Instant Pot Pot Roast

Instant Pot Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. This dish features tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich gravy that comes together effortlessly in your Instant Pot. It’s ideal for any occasion, from Sunday dinners to holiday feasts, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. The standout qualities of this pot roast lie in its simplicity and the ability to create a hearty meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: With the Instant Pot, you can achieve tender meat and perfectly cooked veggies in a fraction of the time.
• Flavorful Gravy: The combination of broth, tomato paste, and herbs creates a rich sauce that elevates the entire dish.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe yields generous servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
• One-Pot Wonder: All components are cooked in one appliance, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multifunctional device speeds up cooking time while ensuring your food stays moist and flavorful.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quicker and safer when chopping vegetables or cutting meat.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining seasonings or preparing sauces before adding them to the pot.

Ingredients

Comforting and hearty Instant Pot Pot Roast with fall apart tender beef, potatoes, carrots and a flavorful gravy. This easy pot roast recipe is the perfect meal for Sunday dinner.

Ingredients:
– 3 pound boneless beef chuck roast
– 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 large sweet yellow onion (coarsely chopped)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 ½ cups low sodium beef broth
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 6 medium carrots (cut into 1-inch pieces)
– 1.5 pounds whole baby potatoes
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening gravy)
– 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening gravy)

How to Make Instant Pot Pot Roast

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Cut the beef chuck roast in half.
2. Sprinkle the salt and pepper on all sides of the beef.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

1. Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté setting until hot.
2. Place the seasoned beef in the pot and brown on both sides for about 4 minutes each side. Avoid moving it until ready to turn.
3. After browning both sides, transfer it to a clean plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. With the Instant Pot still on sauté mode, add the chopped onion.
2. Cook until softened and lightly browned (about 4 minutes), stirring often while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Stir in minced garlic and press cancel to turn off sauté mode.

Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients

1. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth while scraping up any remaining bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
2. Return the beef back into the pot and add fresh thyme sprigs or dried thyme.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

1. Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set steam release valve to sealing position.
2. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook at high pressure for 60 minutes.
3. Once done cooking, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure by moving valve to venting position.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

1. Open the Instant Pot lid carefully.
2. Add carrots and baby potatoes on top of the beef.
3. Close lid again and cook on high pressure using Manual/Pressure Cook function for an additional 5 minutes.
4. After cooking time ends, let pressure release naturally for another 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Shred Beef & Serve

1. Remove beef and vegetables from Instant Pot but leave juices behind.
2. Discard thyme stems if used fresh; shred roast into chunks using two forks.

Step 8: Thicken Gravy (Optional)

1. Turn Instant Pot back onto sauté mode.
2. Mix together cornstarch with water in a small bowl; pour mixture into juices left in pot.
3. Stir occasionally until gravy has thickened slightly.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Serve your delicious pot roast along with gravy drizzled over meat and vegetables!

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

Serving your Instant Pot Pot Roast can take it from a delicious meal to an unforgettable dining experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

Classic Comfort

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes perfectly complement the rich gravy of the pot roast.
• Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

Culinary Twists

• Pot Roast Sandwiches – Shred the beef and pile it high on crusty bread with a drizzle of gravy for a hearty sandwich.
• Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a fun, finger-food option alongside your pot roast.

Fresh Additions

• Green Salad – A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pot roast.
• Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and a refreshing taste that pairs well with tender beef.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast

To ensure your Instant Pot Pot Roast turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning – Don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
• Sear Well – Browning the meat creates depth in flavor. Make sure to sear until golden brown before pressure cooking.
• Use Quality Broth – Opt for low-sodium beef broth for a richer taste without overwhelming saltiness.
• Add Herbs – Fresh herbs like thyme elevate the dish; they infuse flavor into both the meat and gravy.
• Natural Pressure Release – Allowing the pressure to release naturally helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Thicken Gravy – If desired, thicken the leftover juices with cornstarch for a luscious gravy that coats everything beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Pot Roast

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Pot Roast can enhance its flavors and create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Buttered Corn – Sweet corn tossed in butter provides a lovely contrast to savory pot roast.
2. Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus adds freshness and color to your plate.
3. Creamed Spinach – Rich creamed spinach is indulgent yet complements the heartiness of pot roast well.
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Naturally sweet baked sweet potatoes offer a nutritious side that balances flavors perfectly.
5. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs absorbs the delicious gravy while adding texture.
6. Cauliflower Mash – A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is creamy and flavorful, pairing well with pot roast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Pot Roast, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not seasoning the meat properly: Failing to season the beef well can lead to a bland roast. Make sure to generously sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides before cooking.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor. Always take time to sear the beef in olive oil before pressure cooking.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts of vegetables and ensure there’s enough space in the pot.
• Ignoring natural pressure release: Cutting short the natural pressure release can result in tough meat. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for optimal tenderness.
• Not thickening the gravy: Leaving your sauce thin may not give you that rich, comforting texture. Use cornstarch mixed with water to thicken your gravy if desired.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Instant Pot Pot Roast in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it cools down before sealing for best results.

Freezing Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pot roast and vegetables in a covered baking dish, adding a splash of broth if needed. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Slice portions and place on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium-low heat, add a bit of broth and reheat sliced pot roast until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is best for Instant Pot Pot Roast?

The best cut is a boneless beef chuck roast due to its marbling, which makes it tender when cooked under pressure.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Pot Roast?

The total cooking time is about 65 minutes, plus additional time for pressure release and browning.

Can I customize my Instant Pot Pot Roast?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like parsnips or turnips or even experiment with herbs such as rosemary or oregano.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before cooking?

Yes! Browning enhances flavor through caramelization, making your pot roast more delicious.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Certainly! While this recipe focuses on beef, you can adapt it using chicken thighs or other cuts if you prefer poultry.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe offers a comforting meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or Sunday dinners. With its tender meat and flavorful gravy, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize the veggies or spices according to your taste preferences!

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