and quartered potatoes around the roast for even cooking.
5. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing position, then program the device to high-pressure cooking for precisely 60 minutes.
6. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes after cooking completes, which helps tenderize the meat and redistribute internal moisture.
7. Carefully extract the beef and vegetables, then optionally transform the remaining cooking liquid into a silky gravy by whisking in a cornstarch mixture.
8. Slice the roast against the grain, plate with roasted vegetables, drizzle with prepared gravy, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Ensure meat is thoroughly browned to develop deep, rich flavor profiles that enhance overall taste and texture of the roast.
• Select well-marbled chuck roast for maximum tenderness and juiciness, allowing the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth delicious during pressure cooking.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, preventing the dish from becoming overly salty while maintaining robust meaty undertones.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch for thickening the gravy without compromising consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg