Instant Pot Pot Roast

October 13, 2024 by Sarah Miller , Updated October 26, 2024

Why Choose Instant Pot for Pot Roast?

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, especially when it comes to traditional dishes like pot roast. This versatile kitchen appliance combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and more, making it an essential tool for busy home chefs. One of the primary advantages of using an Instant Pot for pot roast is the time efficiency it offers. What traditionally takes hours to prepare can now be accomplished in just over an hour, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal without the long wait. The pressure cooking feature ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender, while the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory dish the whole family will love.

The Perfect Cut of Meat

When selecting the ideal cut of beef for your Instant Pot pot roast, the beef chuck roast is the top choice. This cut comes from the shoulder area of the cow and is known for its marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down during cooking to create a tender and flavorful dish. Choosing a 3-5 pound roast is ideal, as it provides enough meat to serve a larger family or for leftovers, which can be a delicious bonus. Additionally, look for a roast with a good amount of fat, as this will enhance the flavor of your dish and contribute to the luscious gravy that accompanies the meal.

Enhancing Flavor with Vegetables and Seasonings

One of the joys of making pot roast is the variety of vegetables and seasonings you can incorporate. The classic combination of yellow onion, baby red potatoes, and large carrots not only adds texture and color to the dish but also enhances the overall flavor profile. As the vegetables cook alongside the roast, they absorb the savory broth and seasonings, making them just as delightful to eat as the meat itself. Don t hesitate to experiment with additional vegetables such as celery or parsnips for even more depth of flavor. Furthermore, using seasonings like smoked paprika can elevate the dish, providing an aromatic and slightly smoky undertone that complements the beef beautifully.

Tips for Perfecting Your Instant Pot Pot Roast

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot pot roast, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, always allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes after cooking; this helps retain moisture in the meat. Second, don t skip the searing step! Browning the roast before pressure cooking creates a rich crust that enhances the overall flavor. Lastly, if you enjoy a thicker gravy, adjusting the cornstarch slurry to your desired consistency is essential. This simple addition can transform the broth into a sumptuous sauce that ties the entire dish together.

Serving Suggestions and Leftover Ideas

Once your Instant Pot pot roast is ready, it s time to enjoy this hearty meal. Serve it hot on a platter, drizzled with the rich gravy and garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added brightness. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. If you have leftovers, they can be transformed into a variety of dishes. Shredded beef makes a fantastic filling for tacos, sandwiches, or even a savory hash with potatoes and eggs. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that your pot roast meal extends beyond just one dinner.

Transform a classic pot roast into a mouthwatering meal with the help of your Instant Pot. This recipe brings together tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich gravy for a comforting dish that s easy to make and hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 3-5 pound beef chuck roast
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 pound baby red potatoes
• 4 large carrots, cut into large chunks
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. In a small dish, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Coat the beef roast evenly with the seasoning blend.
2. Heat the oil in the Instant Pot for about 30 seconds, then carefully place the roast into the pot using tongs. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a rich brown crust forms. Rotate to sear all sides until browned.
3. Switch the Instant Pot to the “pressure cook” setting on high. Set the timer for 60 minutes if your roast weighs 3 pounds, or 80 minutes for a 5-pound roast.
4. Arrange the potatoes, onions, and carrots around the roast. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring the vegetables and roast are covered.
5. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s locked, and set the vent to the sealed position. After cooking, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before switching to venting to release remaining steam.
6. Transfer the roast, potatoes, onions, and carrots to a serving platter. Shred the roast into large chunks using two forks.
7. Use a strainer to remove solids from the broth in the Instant Pot. Set to the “soup” setting and bring the broth to a boil.
8. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this into the boiling broth until thickened into gravy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
9. Serve the roast and vegetables with gravy drizzled generously over them. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Nutrition Information

For nutritional information, please consult a nutrition calculator based on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used.

Notes

• If using baby carrots, reduce the initial pressure cooking time by 10 minutes. Add them after the main cooking cycle and pressure cook for an additional 10 minutes.
• If using a frozen roast, add 20-30 minutes to the pressure cooking time and skip the searing step.