Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

If you're craving a hearty and satisfying meal, you can't go wrong with a classic pot roast. But what if I told you that you could have it ready in a fraction of the time using your Instant Pot? This Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, delivering tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich flavors in less than half the time it takes to cook in a traditional oven. Ready to cook up a delicious family dinner in no time? Keep reading to discover the perfect pot roast recipe, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make your dish shine!

What is an Instant Pot Pot Roast?

An Instant Pot Pot Roast is a modern twist on the traditional slow-cooked pot roast. The Instant Pot, a versatile pressure cooker, speeds up the cooking process significantly, making it possible to achieve melt-in-your-mouth meat in just about an hour. The roast is typically made with a well-marbled cut of beef like chuck roast, seasoned and cooked alongside vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. The pressure cooking locks in the flavors, making the meat incredibly tender while infusing the vegetables with rich, savory goodness.

Ingredients List for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect Instant Pot pot roast. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything on hand:

• 3-4 lbs chuck roast (or other well-marbled beef roast)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 4-5 Yukon Gold or red potatoes, quartered
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but recommended for rich flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients List for the Gravy

An irresistible pot roast wouldn't be complete without a delicious, velvety gravy. You can easily make the gravy from the drippings right in the Instant Pot. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Drippings from the pot roast (strained, if desired)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about cooking an Instant Pot Pot Roast is how adaptable the recipe is. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider, depending on your taste preferences or what you have available:

• Beef: If you don't have chuck roast, you can use other cuts like brisket or rump roast. These cuts are also suitable for pressure cooking and will come out tender and flavorful.
• Vegetables: Don't like carrots or potatoes? Swap them out for parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even mushrooms for a different flavor profile. You can also add celery for extra flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: If you don’t have thyme and rosemary, feel free to use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like oregano or sage.
• Broth: Beef broth gives the roast a deep flavor, but you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch.
• Wine: The red wine adds richness, but if you prefer not to cook with alcohol, simply replace it with an extra cup of beef broth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking an Instant Pot Pot Roast is surprisingly easy, especially if you follow these clear steps. Get ready for a tender, juicy roast in a fraction of the usual time!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Cut the onions, carrots, and potatoes into large chunks. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Turn your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it's browned. This step helps lock in the juices and adds depth of flavor to the meat. Once seared, remove the roast and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onions and garlic to the pot, sautéing them until softened, about 2-3 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the final dish.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the red wine (if using) and beef broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits—this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!

Step 5: Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Return the seared roast to the pot, and add the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Make sure the roast is submerged in the liquid as much as possible to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to "Sealing." Choose the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. For larger roasts, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes before turning the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Make the Gravy

Once the pot roast is done, remove the roast and vegetables and set them aside. Switch the Instant Pot back to "Sauté" mode. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pot drippings and cook until thickened to your liking. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

How to Cook Instant Pot Pot Roast: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season the Meat: Generously season the chuck roast with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear in the Instant Pot: Use the "Sauté" function to sear the roast in olive oil until browned on all sides.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic for added depth of flavor.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Use red wine or beef broth to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
5. Pressure Cook: Add the beef, vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Cook under high pressure for 60 minutes.
6. Natural Release: Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes.
7. Make the Gravy: Thicken the drippings with a cornstarch slurry for a luscious gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Searing Step: Searing the roast creates a crust that locks in moisture and adds complexity to the flavor. Don't skip it!
• Overcrowding the Pot: Avoid adding too many vegetables at once. Crowding can affect even cooking and might result in mushy veggies.
• Not Deglazing the Pot: Deglazing with broth or wine ensures that all the flavor from the browned bits at the bottom gets incorporated into your dish. Skipping this step can lead to less flavorful results.
• Quick Releasing the Pressure: Always allow for a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes to avoid tough meat. Quick releasing the pressure can shock the meat and make it less tender.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A beautiful pot roast is all about presentation! Here’s how you can elevate your dish:

• Arrange the Vegetables Neatly: Place the large chunks of carrots and potatoes around the meat on a platter for a visually appealing presentation.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the roast for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Serve the Gravy on the Side: Pour the rich gravy into a small gravy boat for guests to add as much or as little as they like.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

Serve your Instant Pot Pot Roast family-style on a large serving platter. Arrange the roast in the center with the vegetables surrounding it. Ladle some gravy over the top for an impressive presentation. You can also serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the gravy or a fresh green salad for balance.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Rustic Style: Serve the pot roast in a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven straight from the Instant Pot. Garnish with sprigs of rosemary and thyme.
• Individual Portions: Plate individual servings with slices of the roast arranged neatly alongside the vegetables. Drizzle each plate with gravy for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Festive Touch: For holidays or special occasions, consider serving the roast on a festive platter with seasonal vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or mashed sweet potatoes.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Meat: Let your chuck roast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout.
• Cut Vegetables in Large Chunks: To avoid mushy veggies, make sure to cut your potatoes and carrots into large, hearty pieces.
• Enhance Flavor with Wine: Adding red wine gives the dish a rich, deep flavor, but you can use beef broth as a substitute if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I cook a frozen roast in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook a frozen roast in the Instant Pot, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Add an extra 20-30 minutes to the pressure cooking time, depending on the size of the roast. Be aware that the searing step won’t be possible with frozen meat.

How do I store leftover pot roast?

Store any leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little broth to keep it moist.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can use a slow cooker or an oven. For a slow cooker, sear the roast first, then cook on low for 8-10 hours. In the oven, use a Dutch oven and bake at 325°F for about 3 hours.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot takes all the guesswork out of cooking a tender, flavorful roast in a fraction of the time. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and customizable options, you can make this classic dish your own. Don’t forget to experiment with the gravy and presentation for that extra touch! Now it’s time to grab your Instant Pot and get cooking—your next delicious meal is just an hour away!

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