Ultimate Guide to Tender Instant Pot Pot Roast

Picture this: a tender, juicy pot roast that falls apart at the touch of a fork, infused with rich flavors and perfectly cooked in a fraction of the time, thanks to your trusty Instant Pot. This is comfort food at its finest, perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish to share when entertaining. Let me show you how to make it effortless yet unforgettable!

If your weeknight deserves a little magic, this Instant Pot Pot Roast is here to save the day—delicious, hearty, and done in record time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy comfort food: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you’ll get a slow-cooked vibe in less than two hours.
• One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup because everything—meat, veggies, and sauce—cooks together.
• Customizable goodness: You can switch up the veggies, adjust the seasoning, and even make it gluten-free or keto-friendly.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need and how to make the most of each ingredient:

• Chuck roast (3–4 lbs): This cut of beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender under pressure. Can’t find chuck? Brisket or bottom round work, too.
• Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and onions are the classics. Swap in parsnips, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms to mix it up.
• Beef broth: The base for that velvety sauce. If you’re out of broth, water and a beef bouillon cube can do the trick!
• Red wine (optional): Adds depth to the sauce, but feel free to skip or substitute with grape juice or extra broth.
• Tomato paste: A little umami magic that enhances every bite.
• Garlic and herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary give this dish its signature aroma. Dried herbs work, too—just halve the amount.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get that Instant Pot pot roast going!

1. Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. While it heats, season your chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pot, then sear the roast for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onions and garlic to the pot, cooking until fragrant—about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
4. Deglaze the pot with red wine (or broth), scraping up all those tasty browned bits. Trust me, this step is flavor gold!
5. Place the roast back into the pot, followed by the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Give everything a quick stir.
6. Seal the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on “Manual” (High Pressure) for 60 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then switch to a quick release to finish.
8. Carefully remove the lid, and transfer the roast and veggies to a serving platter. If you’d like, you can thicken the remaining liquid into a gravy with a cornstarch slurry.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Searing matters: Don’t skip searing the roast—it adds so much flavor to the final dish.
• Prefer softer veggies? Add them halfway through the cooking time by stopping the cook cycle and carefully opening the pot.
• Gravy like a pro: Whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir into the cooking liquid and simmer on “Sauté” mode.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Herb swap: Use parsley or sage for a different flavor profile.
• Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick.
• Perfect alongside: Serve with crusty bread to mop up that luscious gravy, or a side salad for a fresh contrast.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Pot roast tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out, freeze for up to 3 months, and reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
• What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! You can replicate this in a slow cooker (8 hours on low) or a Dutch oven (3-4 hours at 325°F).

There you have it—comfort food made simple, yet oh-so-elegant. I can’t wait for you to try this Instant Pot pot roast. Give it a go, and don’t forget to share your results! Leave a comment below or post your photos on social media with #TheKitchensAid. I’d love to see your delicious creations!