Instant Pot Pot Roast

Comforting and hearty, this Instant Pot Pot Roast is the epitome of a cozy meal. With fall-apart tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich gravy, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The unique pressure cooking method not only speeds up the process but also locks in flavors, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: The Instant Pot significantly reduces the time needed to prepare a traditional pot roast.
• Flavorful Gravy: Infused with herbs and broth, the gravy enhances every bite.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for Sunday dinner or special occasions, this dish pleases everyone at the table.
• Easy Cleanup: With all ingredients cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, this recipe delivers nutritious benefits without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Instant Pot Pot Roast, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This tool allows for quick cooking under pressure while retaining flavor and moisture.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes it easy to chop vegetables and cut meat evenly for better cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.

Ingredients

Comforting and hearty Instant Pot Pot Roast with fall apart tender beef, potatoes, carrots and a flavorful gravy. This easy pot roast recipe is the perfect meal for Sunday dinner.

Ingredients:
– 3 pound boneless beef chuck roast
– 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 large sweet yellow onion (coarsely chopped)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 ½ cups low sodium beef broth
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 6 medium carrots (cut into 1-inch pieces)
– 1.5 pounds whole baby potatoes
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening gravy)
– 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening gravy)

How to Make Instant Pot Pot Roast

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Cut the beef chuck roast in half.
2. Sprinkle the salt and pepper on all sides of the beef.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté setting until hot.
2. Place the seasoned beef in the pot and brown on both sides for about 4 minutes each. Avoid moving it until ready to turn.
3. Once browned, transfer the beef to a clean plate.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. With the pot still on sauté mode, add coarsely chopped onion.
2. Cook until softened and lightly browned (about 4 minutes), stirring often and scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Stir in minced garlic and press cancel to turn off sauté mode.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the pot.
2. Stir well while scraping up any remaining bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Pressure Cook Beef

1. Return the beef to the pot and add thyme sprigs or dried thyme.
2. Close lid and set steam release valve to sealing position.
3. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook at high pressure for 60 minutes.
4. After cooking ends, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before using quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

1. Open the lid and add carrots and potatoes on top of the beef.
2. Close lid again; cook on high pressure using Manual/Pressure Cook function for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Allow natural pressure release for another 10 minutes before doing a quick release.

Step 7: Shred Beef

1. Remove beef and vegetables from Instant Pot; leave juices behind.
2. Discard thyme stems if you used fresh thyme; shred beef into chunks using two forks.

Step 8: Thicken Gravy (Optional)

1. Turn Instant Pot back onto sauté mode.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water; pour mixture into liquid in pot while stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.

Step 9: Serve

Serve your delicious pot roast with gravy drizzled over it!

Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Pot Roast!

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

Serving your Instant Pot Pot Roast can elevate your meal experience and impress your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that bring out the best in this comforting dish.

Classic Comfort

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich gravy, making for a hearty combination.
• Crusty Bread: Offer slices of fresh crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful juices of the pot roast.

Gourmet Touch

• Herb Butter: Top with a pat of herb-infused butter for a burst of flavor that complements the roast beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables for added texture and taste.

Light Options

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pot roast.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add color and crunch, perfect to balance out the meal.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast

Perfecting your Instant Pot Pot Roast involves attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions for an exceptional result.

• Bold seasoning: Season generously with salt and pepper before cooking to ensure deep flavor throughout the beef.
• Sear well: Browning the beef properly enhances its flavor and creates a delicious crust that adds depth to the dish.
• Use quality broth: Opt for low sodium beef broth for a balanced taste, allowing you to control the salt level in your gravy.
• Natural pressure release: Allowing natural pressure release helps keep the meat tender and juicy by avoiding sudden changes in temperature.
• Thicken wisely: If you desire a thicker gravy, use cornstarch mixed with water. This will create a velvety texture without overpowering the flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Selecting complementary side dishes can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some excellent options that pair wonderfully with Instant Pot Pot Roast.

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, offering creamy texture without excess carbs.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings a pop of color and sweetness, balancing out savory flavors perfectly.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add nutty flavor and crunch, enhancing your pot roast experience.
4. Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy spinach offers a delightful contrast to the heartiness of pot roast.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet, they provide a healthy side that pairs nicely with savory meats.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide freshness and crunch, making it an ideal accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make small errors when preparing an Instant Pot Pot Roast. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the beef properly can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides before cooking.
• Not browning the meat: Neglecting to brown the beef can result in less depth of flavor. Always sear the meat in the Instant Pot before adding other ingredients for a richer taste.
• Overcrowding the pot: Packing too many vegetables in can prevent even cooking. Stick to recommended amounts for best results, keeping space for steam circulation.
• Ignoring pressure release times: Rushing the pressure release can lead to tough meat. Allow natural pressure release as indicated for tender results.
• Not thickening the gravy: Leaving out cornstarch for thickening may result in a watery sauce. If desired, mix cornstarch with water and add it during the last steps for a luscious gravy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pot roast in a covered dish with a little broth and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth. Stir occasionally until heated, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Pot Roast?

The total cooking time is approximately 65 minutes, including both pressure cooking and natural pressure release.

Can I use different vegetables in my Instant Pot Pot Roast?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pot roast with vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or celery.

What should I serve with Instant Pot Pot Roast?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread are great options to accompany your pot roast and soak up that delicious gravy.

How do I know when my pot roast is done?

The beef should be fork-tender when fully cooked. If it isn’t shredding easily, you may need to cook it longer under pressure.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its rich flavors and tender textures, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite veggies or spices—your creativity will make this dish uniquely yours!