Try This Tender Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe Tonight

Slow-cooked beef melts like butter when prepared with an instant pot pot roast recipe that promises pure comfort.

Tender chunks of meat fall apart with minimal effort, creating a hearty meal packed with rich flavors.

Home cooks love how quickly this classic dish comes together without sacrificing taste or texture.

The pressure cooking method locks in every ounce of savory goodness, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Juicy beef infused with aromatic herbs and vegetables delivers a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep hunger.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this foolproof technique that ensures consistently delicious results.

You’ll want to make this again and again, sharing warmth and joy around the dinner table.

What Makes Instant Pot Pot Roast So Good

• Instant Pot transforms tough beef into a tender, mouthwatering meal with minimal effort and maximum taste explosion.
• Simply season, sear, and let the pressure cooker do all the hard work while you relax or tackle other tasks around the house.
• Potatoes, carrots, and onions cook alongside the roast, absorbing rich flavors and creating a complete one-pot meal that satisfies the whole family.
• Easily adjust seasonings, swap vegetables, or experiment with different herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.

What You Need for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Beef Roast: A tender cut of meat that becomes incredibly soft and flavorful when cooked in the Instant Pot.

• Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: A robust spice mix that enhances the natural beef flavor and adds depth to the dish.

• Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: These liquids create a rich base for cooking and help tenderize the meat while adding complex flavor.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Onions: Hearty vegetables that absorb the delicious cooking liquid and become wonderfully tender during the pressure cooking process.

• Cornstarch, Water: A simple slurry that helps transform the cooking liquid into a smooth and rich gravy.

• Cooking Oil: Used for searing the meat to develop a deep, caramelized exterior.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Thyme: Optional herbs that provide a bright, fresh garnish to the finished dish.

Cooking Instant Pot Pot Roast Step by Step

Step 1: Craft a Flavor-Packed Seasoning Blend

• Salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Massage the seasoning generously all over the roast, ensuring every inch is covered with the aromatic blend.

Step 2: Sear the Meat to Lock in Deliciousness

Fire up the Instant Pot’s Sauté function and add a splash of oil.

Once the pot is sizzling hot, carefully place the seasoned roast inside.

Brown the meat for 2-3 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful caramelized crust that will transform the entire dish’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Build a Flavor-Packed Liquid Base

Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot – these are pure flavor magic!

Step 4: Prepare a Vegetable Medley

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Onions

The vegetables will absorb all the rich, meaty flavors during cooking.

Step 5: Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing”.

• 60 minutes for a 3-pound roast
• 80-90 minutes for larger 4-5 pound roasts

This cooking method transforms tough meat into mouthwatering, fall-apart tender goodness.

Step 6: Release Pressure Strategically

Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a controlled quick release.

This technique helps maintain the meat’s incredible moisture.

Step 7: Create a Luxurious Gravy

Set the Instant Pot to Soup/Broth setting.

Whisk together water and cornstarch to create a smooth slurry.

Stir into the simmering liquid until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Gently shred the roast into chunks.

Drizzle the rich gravy over the meat and vegetables.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a final touch of freshness.

Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Pot Roast

• Sear the roast before pressure cooking to develop rich, caramelized notes that elevate the entire dish's taste profile.
• Use the natural pressure release method for 10 minutes, then quick release to ensure the meat remains incredibly juicy and tender.
• Create a quick cornstarch slurry to transform cooking liquid into a silky, flavorful gravy that perfectly complements the roast.
• Scatter potatoes, carrots, and onions around the meat to let them absorb the delicious cooking juices and become wonderfully soft.
• Mix your own spice blend with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika for a personalized flavor punch.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist by covering it with some gravy.
• Wrap the roast tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Separate meat and vegetables to maintain better texture when reheating.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place roast in a baking dish, add a little beef broth, cover with foil. Warm for 20-30 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.

Satisfying Sides for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Elevate Beef Flavor Companions
• Pair rich red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the deep, savory meat profile, matching the robust cooking technique's intensity.
• Match Ideal Side Dishes
• Select creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to absorb the flavorful gravy, creating a harmonious texture and taste experience.
• Enhance Herbal Accents
• Sprinkle fresh chopped rosemary or thyme over the roast to brighten the dish's earthy undertones, adding a subtle aromatic dimension that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
• Create Perfect Beverage Balance
• Serve a full-bodied dark beer like porter or stout, which mirrors the meat's richness and provides a complementary depth that enhances the meal's warm, comforting qualities.

Fresh Spins on Classic Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Keto-Friendly Roast: Replace potatoes and carrots with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, and radishes. Use the same seasoning blend and cooking method, ensuring a delicious low-carb meal that fits ketogenic dietary needs.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free, especially Worcestershire sauce. Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for thickening gravy, maintaining the same rich flavor profile while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef roast with large portobello mushrooms or seitan roast. Keep the original seasoning blend and cooking technique, creating a hearty plant-based version that captures similar savory notes and textures.
• Slow Cooker Version: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after searing the protein. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours, achieving tender results with minimal hands-on preparation and similar flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What makes this Instant Pot method different from traditional pot roast cooking?

The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time from hours to just 60-90 minutes while still delivering tender, flavorful meat. The pressure cooking technique breaks down tough meat fibers quickly, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that traditionally took much longer to achieve.

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

Yes, chuck roast works best due to its high fat content and connective tissues that break down beautifully under pressure. However, you can also use bottom round or brisket, though they might require slight adjustments in cooking time to ensure tenderness.

• Is searing really necessary before pressure cooking?

While not mandatory, searing creates a caramelized exterior that adds significant depth and richness to the meat’s flavor. Skipping this step will still produce a good roast, but you’ll miss out on those complex, developed taste notes that make the dish truly exceptional.

• How can I ensure my roast comes out tender and not dry?

The key is to follow the natural pressure release method and avoid overcooking. Using the recommended cooking times based on roast weight and allowing a 10-minute natural release helps retain moisture, ensuring a juicy, tender result every time.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory instant pot pot roast brings tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef to dinner tables with minimal effort. Home cooks can enjoy this classic comfort meal that delivers rich flavors and hearty satisfaction in under two hours.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3–5 pounds (1.4–2.3 kilograms) boneless beef chuck roast

Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) baby red potatoes
• 4 large carrots (chopped into 2-inch pieces) or 1 pound (454 grams) baby carrots
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 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)
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Chopped parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Thoroughly massage this mixture into the roast, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s Sauté function and heat oil until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned roast into the pot, searing for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in deep, complex flavors.
3. Extract the roast and set aside. Deglaze the pot with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the concentrated flavor-packed browned bits from the bottom.
4. Return the roast to the pot, strategically arranging potatoes, carrots, and onions around the meat to absorb the savory cooking liquid and develop intense flavor profiles.
5. Secure the Instant Pot lid, positioning the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 60-90 minutes, depending on roast size, allowing the intense heat to transform tough meat fibers into tender, succulent morsels.
6. After cooking completes, implement a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a controlled quick release to preserve the meat’s moisture and tenderness.
7. Gently transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving platter. Switch the Instant Pot to Soup/Broth setting to prepare the gravy.
8. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch together. Incorporate into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously until the gravy reaches a desired thick, glossy consistency.
9. Taste the gravy and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. This final touch ensures a perfectly balanced sauce.
10. Artfully shred the roast into rustic chunks, drizzle with the rich gravy, and garnish with fresh herbs for a stunning presentation that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Notes

• Elevate flavor by searing the meat before pressure cooking, creating a rich caramelized exterior that deepens the overall taste profile.
• Customize seasoning blend by experimenting with different herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika to match personal preferences.
• Adapt recipe for dietary needs by substituting beef with chuck roast alternatives like pork shoulder or using low-sodium broth for reduced salt intake.
• Maximize tenderness by allowing natural pressure release, which helps prevent meat from becoming tough and maintains its juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg