Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

Juicy Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Made Simple

Crafting a mouthwatering instant pot pot roast that melts in your mouth starts with understanding the magic of slow-cooked comfort.

Tender beef transforms into a delectable masterpiece through pressure cooking’s remarkable technique.

Juicy meat falls apart with minimal effort, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Succulent layers of flavor develop quickly, making this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Rich, hearty aromas will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby with anticipation.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly simple, this pot roast becomes your new go-to meal that impresses without demanding hours of preparation.

Let’s uncover the secret to making restaurant-quality roast right in your own kitchen.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Full of Flavor

  • Speed Up Dinner Prep: Instant Pot transforms a traditionally long cooking process into a quick, delicious meal with minimal hands-on effort.
  • Tender Meat Magic: Pressure cooking breaks down tough chuck roast fibers, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat that's incredibly juicy and flavorful.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Simplifies cooking by allowing you to sear, cook, and serve in the same pot, reducing cleanup and kitchen mess dramatically.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a classic pot roast that appeals to all ages, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and weekend meals.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Main Protein:
  • Beef Chuck Roast: A flavorful and tender cut perfect for slow cooking and creating a hearty meal.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: These ingredients provide a rich, savory base flavor for the pot roast.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the beef.
  • Thyme, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that add depth and traditional roast flavor.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing and creating a golden-brown crust on the meat.
  • Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a slight tangy depth to the sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Provides moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor of the dish.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a complex, umami-rich taste to the pot roast.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Potatoes: Classic root vegetables that become tender and absorb the delicious cooking liquid.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

How to Cook Instant Pot Pot Roast

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the “Saute” function.

Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, ensuring full coverage of the meat.

The seasoning will help develop a rich, deep flavor during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Brown the seasoned roast on all sides, creating a delicious golden crust.

This process takes about 3-4 minutes per side and helps lock in the meat’s natural juices.

Once seared, transfer the roast to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Saute Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and garlic into the Instant Pot.

Saute these ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors into the cooking environment.

Step 4: Create the Cooking Liquid

Add the following ingredients to build a robust cooking sauce:
  • Tomato paste
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh thyme
  • Fresh rosemary

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Roast

Return the seared roast to the Instant Pot.

Secure the lid and set the pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 60 minutes.

This cooking method ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth roast.

Step 6: Natural Pressure Release

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.

This technique helps keep the meat incredibly juicy.

Step 7: Add Vegetables

Introduce carrots and potatoes to the pot.

Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become perfectly tender.

Step 8: Final Pressure Release

Perform a quick pressure release to complete the cooking process.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot.

Slice the roast against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Arrange the vegetables alongside the meat on a serving platter.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Cooking Instant Pot Pot Roast

  • Sear the beef chuck roast thoroughly to lock in delicious, rich flavors and create a beautiful golden-brown crust that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Use the high-pressure cooking method to break down tough meat fibers, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth tender roast that falls apart easily with a fork.
  • Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot while adding liquid ingredients to intensify the sauce's flavor profile and capture all the caramelized goodness.
  • Add root vegetables like carrots and potatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy while maintaining perfect texture and preventing overcooking.

Variations for Instant Pot Pot Roast

  • Vegetarian Pot Roast: Replace beef chuck roast with a large jackfruit or seitan roast, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to ensure the recipe meets gluten-free dietary requirements.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets and reduce onion quantity to minimize carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Add kalamata olives, swap thyme with oregano, and include diced bell peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired pot roast variation with bright, tangy notes.

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Pot Roast

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Create a rustic, inviting table setting with the pot roast as the star, surrounded by warm bread and a simple green salad.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Pair the roast with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the delicious cooking juices and add extra comfort.
  • Leftover Magic Transformation: Shred remaining meat for sandwiches, tacos, or shepherd's pie the next day, stretching the meal's versatility and flavor potential.
  • Weekend Gathering Special: Serve family-style on a large wooden board, allowing everyone to help themselves and enjoy the tender, flavorful meat together.

Storage Recommendations for Instant Pot Pot Roast

  • Transfer leftover pot roast and vegetables to an airtight container. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping meat and vegetables together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Wrap pot roast and vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months to preserve quality and taste.
  • Place pot roast and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Why sear the roast before pressure cooking?

Searing creates a delicious brown crust that adds deep, rich flavor to the meat through the Maillard reaction, which develops complex taste profiles and helps seal in the meat’s natural juices.

  • Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck roast works best because it’s a tough cut with high fat content that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful during slow cooking. Alternative cuts like bottom round or brisket can work, but may not be as tender.

  • How do I know the roast is fully cooked?

The roast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium. It should easily pull apart with a fork and have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

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

Description

Succulent instant pot pot roast blends tender beef with hearty vegetables for a comforting meal. Home cooks can savor rich, slow-cooked flavors without hours of preparation.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) beef chuck roast

Vegetables:

  • 4 large carrots, cut into chunks
  • 4 potatoes, quartered
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Instant Pot by activating the “Saute” function and warming the olive oil. Thoroughly coat the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper.
  2. Create a rich golden crust by searing the roast on each side for 3-4 minutes, developing deep flavor. Transfer the meat to a separate plate.
  3. Introduce chopped onions and garlic into the pot, allowing them to soften and caramelize for 2-3 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence.
  4. Incorporate tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Deglaze the pot by scraping the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Carefully return the roast to the pot and seal the lid. Program the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” at high temperature for 60 minutes, ensuring tender meat.
  6. After cooking completes, permit natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then swiftly release any remaining pressure.
  7. Gently add carrots and potatoes into the cooking liquid. Secure the lid and pressure cook for an additional 10 minutes until vegetables reach desired tenderness.
  8. Release pressure quickly and open the lid. Remove the succulent roast and perfectly cooked vegetables from the pot.
  9. Slice the roast against the grain, arranging it alongside the vegetables. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish before serving.

Notes

  • Meat Selection: Choose a well-marbled chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
  • Seasoning Hack: Pat the meat dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and develop a delicious caramelized exterior.
  • Timing Trick: Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains incredibly moist.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap beef broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version that maintains similar texture and depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star