This Instant Pot Pot Roast transforms a traditional slow-cooked favorite into a quick and convenient meal without sacrificing flavor or tenderness. The pressure cooking process locks in the beef’s natural juices, resulting in a succulent roast complemented by perfectly cooked vegetables.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook seeking a hearty meal, this recipe offers a satisfying solution. The rich gravy, made from the cooking liquids, adds an extra layer of depth to the dish, making it a comforting choice for any occasion.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3–5 lb boneless beef chuck roast
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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1 lb baby red potatoes
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4 large carrots, chopped into 2-inch pieces (or 1 lb baby carrots)
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1 large yellow onion, diced
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4 cups beef broth
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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¼ cup water
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions:
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Season the chuck roast with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add olive oil and sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4–5 minutes per side.
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Remove the roast and set aside. Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
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Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Return the roast to the pot. Add potatoes and carrots around the roast.
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Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 60 minutes.
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Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
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Remove the roast and vegetables. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and bring the remaining liquid to a boil.
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In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this into the boiling liquid and cook until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
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Serve the roast slices with vegetables and drizzle with the gravy.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Introduction to Instant Pot Pot Roast
Instant Pot Pot Roast is a modern twist on a timeless comfort food classic. Traditionally, pot roast was a dish that required hours of slow cooking in the oven or on the stovetop. It brought families together on Sundays, often simmering all afternoon and filling the home with savory aromas. Now, thanks to pressure cooking technology, the same tender, flavorful results can be achieved in a fraction of the time—making this dish accessible for weeknight meals, last-minute dinner ideas, and busy households.
The Instant Pot has revolutionized how home cooks approach hearty meals like pot roast. By trapping steam and pressure inside a sealed environment, it drastically reduces cooking time while enhancing flavors and preserving nutrients. Chuck roast, the classic cut for this dish, becomes incredibly tender under pressure. It breaks down beautifully, especially when surrounded by potatoes, carrots, and a rich broth-based gravy.
Why Chuck Roast is Perfect for Pressure Cooking
The key to a perfect pot roast lies in the cut of meat. Chuck roast, taken from the shoulder of the cow, is a well-marbled and collagen-rich cut. This means it requires slow, moist heat to break down its connective tissues, transforming into melt-in-your-mouth beef. In traditional cooking, this can take up to 4 hours, but with the Instant Pot, it takes just about an hour under pressure.
This makes chuck roast not only delicious but also economical. It’s one of the more affordable cuts of beef, and when prepared correctly, it delivers exceptional taste and texture. Pressure cooking ensures that the flavors from the beef infuse the broth, which in turn seasons the vegetables and forms the base of a velvety gravy.
The Role of Vegetables and Flavor Building
Potatoes, carrots, and onions are the traditional vegetable trio that accompanies pot roast. Each one contributes unique flavors and textures. Potatoes absorb the savory juices and act as hearty filler, while carrots add a hint of natural sweetness that balances the richness of the meat. Onions, when sautéed before pressure cooking, create a savory base that deepens the overall flavor profile.
Flavor building is an essential part of this dish’s success. Browning the beef before pressure cooking isn’t just an optional step—it adds layers of complexity. The Maillard reaction that occurs when searing meat enhances the beefy taste and gives the final dish a much richer depth. Sautéing onions in the same pot afterward allows them to soak up those browned bits, incorporating every ounce of flavor into the broth.
The Secret Weapon: Gravy from the Cooking Liquid
One of the most satisfying parts of a pot roast is the luscious gravy that’s made from the cooking liquid. Because the meat and vegetables cook together with the broth in the Instant Pot, all the juices and flavors concentrate into a savory liquid gold. With just a quick cornstarch slurry after cooking, that liquid transforms into a thick, pourable gravy that ties everything together.
This method is both practical and delicious. There’s no need to prepare a separate sauce—everything happens in one pot, preserving every drop of flavor. The gravy complements the tender meat and brings the dish into cohesive harmony.
Time-Saving and One-Pot Convenience
The beauty of the Instant Pot Pot Roast lies not only in its flavor but also in its convenience. Everything—from browning to braising to gravy making—happens in a single pot. There’s minimal cleanup, and the cooking time is drastically reduced compared to traditional methods.
It’s ideal for families who want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a lifesaver during busy weekdays when you want to serve something special but don’t have the luxury of time. The pressure cooker works while you do other things, requiring very little babysitting once the lid is sealed.
Nutrition and Meal Balance
Pot roast offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. Chuck roast is rich in protein and iron, while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. When prepared in the Instant Pot, the closed cooking environment helps retain more nutrients compared to open-pan roasting or boiling.
Additionally, this dish is very filling, which means smaller portions can still be satisfying. If you’re mindful of your intake, you can opt for leaner beef cuts, reduce the salt content, or serve it with a fresh green salad to lighten the meal.
Versatility and Leftover Potential
Another great aspect of Instant Pot Pot Roast is its versatility. Leftovers can be repurposed into a wide range of new meals. Shredded beef can be added to sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, or even stirred into pasta sauces or soups. The gravy can be used to top mashed potatoes or rice the next day, and the vegetables can be blended into a comforting stew base.
You can also easily modify the base recipe by changing the herbs and spices. Try adding rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves for a more herbal finish. You can also include mushrooms, parsnips, or pearl onions for a more gourmet experience. Red wine or balsamic vinegar can elevate the broth with acidity and depth.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Instant Pot Pot Roast is best served hot, with the beef sliced or shredded over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or just alongside the tender vegetables it cooked with. The gravy is essential—drizzle it generously over everything.
To complete the meal, consider pairing it with a crusty artisan bread, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad. For beverages, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the beef perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, unsweetened iced tea or a sparkling water with lemon balances the richness of the meal.
Appeal for All Generations
This dish bridges generations. For older family members, it recalls Sunday dinners from childhood. For younger cooks, it introduces the joys of traditional comfort food in a modern, manageable way. It’s a dish that brings people together, creates memories, and fills the home with warmth—both figuratively and literally.
It’s also approachable for all levels of cooking experience. Even beginner home cooks can master this recipe with confidence, thanks to the forgiving nature of pressure cooking and the straightforward process.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Pot Roast is a shining example of how modern appliances can preserve and even enhance the essence of classic recipes. With its combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, rich gravy, and quick preparation, it’s easy to see why this dish has remained a family favorite for generations.
It delivers everything you want in a home-cooked meal: taste, comfort, nourishment, and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a Sunday family gathering, this recipe offers reliability and satisfaction. Embrace the ease and savor the depth of this beloved dish—your Instant Pot just might become your new favorite kitchen companion.