Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast is a comforting and hearty meal made effortlessly in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Tender, flavorful beef, savory vegetables, and a rich, thick gravy come together to create a wholesome dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy Sunday meals. With the help of the Instant Pot, this classic roast is ready in just over an hour with minimal hands-on time.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chuck roast (about 3-4 pounds)olive oilyellow onioncarrotsrusset potatoesgarlic clovesbeef brothtomato pasteWorcestershire saucesoy saucesaltblack pepperdried thymebay leavescornstarch (for thickening)

directions

Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sear the roast for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Cook for another minute.

Pour in the beef broth and deglaze the bottom of the pot to avoid burn warnings.

Return the roast to the pot. Add thyme and bay leaves.

Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.

Allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Open the lid, add chopped carrots and potatoes. Reseal and cook on high pressure for 10 more minutes.

Once done, remove the meat and vegetables. Set the pot to sauté, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry, and stir into the liquid to thicken into gravy.

Slice or shred the roast and serve with vegetables and gravy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesPressure cooking time: 70 minutes (60 for meat, 10 for vegetables)Additional time (searing, sautéing, pressure release): 20-25 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Use red wine instead of some of the broth for deeper flavor.

Swap in sweet potatoes or parsnips for a different twist on the vegetables.

Add mushrooms with the carrots and potatoes for extra richness.

Use fresh rosemary instead of thyme for a different herbal note.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for pot roast?

Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful under pressure.

Can I skip the searing step?

You can, but searing adds extra flavor and helps lock in juices.

What if my roast is smaller or larger?

Adjust pressure cook time by about 20 minutes per pound of meat.

Can I use baby carrots and whole potatoes?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed for larger chunks.

Can I make this recipe low-carb?

Yes, skip the potatoes and add more low-carb vegetables like turnips or celery root.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Do I need to use cornstarch for the gravy?

No, you can use arrowroot powder or flour as a thickener instead.

Can I add more broth?

Yes, but avoid overfilling the Instant Pot past the max fill line.

Can I use frozen roast?

It’s possible, but searing won’t be an option and cook time will increase significantly.

What should I serve with pot roast?

Crusty bread or a side salad make great additions.

Conclusion

Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast transforms a classic comfort meal into a quick, satisfying dinner with rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this dish is sure to become a staple at your table. Give it a try and experience how easy and delicious pot roast can be with the help of your Instant Pot.