Instant Pot Pot Roast

There’s something truly comforting about a classic pot roast — tender, juicy beef surrounded by flavorful vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Traditionally, pot roast is a dish reserved for slow cookers or oven roasting, but with the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this hearty meal in a fraction of the time. This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. The chuck roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with aromatic herbs and a savory sauce, while baby potatoes and carrots soak up all those delicious juices. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

If you’ve ever been intimidated by the thought of making pot roast, the Instant Pot is here to change that. This recipe offers:

– Speed and convenience: What typically takes hours in the oven or slow cooker is ready in about an hour.
– Rich, deep flavor: Pressure cooking intensifies the taste, making the beef incredibly tender and the broth flavorful.
– One-pot meal: With beef, potatoes, and carrots all cooked together, cleanup is a breeze.
– Customizable and forgiving: You can easily adjust ingredients or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
– Perfectly balanced seasoning: The combination of rosemary, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste creates a savory, aromatic profile that complements the beef beautifully.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this Instant Pot Pot Roast will quickly become your go-to comfort food.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pound chuck roast, excess fat trimmed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups beef broth or beef stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick chunks

How To Make Instant Pot Pot Roast

Step 1: Prepare the Chuck Roast

Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast to prevent the dish from becoming greasy. Pat the roast dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the vegetable or olive oil. Once hot, add the roast and brown it on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in the flavors and adds a beautiful crust. Remove the roast and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot — these add extra flavor to the dish.

Step 4: Add the Liquid and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Add the dried rosemary, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Mix everything together, ensuring the tomato paste dissolves fully into the broth.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Roast

Place the browned chuck roast back into the Instant Pot, nestling it into the broth mixture. Lock the lid in place and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Vegetables

When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release to release the steam. Open the lid and add the halved baby potatoes and thick carrot chunks around the roast.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Close the lid again, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for an additional 10 minutes. Once done, perform another quick release.

Step 8: Serve

Remove the bay leaves and discard. Slice or shred the pot roast and serve hot with the tender carrots and potatoes, spooning the rich broth over the top for a perfect plate.

Expert Tips

• Choose the right cut: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe because of its marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down beautifully under pressure.
• Don’t skip searing: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor and a better texture.
• Use fresh herbs if available: Fresh rosemary and thyme can be substituted for dried for a brighter flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs.
• Adjust cooking time for size: If your roast is larger than 4 pounds, increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
• Let the roast rest: After cooking, allow the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the roast and vegetables, then use the sauté function to reduce the liquid or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Variations and Customizations

• Swap vegetables: Add parsnips, celery, or mushrooms to the pot for extra flavor and texture.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the broth.
• Use bone-in roast: A bone-in chuck roast can add more flavor to the broth.
• Herb variations: Experiment with oregano, sage, or bay leaf blends for different aromatic profiles.
• Make it a stew: Cut the roast into cubes before cooking and add more broth to create a hearty stew.

How to Store Leftovers

Once your Instant Pot Pot Roast has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making leftovers even tastier! For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the meat moist.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, while chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, and some cuts might be less tender.

Is it necessary to use Worcestershire sauce?

Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the broth, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with soy sauce or coconut aminos for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I cook this pot roast without searing the meat first?

While you can skip searing to save time, browning the meat enhances flavor and texture significantly. If you choose not to sear, expect a less rich taste and lighter color in your broth.

How do I prevent the Instant Pot from burning during cooking?

Make sure to deglaze the pot well after searing by scraping up all the browned bits and adding enough liquid before pressure cooking. This helps prevent the burn warning and ensures even cooking.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a cozy, delicious meal without the lengthy wait. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a tender, juicy roast surrounded by flavorful vegetables in just about an hour. The savory broth, infused with herbs and Worcestershire sauce, makes every bite satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile and forgiving, perfect for busy cooks who don’t want to compromise on taste. Grab your Instant Pot, gather these ingredients, and enjoy a classic pot roast that’s sure to become a new favorite!