Instant Pot Pot Roast

This Instant Pot Pot Roast is everything you want in a comforting dinner fork-tender beef, perfectly cooked potatoes and carrots, and a deeply flavorful gravy that ties it all together. The beauty of using the Instant Pot is that it cuts the cooking time dramatically without sacrificing tenderness or flavor. It’s a classic meal reimagined for the modern home cook.

Perfect for family gatherings, weekend meals, or even a comforting weeknight treat, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile feel free to swap in your favorite root vegetables or add fresh herbs at the end for an extra pop of flavor. The ease and comfort of this pot roast make it a staple you’ll turn to again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 pound baby potatoes

• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for slurry)

Directions:

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Season chuck roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika.

2. Add olive oil to the pot, then sear roast on all sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side).

3. Remove roast and set aside. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 more minute.

4. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Return the roast to the pot.

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

6. Let pressure release naturally for 15–20 minutes.

7. Add potatoes and carrots to the pot. Reseal lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

8. Do a quick release of pressure. Remove roast and vegetables.

9. (Optional) Set pot to sauté, stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.

10. Slice or shred roast, serve with vegetables and spoon gravy on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 85 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

When it comes to wholesome, hearty meals that bring families together, few dishes can rival the timeless comfort of a pot roast. Rich in flavor, loaded with tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables, and smothered in a savory gravy, pot roast is the kind of meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Thanks to the magic of modern kitchen appliances, specifically the Instant Pot, this beloved classic has been given a delicious and convenient upgrade.

This article takes a deep dive into the world of Instant Pot Pot Roast its origins, the benefits of cooking it in a pressure cooker, variations, serving suggestions, and tips for making the most flavorful and tender roast possible. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this guide is designed to help you perfect one of the most iconic American comfort foods.

The Appeal of Pot Roast: A Brief History

Pot roast has deep roots in traditional American cooking, particularly among families looking for a hearty, affordable, and nourishing meal. Its origins are closely tied to the “Yankee Pot Roast,” which itself was inspired by European immigrants who brought their slow-cooking traditions with them to the United States. Using inexpensive cuts of meat and slow braising techniques, early pot roasts were not only budget-friendly but also full of rich, developed flavors.

What made pot roast so appealing then and continues to do so now is its ability to transform a tough cut of meat into something fork-tender and deeply satisfying. Traditionally prepared in Dutch ovens or slow cookers, pot roast became a weekend staple, especially in colder months.

The Instant Pot Advantage

With the rise of electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot, making pot roast has become significantly quicker and more efficient. What once took several hours to simmer on a stovetop or in a slow cooker can now be achieved in a fraction of the time, without compromising on flavor or texture.

Key Benefits of Using an Instant Pot:

• Speed: The pressure cooking feature reduces the total cooking time drastically.
• Flavor Enhancement: The sealed environment of an Instant Pot intensifies flavors and locks in moisture.
• Convenience: Most models offer sauté, pressure cook, and warm functions all in one pot less cleanup, more efficiency.
• Consistency: Electric pressure cookers are designed for precise temperature control, which means your roast will come out perfectly every time.

The Instant Pot has essentially made pot roast an accessible weeknight meal instead of being reserved for Sundays or special occasions.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

The success of your Instant Pot Pot Roast depends heavily on the cut of meat you use. Chuck roast is the most commonly recommended cut due to its marbling, which breaks down beautifully under pressure cooking and provides the signature tenderness and flavor that pot roast is known for.

Other suitable cuts include:

• Brisket
• Bottom round
• Rump roast

These cuts are typically more affordable and become incredibly tender when cooked under pressure.

Flavor Foundations: Building the Perfect Base

A pot roast is only as good as its flavor base. This usually involves a combination of aromatic vegetables like onions and garlic, tomato paste for depth, beef broth for richness, and a blend of herbs and spices.

Searing the beef before pressure cooking is a crucial step not to be skipped. This caramelizes the surface of the meat, locking in juices and developing complex flavors that permeate the entire dish during cooking.

Common herbs and spices include:

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Bay leaves

Adding Worcestershire sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar also boosts umami and adds a pleasant tang to the gravy.

The Importance of Vegetables

No pot roast is complete without the inclusion of root vegetables. Carrots and potatoes are the classic choice, but you can also include parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes for a twist.

One pro tip is to add the vegetables later in the cooking process. While the meat requires around 60 minutes under pressure, most vegetables only need 10–15 minutes. Adding them at the right time prevents them from turning to mush and ensures they retain their texture and flavor.

Making the Gravy

The rich, velvety gravy is the unsung hero of a good pot roast. Once the roast and vegetables are done, you can set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and thicken the cooking liquid using a cornstarch slurry. This results in a luxurious gravy that pairs perfectly with the beef and vegetables.

For extra depth, some cooks add a splash of red wine during the initial cooking stage or finish the gravy with a bit of butter for a silkier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Pot Roast is a versatile meal that can be served in several satisfying ways:

• Traditional: Serve the roast sliced or shredded with its accompanying vegetables and a generous spoonful of gravy.
• Over Mashed Potatoes: For an extra decadent dish, serve the roast over creamy mashed potatoes.
• As a Sandwich: Use the shredded beef in hoagie rolls with melted cheese for an indulgent pot roast sandwich.
• Leftover Makeovers: Use the leftovers in shepherd’s pie, tacos, or even beef hash for breakfast.

Adding a side salad or crusty bread can round out the meal beautifully.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Instant Pot Pot Roast turns out perfect every time:

1. Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the meat before pressure cooking significantly boosts flavor.
2. Deglaze the Pot: Always scrape the browned bits off the bottom before sealing the pot to prevent a burn warning.
3. Use Low-Sodium Broth: This gives you more control over the final saltiness of the dish.
4. Let Pressure Release Naturally: This helps the meat fibers relax and results in a juicier roast.
5. Rest the Meat: Letting the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try these exciting variations:

• Italian Pot Roast: Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and finish with chopped basil.
• Spicy Pot Roast: Add chipotle peppers, cumin, and chili powder for a Southwestern twist.
• Asian-Inspired Pot Roast: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or hoisin sauce.

Each variation brings a unique global flavor while maintaining the comforting essence of the original dish.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Meal, Modernized

The Instant Pot Pot Roast is more than just a quick fix for dinner it’s a tribute to timeless flavors, family traditions, and the evolution of home cooking. By combining old-fashioned comfort with modern convenience, this dish offers the best of both worlds. It’s adaptable, deeply satisfying, and ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or storing leftovers for future meals.

Whether you’re looking to recreate a cherished family recipe or simply trying to bring more hearty, nutritious meals into your rotation, Instant Pot Pot Roast deserves a permanent place on your table. And with the tips, techniques, and insights shared in this article, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this comfort food classic.