Instant Pot Pot Roast

This Instant Pot pot roast is a delightful dish that brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich gravy in a convenient one-pot meal. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. With minimal prep time and the magic of the pressure cooker, you can serve a comforting classic in under two hours.

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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 the Vegetables
• For the Broth and 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 Presentation
• Sandwiches
• Salad Toppers
• 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
• Can I use frozen meat for Instant Pot pot roast?
• How long does it take to cook Instant Pot pot roast?
• What should I serve with Instant Pot pot roast?
• Can I adjust the vegetables in my Instant Pot pot roast?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: Using an Instant Pot reduces traditional cooking times significantly, allowing you to enjoy your meal sooner.
• One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple dishes—everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavorful Meal: The combination of spices and broth infuses the roast with incredible flavor that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is not only easy to make but also pleases even the pickiest eaters at the table.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Instant Pot pot roast, having the right equipment on hand is essential. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: The star of this recipe! It speeds up cooking time while ensuring tender results.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining spices and seasoning your roast evenly.

Ingredients

For this tasty Instant Pot pot roast, gather the following 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 the 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 the Broth and 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 the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Rub this seasoning blend evenly all over the roast to ensure great flavor throughout.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

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

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off the Sauté function once done.

Step 4: Add Ingredients

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

Step 5: Pressure Cook

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

Step 6: Release Pressure

Once cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After that, perform a controlled quick release for any remaining steam.

Step 7: Shred the Roast

Carefully remove the lid. Transfer both roast and veggies onto a platter. Using two forks, shred the roast into chunks.

Step 8: Make the Gravy

Set your Instant Pot to Soup/Broth mode. In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Once simmering, whisk in this slurry until thickened. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9: Serve

Plate your shredded pot roast alongside veggies and generously smother with gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

Serving Instant Pot pot roast is an opportunity to showcase its tender, juicy goodness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes that complement its rich flavors.

Classic Presentation

• Plated with Gravy: Serve the shredded pot roast on a large platter, generously spooning the thick gravy over the meat and vegetables.
• Garnished with Herbs: Top with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added flavor.

Sandwiches

• Pot Roast Sandwich: Pile the shredded meat onto crusty bread with some gravy and sautéed onions for a hearty sandwich.
• Open-Faced Sandwich: Serve the pot roast on toasted bread, topped with gravy and extra veggies for a comforting meal.

Salad Toppers

• Beef Salad: Use leftover pot roast as a protein topping on mixed greens, drizzled with your favorite dressing.
• Pot Roast Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with shredded pot roast, cheese, jalapeños, and salsa for a delicious twist.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot pot roast, follow these simple tips for a flawless dish every time.

• Choose the Right Cut: Use boneless beef chuck roast as it becomes tender during cooking and has great flavor.
• Sear the Meat: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds depth of flavor by caramelizing the surface of the meat.
• Deglaze Properly: After searing, deglaze the pot thoroughly to avoid any burnt bits affecting your gravy.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allowing natural pressure release keeps the meat moist and helps it finish cooking gently.
• Adjust Consistency of Gravy: If your gravy is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry while simmering to thicken it nicely.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust spices or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for different flavor profiles.

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Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot pot roast can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this classic dish beautifully.

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Buttered Corn: Sweet corn tossed in butter provides a delightful contrast to the savory roast.
4. Green Beans Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds offer crunch and freshness.
5. Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are ideal for mopping up leftover gravy on your plate.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the pot roast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot pot roast, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these will ensure a delicious meal every time.

• Bold seasoning: Skipping the seasoning can lead to a bland roast. Make sure to rub the spices evenly over the entire roast for maximum flavor.
• Bold overcooking: Cooking for too long can dry out the meat. Always follow the recommended times based on the size of your roast.
• Bold ignoring natural release: Not allowing natural pressure release can result in tough meat. Give it at least 10 minutes before releasing any remaining steam.
• Bold overcrowding: Adding too many ingredients can affect cooking time and results. Stick to the suggested amounts for optimal texture and flavor.
• Bold not deglazing: Failing to deglaze after searing can lead to burnt bits and an off-taste. Always scrape up those flavorful browned bits before cooking under pressure.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Allow the roast to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Bold oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the roast in a covered dish with a bit of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Bold microwave: Place slices of pot roast in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of broth. Cover and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Bold stovetop: Heat the pot roast in a skillet over medium heat, adding some broth as needed to prevent drying out. Cook until heated evenly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Instant Pot pot roast.

Can I use frozen meat for Instant Pot pot roast?

Yes, you can use frozen meat! Just skip the searing step and add 20-30 minutes to your cook time.

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

Cooking time varies by size: 60 minutes for a 3 lb roast or 80-90 minutes for a larger 4-5 lb roast.

What should I serve with Instant Pot pot roast?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, or crusty bread, making it a well-rounded meal.

Can I adjust the vegetables in my Instant Pot pot roast?

Absolutely! Customize with your favorite veggies like mushrooms or parsnips for added flavor and variety.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot pot roast is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices based on your family’s preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!