Quick & Juicy Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting the perfect instant pot pot roast demands both skill and passion for hearty, comforting meals.

Tender beef transforms into a mouthwatering centerpiece that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Slow-cooked magic happens when simple ingredients merge under pressure, creating depths of flavor that surprise and delight.

Succulent meat practically falls apart with each gentle touch of your fork, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich gravy pools around perfectly cooked vegetables, making every bite a celebration of home-style cooking.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this no-fuss culinary adventure.

Hunger and anticipation will guide you through this delectable journey of savory satisfaction.

Why Instant Pot Pot Roast Is a Comfort Classic

• Create Tender Delight: Pressure cooking transforms tough meat into melt-in-your-mouth perfection with minimal effort.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pot meal eliminates multiple cooking steps, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows personalization with different seasonings, herbs, and vegetable variations to suit family preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Hearty dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its rich flavors and filling components.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Beef Roast: A tender cut of beef perfect for slow cooking and creating a hearty, comforting meal.

• Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: A flavorful mix that adds depth and complexity to the roast's taste profile.

• Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: These liquids help tenderize the meat and create a rich, savory base for the dish.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Onions: Classic root vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and absorb the delicious cooking juices.

• Cornstarch, Water: These ingredients help create a smooth and thick gravy to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, aromatic finish to the pot roast.

• Oil: Used for searing the roast and creating a flavorful golden-brown exterior.

How to Cook Tender Pot Roast in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Season the Roast

Create a flavor explosion by mixing salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Massage this magical seasoning blend all over the roast, ensuring every inch gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Fire up the Instant Pot’s Saute function and let it heat up. Drizzle in some oil and create a gorgeous golden-brown crust by searing the roast for 2-3 minutes on each side.

The sizzling sound means flavor is developing!

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delectable browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Turn off the Saute mode – we’re moving to the next phase.

Step 4: Arrange Vegetables

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Onions

Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection

• 60 minutes for a 3-pound roast
• 80-90 minutes for a 4-5 pound roast
• Add 20-30 minutes if starting with a frozen roast

Step 6: Release and Rest

Once cooking completes, let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.

Then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Shred the Roast

Pull the roast out and use two forks to shred it into tender, mouthwatering chunks.

Step 8: Create Luxurious Gravy

Switch Instant Pot to Soup/Broth mode. Whisk water and cornstarch together to create a slurry.

Stir into the simmering liquid until it transforms into a rich, velvety gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the shredded roast and vegetables, drizzle with gravy, and sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top for a final touch of elegance.

Pot Roast Tips for Big Flavor and Juiciness

• Select chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor, ensuring meat has good marbling.
• Sear meat thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized exterior that locks in incredible juiciness and enhances overall taste profile.
• Adjust cooking time based on roast weight: smaller cuts need less time, preventing potential overcooking and maintaining meat's succulence.
• Create smooth, lump-free gravy by whisking cornstarch slurry gradually and stirring continuously during thickening process.
• Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes to prevent meat from becoming tough, helping maintain its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Unique Takes on Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Worcestershire sauce with red wine, add rosemary, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Roast: Mix chili powder and cumin into seasoning blend, add jalapeños, and serve with cilantro and lime for a zesty kick.
• Asian-Inspired Version: Swap beef broth with soy sauce, incorporate ginger and star anise, then garnish with green onions for an aromatic transformation.
• Herb Garden Classic: Blend fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the original seasoning mix, use white wine instead of Worcestershire sauce, and add pearl onions for extra depth.

What to Serve with Pot Roast

• Elevate Roast's Flavor Profile: Pair with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complement the rich, savory meat.
• Create Comfort Combo: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread to soak up delicious gravy and provide textural contrast.
• Match Classic Sides: Add roasted Brussels sprouts or creamy mashed cauliflower to balance the hearty protein and enhance overall meal experience.
• Refresh with Beverage: Choose robust craft beer like amber ale or porter to cut through meat's richness and cleanse the palate between bites.

How to Store and Reheat Pot Roast Like a Pro

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover pot roast and vegetables into airtight containers, keeping meat and veggies separate. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer Storage: Pack cooled pot roast and gravy in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Microwave Reheating: Place shredded meat and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place pot roast in a baking dish, splash with broth, cover with foil.

Pot Roast FAQs Answered

• Can I use a different cut of meat for this pot roast?

Yes, chuck roast works best, but you can also use bottom round or rump roast. Just ensure the cut has good marbling for tenderness.

• Is it necessary to sear the meat before pressure cooking?

Searing helps develop deeper flavor and creates a nice brown crust, but it’s optional. You can skip this step if you’re short on time.

• How do I know if the roast is fully cooked?

The meat should be fork-tender and easily shred. For safety, the internal temperature should reach 145°F for medium rare or 160°F for medium.

• Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Celery, parsnips, or mushrooms work great. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the other vegetables.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 85-115 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Instant Pot Pot Roast delivers classic comfort with minimal effort, melding tender beef and rich gravy in one simple cooking method. Home cooks will savor this classic midwestern dish that promises satisfying flavor with remarkable ease.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3–5 pounds (1.4–2.3 kilograms) boneless beef chuck roast

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 pound (454 grams) baby red potatoes
• 4 large carrots, chopped into 2-inch pieces (or 1 pound/454 grams baby carrots)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch
• Chopped parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Create a robust spice blend by mixing salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Thoroughly massage the seasoning mixture across the entire roast surface.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s Saute mode and heat oil until shimmering. Sear the roast for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a rich golden-brown crust.
3. Deglaze the pot with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, carefully scraping loose any caramelized meat fragments from the bottom. Disable Saute function.
4. Nestle the seared roast back into the pot, strategically surrounding it with chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Secure the lid, position the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook at high temperature. Cook for 60 minutes if roast is 3 lbs, or 80-90 minutes for 4-5 lb roast. For frozen meat, extend cooking time by 20-30 minutes.
6. After cooking completes, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release. Then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
7. Extract the roast and vegetables. Using two forks, gently pull apart the meat into tender, succulent chunks.
8. Switch Instant Pot to Soup/Broth setting. Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Stir into simmering liquid until gravy reaches desired consistency and season appropriately.
9. Plate the shredded roast and vegetables, generously drizzle with gravy, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Tenderize tough cuts of meat by using the natural pressure cooking method, which breaks down connective tissues and creates melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary or thyme to enhance the roast’s flavor profile and add depth to the dish.
• Customize the recipe for low-carb diets by replacing potatoes with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or turnips, maintaining the same cooking technique.
• Maximize flavor by letting the roast sit in seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking, allowing spices to penetrate deeply into the meat’s surface.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70-100 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg