Instant Pot Pot Roast

This Instant Pot pot roast is your new go-to recipe for a hearty, soul-satisfying meal. With a rich gravy and tender chunks of beef, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The best part? You can prepare this comforting dish in just about an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy the savory flavors that come together effortlessly in one pot!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Roast
• For the Vegetables
• For the Broth and Gravy
• For Garnish
• How to Make Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Step 1: Season the Roast
• Step 2: Sear the Roast
• Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
• Step 4: Add Ingredients
• Step 5: Pressure Cook
• Step 6: Release Pressure
• Step 7: Shred the Roast
• Step 8: Make the Gravy
• Step 9: Serve
• How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Classic Comfort Plate
• Festive Platter
• Sandwich Delight
• How to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Reheating Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How long does it take to cook an Instant Pot pot roast?
• Can I cook frozen meat in an Instant Pot?
• What should I serve with my Instant Pot pot roast?
• How do I know when my pot roast is done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The Instant Pot cooks the roast in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup with all ingredients cooked together in the Instant Pot.
• Flavorful Gravy: The rich gravy enhances the meal, turning simple ingredients into gourmet comfort food.
• Tender and Juicy: Pressure cooking ensures your pot roast comes out moist and fork-tender every time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with potatoes and carrots, or pair with your favorite sides for variety.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready will make preparation quick and easy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Small bowl for seasoning
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: The star of the show! It reduces cooking time while infusing flavors deeply into the meat.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping veggies quick and safe.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure you get perfect seasoning every time.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Instant Pot pot roast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Roast

• 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)

For the Vegetables

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

For the Broth and Gravy

• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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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 this seasoning blend thoroughly over the entire surface of the roast to ensure even flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Turn on the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add oil once it’s hot. Sear the seasoned roast for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove it carefully from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor. Turn off the Sauté function.

Step 4: Add Ingredients

Return the seared roast to the pot and arrange potatoes, carrots, and onions around it.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Seal the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to Sealing. Pressure cook on High according to these times:
– 60 minutes for a 3 lb roast
– 80-90 minutes for a 4-5 lb roast

Step 6: Release Pressure

When cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Then perform a controlled quick release for any remaining steam.

Step 7: Shred the Roast

Carefully take off the lid and transfer both roast and veggies onto a serving platter. Use two forks to shred or chunk up the beef as desired.

Step 8: Make the Gravy

Switch your Instant Pot to Soup/Broth setting. In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Once liquid is simmering in your pot, add slurry gradually while stirring until thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9: Serve

Plate your shredded pot roast alongside vegetables, generously topped with rich gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

Serving your Instant Pot pot roast can be as delightful as making it. The tender meat and rich gravy pair well with various sides and garnishes that enhance the meal experience. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish.

Classic Comfort Plate

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy.
• Buttered Noodles: Lightly buttered egg noodles complement the flavors beautifully.

Festive Platter

• Roasted Veggies: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh touch.

Sandwich Delight

• Pot Roast Sandwiches: Pile shredded pot roast on a toasted bun with some gravy for a hearty sandwich.
• Open-Faced Sandwiches: Serve on thick slices of bread topped with gravy for a rustic twist.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast

Achieving a perfectly cooked Instant Pot pot roast takes a few simple techniques. Following these tips will ensure your dish turns out tender and flavorful every time.

• Use Quality Meat: Select a good quality boneless beef chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Sear the Roast: Browning the meat before pressure cooking adds depth to the flavor.
• Deglaze Properly: Scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning during cooking.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allowing natural pressure release helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor balance.

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Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Pairing your Instant Pot pot roast with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that work well with this hearty main course.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that complements the richness of the roast.
2. Creamed Spinach: A rich, creamy spinach dish adds a nice contrast to the flavors of the pot roast.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory glazed carrots bring a pop of color and flavor to your plate.
4. Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds offer crunch and brightness alongside your pot roast.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy.
6. Side Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette provides freshness to balance out the rich flavors of the roast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Instant Pot pot roast, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not properly seasoning your roast can lead to bland flavors. Always rub the seasoning blend all over the meat before cooking.
• Searing too quickly: If you do not allow enough time for the roast to brown, you miss out on rich flavors. Sear for at least 2-3 minutes on each side.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many vegetables can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there is enough space around each ingredient for even heat distribution.
• Ignoring cook times: Different roast sizes require different cooking times. Always follow the recommended times based on the weight of your roast.
• Not letting pressure release naturally: Rushing the pressure release can result in tough meat. Allow for a natural release of at least 10 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the pot roast to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the roast in a covered dish with some broth or water to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Instant Pot pot roast:

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

The cooking time varies depending on the size of your roast. A 3-pound roast takes about 60 minutes, while a 4-5 pound roast requires 80-90 minutes under high pressure.

Can I cook frozen meat in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can cook a frozen pot roast directly in the Instant Pot by skipping the searing step and adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the cook time.

What should I serve with my Instant Pot pot roast?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

How do I know when my pot roast is done?

The best way to check doneness is by using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot pot roast recipe is not only easy but also delivers delicious comfort food that your family will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Feel free to customize by adding other veggies like celery or mushrooms, or adjusting spices according to your taste!

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