Instant Pot Pot Roast

This Instant Pot pot roast is a fantastic dish that combines convenience and flavor, making it perfect for family dinners and gatherings. With its juicy beef, tender vegetables, and rich gravy, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. The use of the Instant Pot allows for quick cooking without sacrificing taste, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time – This recipe delivers a delicious pot roast in under two hours, significantly faster than traditional methods.
• One-Pot Meal – Save time on cleanup with everything cooked in one pot, from the roast to the veggies.
• Flavorful Gravy – Enjoy a rich, homemade gravy made from the cooking juices that elevates the meal.
• Versatile Ingredients – Customize your vegetables and seasonings to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
• Comforting Dish – Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gathering the necessary tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot – This multi-functional appliance not only speeds up cooking but also enhances flavor through pressure cooking.
• Cutting board & Sharp knife – Essential for efficiently prepping your vegetables and meat, making your prep work easy and safe.
• Measuring spoons – Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavors in your seasoning blend.

Ingredients

This juicy and tender Instant Pot pot roast with potatoes and rich gravy is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food! With easy one-pot prep, you can have this nostalgic meal on the table in just about an hour.

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 1 pound baby red potatoes
– 4 large carrots (chopped into 2-inch pieces or 1 pound baby carrots)
– 1 large yellow onion (diced)
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– Chopped parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

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 the seasoning blend all over the roast to coat it evenly on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Turn the Instant Pot on to the Saute function. Once hot, add the oil and sear the seasoned roast for 2–3 minutes per side until browned all over. Remove roast and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare for Pressure Cooking

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Turn off Saute function. Place the seared roast back into the pot and scatter the potatoes, carrots, and onions around it.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Lock the lid in place and set the vent to Sealing. Pressure Cook on High for 60 minutes for a 3 lb roast or 80–90 minutes for a 4–5 lb roast. See notes if using a frozen roast.

Step 5: Release Pressure

Once cook time is up, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before doing a controlled quick release of any remaining steam.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Carefully remove the lid and transfer the roast and veggies to a platter. Shred the roast into chunks with two forks. Set the Instant Pot to Soup/Broth setting.

Step 7: Make Gravy

Make a slurry by whisking together water and cornstarch. Once cooking liquid is simmering, whisk in slurry until thickened into gravy. Season with extra salt, pepper or garlic powder as needed.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Serve shredded pot roast and veggies smothered with rich gravy. Garnish with parsley or thyme if desired.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

Serving your Instant Pot pot roast is an opportunity to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this hearty dish with your family and friends.

Classic Plate Presentation

• Serve the shredded pot roast alongside the tender potatoes and carrots for a traditional look. Drizzle the rich gravy over everything to keep it moist and flavorful.

Sandwich Style

• Use slices of pot roast to make a hearty sandwich. Layer the meat with some sautéed onions and bell peppers on a crusty roll for a delightful twist.

Pot Roast Tacos

• Shred the pot roast and serve it in soft tortillas with toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro. This adds a fun, Mexican flair to your meal.

Salad Topper

• Use shredded pot roast as a protein-rich topping on a bed of mixed greens. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for a fresh take.

Gravy-Soaked Bread

• Serve thick slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping into the delicious gravy. It complements the flavors perfectly while adding texture.

Family-Style Serving

• Place the pot roast, vegetables, and gravy in the center of the table for a family-style meal. This encourages everyone to help themselves and creates a warm atmosphere.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast

Creating the perfect Instant Pot pot roast is all about technique and timing. Keep these tips in mind for an outstanding result every time.

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for a well-marbled chuck roast. The fat will render during cooking, making it tender and juicy.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning! A thorough rub with spices enhances flavor throughout.
• Sear Before Cooking: Searing the meat first develops rich flavors through caramelization, making your final dish more delicious.
• Use Enough Liquid: Ensure you have enough broth or liquid in your Instant Pot to create steam for pressure cooking.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allowing natural release helps maintain moisture in the meat, resulting in tenderness.
• Make Gravy from Drippings: Utilize the leftover cooking liquid by thickening it into gravy for serving; it’s packed with flavor!

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot pot roast can enhance this comforting meal further. Here are some excellent choices that complement its richness.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes add creaminess that pairs well with savory gravy.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender Brussels sprouts provide a lovely contrast in texture while adding vibrant color to your plate.
3. Steamed Green Beans: Freshly steamed green beans bring brightness and crunch, balancing out the heaviness of the roast.
4. Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy while adding delightful flavor.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of pot roast.
6. Corn on the Cob: Charred corn on the cob brings sweetness that complements savory dishes beautifully.
7. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice provides a light base that still satisfies.
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Roasting sweet potatoes adds natural sweetness, creating an appealing contrast with savory flavors from the roast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking an Instant Pot pot roast can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the meat properly can lead to bland results. Always rub the roast with spices for full flavor.
• Bold not searing: Skipping the searing step can prevent that rich depth of flavor. Make sure to brown the roast on all sides before cooking.
• Bold incorrect cooking time: Cooking times vary based on the size of the roast. Always refer to guidelines for accurate timing to avoid over or undercooking.
• Bold releasing pressure too quickly: Quick-releasing pressure immediately after cooking may toughen the meat. Let it naturally release for best tenderness.
• Bold not using enough liquid: Insufficient liquid can cause burning in your Instant Pot. Ensure you have enough broth or water for proper cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container.
• item It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Pot Roast

• item Allow the pot roast to cool completely before freezing.
• item Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• item It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pot roast in a baking dish and cover with foil, heating until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Bold Stovetop: In a skillet, add a splash of beef broth and heat over medium until warmed, adding more broth as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is an Instant Pot pot roast?

An Instant Pot pot roast is a tender and flavorful beef dish made using an electric pressure cooker, allowing for quick preparation while retaining moisture.

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

The cooking time varies based on size; typically, allow 60 minutes per 3 lbs of beef chuck roast, plus additional time for natural pressure release.

Can I use chicken instead of beef in my pot roast?

Yes! You can substitute chicken for beef and adjust cooking times accordingly. Chicken generally cooks faster than beef.

How do I know when my Instant Pot pot roast is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read at least 195°F (90°C) for optimal tenderness. If it’s not tender enough, you can cook it longer under pressure.

Can I customize my Instant Pot pot roast recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or spices based on your preference or availability.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot pot roast is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings for a unique twist!