Instant Pot Pot Roast

Introduction

There’s something about a pot roast that feels like a warm hug. It’s one of those classic dishes that just says “home,” don’t you think? Growing up, pot roast was a big deal in our house. We’d gather around the table, all smelling that rich, savory aroma as it slowly cooked away. The Instant Pot Pot Roast was always melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the veggies had just the right amount of bite. It was one of those meals where you’d sneak an extra bite or two even when you were full.

Now, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot Pot Roast, you can get that same rich flavor and fall-apart texture without spending hours in the kitchen. This version is a bit of a game-changer—especially on busy weeknights. It turns that special, time-consuming roast into a doable weeknight meal. You just need to do a bit of chopping, toss everything in, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. And let me tell you, the gravy alone is worth it! You’ll end up with this luscious, savory sauce that tastes like you fussed over it for hours, but it’s mostly hands-off.

Whether you’re making it for family dinner or for a cozy gathering with friends, this Instant Pot pot roast brings everyone together. There’s something so comforting about sharing a hearty, delicious meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. Let’s get cooking—you’re going to love how simple and delicious this is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s what makes Instant Pot Pot Roast a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time while still delivering tender, flavorful results.
• Rich and Hearty: Packed with savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth meat, it’s the perfect comfort food.
• One-Pot Meal: Cook everything in one pot for minimal cleanup.
• Customizable Vegetables: Add your favorite root veggies for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Pot roast is even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting meal.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Cook once and enjoy it over a few meals throughout the week.
• Balanced Flavors: The seasoning creates a delicious, balanced flavor without overpowering.
• Works with Different Cuts: Use chuck roast, brisket, or any beef cut you prefer.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later meals.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes (includes pressure build-up and release time)
• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 15g, Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

To make your Instant Pot Pot Roast, gather these ingredients:

For the Pot Roast:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary

the Vegetables:

• 4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
• 3 large potatoes, cut into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, chopped

Gravy:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Chuck Roast: This cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when pressure-cooked.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a rich, umami flavor that enhances the beefiness.
• Root Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and celery absorb the flavors and make it a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Instant Pot Pot Roast:

Prepare the Roast

1. Season the Meat: Pat the roast dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the Roast: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Sear the roast for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a splash of beef broth and scrape the bottom to remove any browned bits, adding depth to the flavor.

Pressure Cook

1. Add the Roast and Liquid: Return the roast to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well.
2. Add Vegetables: Arrange the carrots, potatoes, and celery around the roast.
3. Cook on High Pressure: Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 60 minutes.
4. Natural Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 15-20 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.

Prepare the Gravy

1. Remove the Roast and Vegetables: Transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving platter and cover to keep warm.
2. Thicken the Gravy: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the pot. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

How to Serve

Here’s how to make the most of your Instant Pot Pot Roast:

1. Serve Family Style: Place the pot roast and vegetables on a large platter, pouring gravy over everything.
2. Individual Portions: Slice the roast and serve with a generous helping of vegetables and gravy.
3. Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and extra flavor.
4. Serve with Bread: Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up the gravy.
5. Add a Side Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness of the roast.
6. Plate for Easy Leftovers: Pre-portion leftovers for easy reheating throughout the week.
7. In a Bread Bowl: For a fun twist, serve the roast and veggies in a bread bowl.
8. Pair with Wine: A red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the pot roast.
9. Make a Sandwich: Use leftover roast in sandwiches with a bit of gravy as a dip.
10. Serve with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon extra gravy over mashed potatoes for an indulgent side.

Additional Tips

Maximize the flavor and ease of your Instant Pot Pot Roast with these tips:

1. Trim the Fat: Trimming excess fat from the roast prevents the gravy from becoming too greasy.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh thyme and rosemary if you have them for a more robust flavor.
3. Brown the Meat Well: Searing the roast adds depth to the flavor.
4. Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning; it brings out the beef’s natural flavor.
5. Avoid Overcrowding: Space out vegetables in the pot to ensure even cooking.
6. Use Natural Release: The natural release keeps the meat tender by allowing pressure to drop gradually.
7. Test for Doneness: If the meat isn’t tender after cooking, add 10 more minutes of pressure cook time.
8. Taste Before Serving: Adjust seasonings in the gravy to your liking.
9. Double the Gravy: For extra gravy, add more beef broth and adjust seasoning.
10. Store Leftovers: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Recipe Variations

Consider these delicious variations for your Instant Pot Pot Roast:

• Red Wine Roast: Replace 1 cup of broth with red wine for a deeper flavor.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs to the pot.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a touch of heat.
• Creamy Gravy: Stir in a little heavy cream at the end for a richer gravy.
• Mushroom Pot Roast: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for an extra punch.
• Root Veggie Swap: Substitute turnips or parsnips for potatoes for a unique flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a cornstarch slurry for gluten-free gravy thickening.
• Onion Soup Mix: Add a packet of onion soup mix for extra depth of flavor.
• Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning and serve with pasta or polenta.

Freezing and Storage

Follow these tips to store or freeze your Instant Pot Pot Roast:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
• Freezing: Place cooled pot roast in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

These tools will help you make your Instant Pot Pot Roast:

• Instant Pot: A 6-quart Instant Pot is ideal for this recipe.
• Tongs: For searing and removing the roast from the pot.
• Mixing Bowl: To prepare the cornstarch slurry.
• Serving Platter: To present the roast and vegetables.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Instant Pot Pot Roast:

• What if the roast isn’t tender?
  Pressure cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until tender.
• Can I use frozen beef?
  Yes, but you may need to add an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
• Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
  Yes, you can cook it in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
• Can I use other cuts of beef?
  Yes, brisket or round roast can also work well.
• How do I prevent mushy vegetables?
  Cut vegetables into larger chunks to prevent overcooking.
• Can I add other vegetables?
  Yes, mushrooms, turnips, or parsnips work well.
• What if my gravy is too thin?
  Use more cornstarch slurry to thicken it to your preference.
• Can I make a bigger batch?
  Ensure your Instant Pot isn’t overfilled; adjust cook time as needed.

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Conclusion

There you have it—a classic Instant Pot Pot Roast that’s packed with tender, juicy flavors and ready in a fraction of the usual time! This recipe brings that warm, comforting feeling to your table, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy family gatherings. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste, it’s a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite and something you’ll want to make again and again.

What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your own taste. Add a splash of red wine for extra depth, toss in some root vegetables, or sprinkle in your favorite herbs—the options are endless, and each tweak adds a unique touch to the dish. It’s all about making it your own and creating a meal that everyone around the table will remember.

I’d love to hear how your pot roast turns out! Whether you follow the recipe to a T or add your own spin, it’s always exciting to see what you come up with. Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your thoughts, or better yet, snap a photo of your finished pot roast and tag me on social media. Seeing your delicious creations brings me so much joy and inspires others to try it too. So gather around, savor every bite, and make some wonderful memories with this comforting meal. Enjoy, and happy cooking!