Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast is a comforting, one-pot meal that delivers tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy in a fraction of the time it takes to make a traditional pot roast. Thanks to the pressure cooking method, this dish becomes fall-apart delicious without hours in the oven, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chuck roastoniongarliccarrotspotatoesbeef brothtomato pasteolive oilWorcestershire saucesoy sauceItalian seasoningthymebay leafsaltblack peppercornstarch (optional, for thickening)

directions

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil.

Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Sear the roast in the pot until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Deglaze the pot with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.

Return the roast to the pot and add Italian seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf.

Seal the lid and cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 60 minutes.

Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before opening the lid.

Add chopped carrots and potatoes, reseal, and cook on high pressure for an additional 10 minutes.

Perform a quick release and remove the vegetables and roast.

(Optional) Set to “Sauté” and whisk in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.

Slice or shred the roast and serve with vegetables and gravy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.Preparation time: 15 minutesPressure cooking time: 70 minutesTotal time: 90-95 minutes (including pressure build and release)

Variations

Use red wine in place of part of the beef broth for deeper flavor.

Add celery or parsnips for additional vegetable variety.

Try a pork shoulder roast instead of beef for a twist.

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tangy richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to retain moisture.Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

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

Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after pressure cooking.

Can I skip searing the roast?

Searing adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it if short on time.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and simmer on “Sauté.”

Do I have to use potatoes?

No, you can omit or substitute with sweet potatoes, turnips, or extra carrots.

Why is my roast tough?

It may need more cooking time; tough meat usually means undercooked in a pressure cooker.

Can I cook the vegetables with the meat?

You can, but they may become too soft. Cooking them after the roast is better for texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure other ingredients are GF to make it safe.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes, sauté them with the onions or add them with the vegetables.

How do I prevent a burn warning?

Make sure to deglaze the pot well after searing and before pressure cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but ensure your pot has enough space and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast is a hearty and flavorful classic made easy with modern convenience. With tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich gravy all in one pot, it’s a meal the whole family will love—without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy comfort food at its finest.