Instant Pot Pot Roast

This Instant Pot pot roast is a delightful dish that brings comfort food to the dinner table in record time. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions, this recipe delivers juicy meat paired with tender vegetables and a rich gravy. The beauty of this pot roast lies in its one-pot preparation, allowing you to create a nostalgic meal without the hassle.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Roast
• For Vegetables
• For Gravy
• For Garnish
• How to Make Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Step 1: Season the Roast
• Step 2: Sear the Roast
• Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
• Step 4: Add Ingredients
• Step 5: Pressure Cook
• Step 6: Release Pressure
• Step 7: Shred the Roast
• Step 8: Make the Gravy
• Step 9: Serve
• How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Classic Comfort
• Fresh Additions
• Garnishing Ideas
• How to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Reheating Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How long does it take to cook an Instant Pot pot roast?
• Can I use frozen meat for Instant Pot pot roast?
• What vegetables work best with instant pot pot roast?
• How do I make my gravy thicker?
• Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: Enjoy a delicious pot roast in about an hour, thanks to the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks together in one pot.
• Flavorful & Tender: The pressure cooking process ensures your roast comes out fork-tender and infused with flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process. Having the right equipment will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Large spoon for stirring
• Small mixing bowl for seasoning
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: The star of the show! It cooks the roast quickly while enhancing flavors through pressure cooking.
• Large Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and deglazing the pot without scratching its surface.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining spices for the seasoning blend before applying it to the roast.

Ingredients

For the Roast

• 3-5 pound boneless beef chuck roast
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For Vegetables

• 1 pound baby red potatoes
• 4 large carrots, chopped into 2-inch pieces (or 1 pound baby carrots)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced

For Gravy

• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Instant Pot Pot Roast

Step 1: Season the Roast

In a small bowl, mix together salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Rub this seasoning blend all over the roast until evenly coated on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Once hot, add oil and sear the seasoned roast for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from pot and set aside.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a spoon. Turn off Sauté function after deglazing.

Step 4: Add Ingredients

Place the seared roast back into the pot. Scatter potatoes, carrots, and onions around it evenly.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Lock lid in place and set vent to Sealing. Pressure Cook on High for:
1. 60 minutes for a 3 lb roast
2. 80-90 minutes for a 4-5 lb roast

Step 6: Release Pressure

Once cook time is complete, let Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then perform a controlled quick release for any remaining steam.

Step 7: Shred the Roast

Carefully remove lid and transfer both roast and veggies to a platter. Use two forks to shred roast into chunks.

Step 8: Make the Gravy

Set Instant Pot to Soup/Broth setting. In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch to create a slurry. When liquid is simmering, whisk in slurry until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9: Serve

Plate shredded pot roast alongside veggies and smother with rich gravy. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

Serving Instant Pot pot roast is all about enhancing its rich flavors and tenderness. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes that can elevate your meal experience.

Classic Comfort

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the delicious gravy.
• Buttered Noodles: Simple egg noodles tossed in butter complement the roast perfectly.
• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of bread is perfect for sopping up gravy.

Fresh Additions

• Steamed Green Beans: Bright, crunchy green beans add a fresh contrast to the hearty roast.
• Garden Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of pot roast.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a flavorful side.

Garnishing Ideas

• Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor on top.
• Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs of thyme enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast

Perfecting your Instant Pot pot roast comes down to technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your roast turns out tender and flavorful every time.

• Choose the Right Cut: Use a boneless beef chuck roast for optimal tenderness and flavor.
• Sear Before Cooking: Searing the meat before pressure cooking develops richer flavors through caramelization.
• Adjust Cook Time for Size: Make sure to adjust cooking times based on the size of your roast for even doneness.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allowing natural pressure release helps retain moisture in the meat.
• Make Gravy with Drippings: Use the leftover liquid in the pot to create a delicious gravy that complements your roast.

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Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Pairing your Instant Pot pot roast with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that enhance this comforting dish.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent base for gravy.
2. Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots add a colorful touch to your plate.
3. Creamed Spinach: Rich, creamy spinach offers a delightful contrast to savory roast flavors.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy.
5. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that provides a light, fluffy side without overpowering the main dish.
6. Balsamic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted with balsamic adds depth and sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pot roast in the Instant Pot can be simple, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the roast adequately can result in bland meat. Always rub your spices thoroughly over the entire surface of the roast.
• Bold skipping the sear: Skipping the searing step may rob your pot roast of rich flavor. Take the time to brown the meat for a deeper taste.
• Bold ignoring size: Cooking a roast without considering its weight can lead to undercooked or overcooked meat. Adjust cooking time based on the size of your roast.
• Bold not deglazing: Failing to deglaze the pot can lead to burnt bits in your gravy. Always scrape up browned bits after searing.
• Bold rushing pressure release: Quick-releasing pressure too soon can make the meat tough. Allow for natural pressure release when possible for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Instant Pot pot roast in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Pot Roast

• You can freeze pot roast for longer storage.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers and remove as much air as possible.
• It’s best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pot roast in a covered dish with some broth and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Slice the pot roast and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in intervals, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: In a skillet, add a splash of broth and reheat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook an Instant Pot pot roast?

The cooking time varies by size; typically, it’s about 60 minutes for a 3-pound roast and 80-90 minutes for larger cuts.

Can I use frozen meat for Instant Pot pot roast?

Yes! If starting with frozen meat, skip searing and increase cooking time by 20-30 minutes.

What vegetables work best with instant pot pot roast?

Carrots, potatoes, and onions are classic choices that complement the pot roast well.

How do I make my gravy thicker?

To thicken gravy, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry before adding it to your simmering broth.

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal, you can also try brisket or round cuts if preferred.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot pot roast is not only juicy and tender but also customizable! Whether you prefer different vegetables or spices, this recipe adapts beautifully to suit your taste. Try it out today for a comforting family meal that comes together quickly!