This Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast is a cozy dish that’s full of flavor! With tender beef, carrots, and potatoes cooked in a savory broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
When I’m short on time but craving a hearty meal, this pot roast works wonders. Just set it and let the Instant Pot do its magic while you kick back—dinner is served!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect as it becomes tender in the Instant Pot. If you can’t find it, brisket or round roast can work too, but they might be slightly less tender.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor, but you can use vegetable or canola oil if that’s what you have at home.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is great if you have it! If you’re short on time, go for low-sodium beef broth to manage the salt levels.
Red Wine: It adds depth, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, beef broth alone will do just fine. You might even add a splash of vinegar for some acidity.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and celery add great flavor and texture. Feel free to swap in parsnips or turnips if you’re looking for a different taste.
How Do I Properly Sear the Roast?
Searing is critical for locking in flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your Instant Pot is hot before adding the oil. It should shimmer but not smoke.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot! If the roast is large, sear it in batches for even browning.
- Let it sit for 4 minutes on each side without moving it around. This browning adds a lot of flavor to your dish.
Getting that perfect sear makes a big difference in taste! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pot roast recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour and 20 minutes to cook. You’ll spend some time searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables, but the Instant Pot will do most of the work for you while you can relax. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Meat:
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and let it heat up. Once hot, add the olive oil. Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Sear the roast in the hot oil for about 4 minutes on each side, until it’s nicely browned. Once browned, remove the roast and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3 minutes. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Mix in the Flavor:
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to let the flavors combine.
4. Build the Broth:
Next, pour in the beef broth and optional red wine while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits stuck there. This step is essential for maximum flavor!
5. Pressure Cook the Roast:
Return the seared roast to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
6. Let the Pressure Release:
After the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes, then carefully vent any remaining pressure.
7. Add the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the carrots, potatoes, and celery around the roast in the pot. Seal the lid again and cook on high pressure for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Final Pressure Release:
After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for another 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
9. Serve Up Your Roast:
Carefully remove the pot roast and vegetables to a serving platter. If you’d like, you can thicken the cooking liquid with a mixture of cornstarch and water over “Sauté” mode to make a delicious gravy.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Slice the pot roast and serve it hot with the vegetables and your homemade gravy. Enjoy your tender, flavorful Instant Pot pot roast!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef chuck roast! Just note that you’ll need to add about 10-15 minutes to the high-pressure cooking time, as the Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure with a frozen roast.
What Should I Do If My Pot Roast Is Tough?
If you find the pot roast is tough after cooking, it might need more time. Simply place it back in the Instant Pot with a bit more broth and cook on high pressure for an additional 10-15 minutes. Let it rest before slicing to help retain moisture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for later use, just make sure to separate the roast and vegetables for better reheating!
What Can I Serve with Pot Roast?
This pot roast pairs well with a variety of sides! Classic choices include mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh garden salad. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy!
