Instant Pot Pot Roast

Comforting and hearty, this Instant Pot Pot Roast is a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. With fall-apart tender beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and carrots simmered in a rich gravy, this dish is ideal for family gatherings or a cozy Sunday dinner. The ease of using an Instant Pot allows you to create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it a must-try for busy cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while maximizing flavor.
• Tender Meat: Achieve perfectly tender beef that falls apart with just a fork after pressure cooking.
• One-Pot Wonder: Prepare your entire meal in one pot, which means less cleanup afterward.
• Flavorful Gravy: Enjoy a rich and savory gravy made from the drippings that enhance every bite.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or sides to suit any palate.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Instant Pot Pot Roast as seamless as possible, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up the cooking process and locks in flavors for tender meats.
• Cutting board and knife: Essential for safely preparing your ingredients before cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavors throughout your dish.

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 the 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, about 4 minutes per side. Avoid moving the beef until ready to turn it; once seared, it should easily release from the bottom of the pot.
3. Transfer browned beef to a clean plate.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

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

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

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

Step 5: Pressure Cook Beef

1. Place seared beef back in the pot with fresh thyme sprigs or dried thyme.
2. Close Instant Pot lid and move steam release valve to sealing position.
3. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook at high pressure for 60 minutes.
4. When cook time ends, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure by moving valve to venting position.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

1. Open Instant Pot; add carrots and potatoes on top of beef.
2. Close lid again and pressure cook for an additional 5 minutes at high pressure using Manual/Pressure Cook function.
3. Once cook time ends, allow pressure to release naturally for another 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Shred Beef

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

Step 8: Thicken Gravy (Optional)

1. Turn on sauté mode again in Instant Pot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water; pour into liquid in pot.
3. Cook while stirring occasionally until gravy has thickened slightly.

Step 9: Serve

Serve your delicious pot roast alongside flavorful gravy over shredded beef and vegetables for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

Serving Instant Pot Pot Roast is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious meal that your family and friends will love.

Classic Plate

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve the pot roast alongside creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the flavorful gravy.
• Steamed Green Beans: Brighten the plate with fresh green beans, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pot roast.

Sandwiches

• Pot Roast Sandwich: Shred leftover pot roast and pile it high on a crusty roll with a drizzle of gravy for a hearty sandwich.
• Open-Faced Sandwich: Serve sliced pot roast on toasted bread topped with gravy and sautéed onions for an easy lunch option.

Soup

• Pot Roast Soup: Turn leftovers into a comforting soup by adding beef broth, diced vegetables, and herbs for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast

Making the perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast involves attention to detail and a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time.

• Bold Seasoning: Use ample salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the beef before cooking.
• Brown Well: Searing the meat thoroughly adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step!
• Use Quality Broth: Opt for low sodium beef broth for better control over saltiness while ensuring rich flavor.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allowing pressure to release naturally helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Thicken Gravy Wisely: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the pot for even consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Pot Roast can make your meal more enjoyable. Here are some delightful options that complement this classic dish perfectly.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add sweetness and crunch.
2. Creamed Spinach: A rich and creamy spinach side brings creaminess that pairs well with hearty pot roast.
3. Buttered Corn: Sweet corn kernels tossed in butter provide a delightful contrast in texture.
4. Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up leftover gravy on your plate.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that balances the savory flavors of the pot roast.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf made with herbs complements the meal nicely while absorbing delicious juices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks can make small errors that affect the overall taste and texture of their Instant Pot Pot Roast. Here are some common mistakes to look out for:

• Overseasoning the meat: Adding too much salt or spices can overwhelm the roast’s natural flavor. Stick to the recommended amounts for balanced seasoning.
• Not browning the beef: Skipping the browning step can lead to a less flavorful dish. Take the time to sear the beef properly for depth of flavor.
• Ignoring natural pressure release: Quick releasing the pressure instead of allowing it to release naturally can result in tougher meat. Always allow for a natural release when possible.
• Crowding the pot: Overloading the Instant Pot with too many ingredients can hinder cooking. Follow the recipe’s guidelines for ingredient amounts.
• Skipping thickening steps: Omitting cornstarch for thickening may leave your gravy too thin. Use cornstarch and water as directed for a rich, velvety sauce.

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep leftover Instant Pot Pot Roast in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure to cool it down before storing it to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instant Pot Pot Roast

• You can freeze servings of pot roast for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air before sealing.
• Label your containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place roast in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Cooking an Instant Pot Pot Roast typically takes about 65 minutes under high pressure, plus additional time for sautéing and natural pressure release.

Can I use chicken instead of beef in this recipe?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe by using chicken pieces, but adjust cooking times accordingly since chicken cooks faster than beef.

What should I serve with Instant Pot Pot Roast?

Consider pairing this dish with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I know when my pot roast is done?

The pot roast is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds apart. A meat thermometer should read at least 145°F (63°C) for safety.

Can I make this pot roast ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors often deepen after resting in the fridge overnight.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe offers not only comfort but also versatility in flavors and ingredients. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Give it a try; it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

---