Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, you’ve come to the right place! This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe will quickly become your go-to meal when you want something delicious and filling without spending all day in the kitchen. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and plenty of substitutions and variations to suit your taste, this guide covers everything you need to know. So, keep reading to discover how you can make the perfect pot roast in your Instant Pot!

What is Pot Roast?

A pot roast is a classic American dish consisting of a large cut of beef, typically a chuck roast, that is slow-cooked until tender. Traditionally made in an oven or slow cooker, pot roast is cooked with vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes, all flavored with herbs and seasonings. The beauty of using an Instant Pot for pot roast is that you can achieve the same tender, fall-apart texture in a fraction of the time. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients List for Instant Pot Pot Roast

To make the best Instant Pot Pot Roast, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 to 4 lbs chuck roast (You can also use brisket or rump roast if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the meat)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into quarters
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium works well)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the gravy)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for making a slurry with the cornstarch)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very flexible and can be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Different cuts of beef: While chuck roast is the most popular cut for pot roast, you can also use brisket, rump roast, or even short ribs. Keep in mind that each cut may have a slightly different texture.
• Vegetable swaps: Don’t like carrots or potatoes? Feel free to substitute with sweet potatoes, parsnips, or other root vegetables. Celery and mushrooms also add great flavor.
• Herb variations: Fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme are excellent, but dried versions work just as well. You can also try adding parsley, oregano, or bay leaves for more flavor depth.
• Low-carb option: Skip the potatoes and add extra non-starchy veggies like cauliflower or zucchini if you're following a low-carb or keto diet.
• Wine addition: For a richer flavor, add ½ cup of red wine when deglazing the pot after searing the roast.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and cutting the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic and season your chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Roast: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function and let it heat up. Add olive oil and sear the chuck roast on all sides for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned. This step enhances the flavor of the meat.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Once the roast is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the onions and garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté them for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds depth to the flavor of your pot roast.
5. Add the Vegetables and Roast: Place the seared roast back into the Instant Pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Make sure the vegetables are spread around the roast and submerged in the broth.
6. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode for 60 minutes (for a 3–4 lb roast). Once the timer is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10–15 minutes, then perform a quick release.
7. Check for Doneness: Use a fork to check if the roast is tender and falls apart easily. If not, you can cook it for an additional 10–15 minutes under pressure.
8. Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you want a thicker gravy, remove the roast and vegetables from the pot. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry, then add it to the remaining liquid in the pot. Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" and let the gravy simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

How to Cook Instant Pot Pot Roast: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Prep the roast and vegetables. Season the meat and cut your vegetables into chunks for even cooking.
• Step 2: Sear the meat. This locks in flavor and adds a deep, caramelized layer to the roast.
• Step 3: Sauté aromatics and deglaze. Sautéing the onions and garlic enhances the flavor, while deglazing ensures you get all those tasty browned bits.
• Step 4: Pressure cook. Set your Instant Pot to cook the roast at high pressure for 60 minutes.
• Step 5: Natural pressure release. Allow the pressure to release naturally for the best results, ensuring a tender roast.
• Step 6: Serve and enjoy! Plate your roast with the vegetables and drizzle with gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the searing: Don’t skip searing the meat. It adds a lot of flavor and helps the roast develop a beautiful crust.
• Using too little liquid: Make sure you use enough beef broth. Without enough liquid, the Instant Pot won’t come to pressure properly.
• Not cutting vegetables evenly: If your vegetables aren’t cut uniformly, some pieces may overcook while others remain underdone.
• Releasing pressure too early: Avoid doing a quick release as soon as the timer is done. Letting the pressure release naturally helps keep the roast tender.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For a visually appealing dish, arrange your sliced pot roast on a large platter, surrounding it with the carrots and potatoes. Drizzle the roast with some of the thickened gravy and sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious gravy.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Serve pot roast in individual bowls with a generous portion of vegetables and gravy.
• For a heartier meal, pair your pot roast with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
• If you're serving for a special occasion, you can plate the roast in the center of the table for a family-style dinner.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Rustic style: Serve the roast whole on a large wooden board, surrounded by the vegetables for a farmhouse-style presentation.
• Elegant plating: Slice the roast into thick pieces and fan them out on a white platter with the vegetables strategically placed around for contrast.
• Personal portions: For a more refined look, plate individual portions of the roast with vegetables stacked neatly and drizzle gravy on top.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe Tips

• Pre-season your meat: For best results, season the roast and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
• Use quality beef broth: A good-quality beef broth makes all the difference in flavor. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
• Cook time: If your roast is thicker or larger than 4 lbs, you may need to add an extra 10–15 minutes of cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen beef for Instant Pot Pot Roast?
A: Yes, you can use frozen beef, but you’ll need to add 20–30 minutes to the cooking time. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to sear the meat first.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the roast for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make pot roast without potatoes?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer not to use potatoes, you can substitute other vegetables like cauliflower or omit them entirely.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free. You can also thicken the gravy with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

Conclusion

There you have it—a complete guide to making the perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast! With tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy, this is a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re new to cooking with an Instant Pot or a seasoned pro, this recipe will help you create a comforting, hearty meal in no time. So, grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade pot roast that the whole family will love.

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