Perfect Sunday Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering instant pot pot roast transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.

Tender meat practically melts off the bone with minimal effort.

Hearty aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a comforting meal that connects generations.

Robust flavors develop quickly under pressure, creating a delectable dish in a fraction of traditional cooking time.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this foolproof technique that guarantees succulent results.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive recipe.

Let’s unlock the secrets to creating a pot roast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Switch-Ups For Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Herb-Infused Roast: Swap smoked paprika with dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style pot roast.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Replace black pepper with chili powder, add diced green chilies, and use jalapeño-infused beef broth for a zesty kick.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, use low-carb beef broth, and increase fatty cuts like chuck roast for a more ketogenic-friendly meal.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: Convert the recipe by reducing liquid slightly and cooking on low for 8-10 hours instead of using the Instant Pot pressure cooking method.

Pairings That Work With Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Pair with Rich Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complements the deep, savory flavors of the pot roast, cutting through the meat's richness with its bold tannins.
• Create Rustic Bread Accompaniment: Serve crusty sourdough or garlic-herb focaccia to soak up the delicious gravy, adding texture and helping to mop up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
• Match with Hearty Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with bitter arugula, tangy goat cheese, and a robust vinaigrette to provide a fresh, light contrast to the heavy, comforting pot roast.

How To Store Instant Pot Pot Roast Correctly

• Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The meat and vegetables will stay fresh and maintain their delicious flavor.
• Transfer cooled pot roast to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place pot roast in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Preheat oven to 325°F.

FAQ For Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Why should I sear the meat before pressure cooking?

Searing creates a delicious golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and adds depth to the overall taste of the pot roast.

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Chuck roast works best due to its high fat content, which keeps the meat tender and juicy during pressure cooking. Other tough cuts like bottom round or rump roast can also work well.

• How do I know if the meat is fully cooked?

The roast is done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium rare or 160°F for medium. Cooking times vary based on roast size.

Why Instant Pot Pot Roast Tastes So Good

• Speed Up Dinner: Instant Pot transforms a traditionally slow-cooking dish into a quick, hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
• Master Flavor Infusion: Seasoning blend and searing technique create deep, rich flavors that make this pot roast taste like it's been cooking all day.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Pressure cooking method allows you to walk away while the appliance does the hard work, delivering tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables without constant monitoring.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

All About Instant Pot Pot Roast Ingredients

• Beef Roast: A tender and flavorful cut perfect for slow cooking and creating a hearty main dish.

• Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: A robust spice mixture that adds depth and enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

• Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: Creates a rich, savory cooking liquid that helps tenderize the meat and develops complex flavor profiles.

• Oil: Helps sear the meat and prevent sticking during the initial cooking process.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Onions: Classic pot roast vegetables that provide additional flavor, nutrition, and create a complete one-pot meal.

• Cornstarch, Water: Transforms the cooking liquid into a smooth, velvety gravy that complements the meat and vegetables.

• Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

How To Cook Instant Pot Pot Roast

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning Blend

Mix together salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Generously coat the entire roast with this flavorful spice mixture, ensuring every inch gets covered for maximum taste.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Activate the Instant Pot’s Sauté mode and add oil. Carefully place the seasoned roast into the hot pot, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops. Remove the meat and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Switch off the Sauté mode.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Onions

Step 5: Pressure Cook

• 60 minutes for a smaller roast
• 80-90 minutes for a larger roast

Step 6: Release Pressure

Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to finish.

Step 7: Prepare for Serving

Transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving dish. Shred the beef into tender, succulent chunks using two forks.

Step 8: Whip Up Gravy

Switch Instant Pot to Soup/Broth mode. In a separate bowl, whisk water and cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. Stir the mixture into the simmering broth until it thickens beautifully.

Step 9: Final Touch

Ladle the rich gravy over the pot roast and vegetables. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips That Help With Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Optimize Meat Tenderness: Pat the beef dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and lock in those delicious flavors.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use homemade beef broth or add a splash of red wine for an extra rich, complex taste profile.
• Prevent Overcooking: Check the roast's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy meat every time.
• Veggie Variation: Swap root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for carrots to create a unique twist on the classic pot roast.
• Quick Clean-Up Hack: Line the Instant Pot with parchment paper before cooking for easier cleanup and minimal sticking.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 80-110 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Instant Pot Pot Roast delivers mouthwatering comfort straight from classic American kitchens. Tender beef melts with rich gravy, promising a satisfying meal that brings family together around one delicious plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3–5 pounds boneless beef chuck roast

Vegetables:

• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 pound baby red potatoes
• 4 large carrots (chopped into 2-inch pieces)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or thyme

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a robust spice blend by combining salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
2. Thoroughly coat the entire roast with the seasoning mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Activate the Instant Pot’s Sauté mode and heat oil until shimmering, then carefully sear the roast for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
4. Remove the meat and deglaze the pot with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
5. Return the roast to the pot and strategically arrange potatoes, carrots, and onions around the meat to maximize flavor infusion.
6. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing position for pressure cooking.
7. For a 3-pound roast, pressure cook on high for 60 minutes; for a 4-5 pound roast, extend cooking time to 80-90 minutes.
8. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to complete the cooking process.
9. Gently transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving platter, using two forks to shred the meat into tender, succulent chunks.
10. Switch the Instant Pot to Soup/Broth mode and create a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch until smooth.
11. Stir the slurry into the simmering liquid, continuously mixing until the gravy reaches a rich, velvety consistency.
12. Ladle the luxurious gravy over the pot roast and vegetables, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme for a final touch of elegance.

Notes

• Tenderize tough cuts by choosing well-marbled beef like chuck roast for maximum flavor and softness.
• Generously season the meat beforehand to create a rich, deep flavor profile that penetrates the entire roast.
• Allow natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes to help meat fibers relax and become more tender.
• Customize the recipe by swapping root vegetables or adding herbs like rosemary and thyme for extra aromatic complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 70-100 minutes (including pressure cook and searing)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 302 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg