Tender, Juicy Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting the perfect instant pot pot roast brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Tender meat falls apart with minimal effort in this kitchen-friendly approach.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly delicious meals come together using modern appliances.

Pressure cooking transforms tough cuts into mouthwatering centerpieces that spark conversation around the table.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating rich flavors that remind you of traditional Sunday dinners.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

One bite will convince you that spectacular dinners can emerge effortlessly from your instant pot.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Overview

• Crush Cooking Time: Instant Pot transforms a traditionally long cooking process into a speedy meal, delivering tender, flavorful roast in a fraction of the usual preparation duration.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Browning the meat before pressure cooking and sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic creates rich, complex layers of taste that elevate the entire dish.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and streamlined cooking process make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious meals without complicated kitchen work.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and family tastes.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Ingredients

• Chuck Roast: A tender and flavorful cut of beef perfect for slow cooking and creating a rich, hearty meal.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients add depth and savory flavor to the pot roast.
• Rosemary, Thyme: Fragrant herbs that provide a warm, earthy undertone to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall meaty flavor of the roast.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the meat.

• Carrots, Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that absorb the delicious cooking juices and create a complete one-pot meal.

• Olive Oil: Used to brown the meat and create a flavorful base for the pot roast.

How to Cook Instant Pot Pot Roast

Step 1: Season the Meat

Generously coat the roast with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring every surface gets a delicious flavor boost.

Step 2: Sear and Develop Deep Flavors

Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté mode and add olive oil.

Carefully brown the roast on all sides to lock in those incredible juicy flavors.

This step creates a beautiful golden crust that will make your mouth water.

Step 3: Create an Aromatic Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their sweet and savory essence.

Step 4: Build Incredible Depth of Flavor

• Tomato paste
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme

These ingredients will create a rich, complex flavor profile that transforms an ordinary roast into something spectacular.

Step 5: Prepare for Pressure Cooking

Pour beef broth into the Instant Pot.

• Chunky carrot pieces
• Whole or quartered potatoes

Step 6: Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for one hour.

This cooking method ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with all the delicious surrounding flavors.

Step 7: Rest and Release Pressure

Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot.

Slice the meat against the grain, arrange on a platter with the vegetables, and serve hot.

The result will be a mouthwatering, fall-apart tender pot roast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Brown the meat thoroughly before pressure cooking to develop a rich, deep taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Use fresh rosemary and thyme for maximum aromatic impact, but dried herbs work perfectly if fresh aren't available.
• Arrange carrots and potatoes around the roast, not directly underneath, to prevent overcooking and ensure even steaming.
• Allow the roast to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and succulent meat.
• Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and enhance the natural meat flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Variations

• Slow Cooker Method: Replace Instant Pot with slow cooker, cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap beef roast with large portobello mushrooms or seitan, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Replace rosemary and thyme with fresh sage, marjoram, and parsley for a different aromatic herb profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add chipotle peppers, cumin, and chili powder to create a southwestern-style roast with a warm, smoky kick.

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Family Feast Night: Serve this hearty pot roast as the centerpiece of a cozy dinner with crusty bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal experience.
• Leftover Magic: Shred remaining meat for delicious sandwiches, tacos, or beef hash the next day, transforming your pot roast into multiple delightful meals.
• Rustic Plating Style: Arrange sliced roast on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables, creating a rustic, farm-to-table presentation that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, savory flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Advice for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring meat remains moist by covering with remaining gravy or broth.
• Transfer cooled pot roast to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place pot roast in microwave-safe dish, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place pot roast in covered baking dish with extra broth.

FAQs

• What meat cuts work best for this Instant Pot pot roast?

Chuck roast and bottom round are ideal due to their higher fat content and connective tissues, which break down during pressure cooking to create tender, juicy meat.

• Can I skip browning the meat before pressure cooking?

Browning creates deeper flavor through the Maillard reaction, so it’s recommended. Skipping this step will still produce a good pot roast, but with less complex taste.

• Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs are acceptable. If using dried, reduce the quantity by about one-third compared to fresh herbs.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty instant pot pot roast brings comfort to dinner tables with tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef braised in rich, savory broth. Slow-cooked perfection emerges quickly, inviting you to savor a classic American meal that warms hearts and satisfies hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) beef chuck roast

Vegetables:

• 4 whole potatoes, quartered
• 4 whole carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 whole onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Generously coat the roast with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and heat olive oil until shimmering, then meticulously brown the roast on all exterior surfaces to develop a rich, caramelized crust.
3. Transfer the seared roast to a temporary plate, then introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the pot, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate tomato paste, rosemary, and thyme, stirring vigorously to create a robust aromatic base that will infuse the meat with depth.
5. Pour beef broth into the pot, carefully return the roast to the cooking chamber, and strategically arrange carrots and potatoes around the meat to maximize flavor integration.
6. Secure the lid, program the Instant Pot to high pressure, and cook for precisely 60 minutes to ensure tender, fall-apart meat.
7. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then execute a quick release to complete the cooking process.
8. Gently extract the roast and accompanying vegetables, slice against the grain, and plate for a sumptuous, hearty meal.

Notes

• Opt for well-marbled chuck roast to ensure maximum tenderness and rich flavor during pressure cooking.
• Select fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme from your garden or farmer’s market for an aromatic boost.
• Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot by cutting vegetables into similar-sized chunks, promoting even cooking and consistent texture.
• Customize the recipe for gluten-free diets by using cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners and confirming broth ingredients are gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 362 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg