Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that can be ready in no time? This Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe is the perfect solution for a cozy dinner that doesn’t require hours of cooking. Tender, juicy meat, perfectly cooked vegetables, and rich, savory gravy—all made in one pot! Whether you’re a busy home cook or just love a classic roast, this recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step. Read on to learn how to create this delicious dish!

What Is an Instant Pot Pot Roast?

An Instant Pot Pot Roast is a quick and easy version of the traditional pot roast, cooked using the versatile Instant Pot pressure cooker. It involves searing a beef roast to develop flavor, then adding aromatic vegetables, broth, and seasonings before pressure cooking everything together. This method cuts down cooking time drastically, allowing you to enjoy fall-apart tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients List for Instant Pot Pot Roast

To make this Instant Pot Pot Roast, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pot Roast

• 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast (boneless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional but adds depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

For the Vegetables

• 4 medium carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 3 large potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
• 1 large onion (cut into large pieces)
• 2 celery stalks (cut into pieces)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Substitutions and Variations

• Meat Substitutes: If you don't have chuck roast, you can substitute with brisket or round roast. Each cut offers a slightly different texture but still yields delicious results.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap in your favorite vegetables. Try parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even mushrooms for a richer taste.
• Low Sodium Options: Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt content, and reduce or skip the salt during seasoning.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, or substitute with tamari sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This step-by-step guide will help you make a perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Season the roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Chop all vegetables into evenly sized pieces.
2. Sear the Roast: Turn the Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode. Add olive oil, and once it’s hot, sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step enhances the flavor.
3. Sauté Vegetables: After searing the roast, remove it from the pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is important to avoid the "Burn" warning on the Instant Pot.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Place the roast back in the pot. Add the potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
6. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before doing a quick release.
7. Make the Gravy (optional): After the roast is done, remove it and the vegetables from the pot. Turn on "Sauté" mode, and if needed, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

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

1. Sear the Meat: This step locks in the juices and flavor. Make sure the roast is dry before searing and don’t skip this part.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: It adds an extra depth of flavor.
3. Deglaze: Pouring liquid to scrape up browned bits prevents burning and adds a rich taste.
4. Add Flavorful Liquids: Beef broth, wine, and Worcestershire sauce create a complex, savory base for the roast.
5. Pressure Cooking: High pressure tenderizes the meat quickly, making it fall-apart delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Searing the Meat: This step is crucial for flavor development.
• Skipping the Deglazing: Failing to deglaze can cause the Instant Pot to overheat or give a "Burn" warning.
• Not Cutting Vegetables Evenly: Ensure vegetables are of similar size to cook evenly.
• Releasing Pressure Too Quickly: Allowing natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes ensures tenderness.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A pot roast dinner is not just about taste—presentation matters too! Serve the pot roast in a large, deep platter, with vegetables arranged around the meat. Slice the meat against the grain for the most tender bites.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast

1. Serve with Gravy: Pour the thickened gravy over the sliced roast and vegetables for added richness.
2. Side Dishes: Consider pairing with dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Rustic Platter: Use a wooden or rustic-style platter for a homey, comforting look.
• Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or rosemary for a fresh touch and color contrast.
• Color Coordination: Arrange the vegetables by color (e.g., carrots next to potatoes, onions around the edges) to make the dish visually appealing.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Meat: Let the roast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Bold flavors are key.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the roast to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, which helps retain juices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen beef roast?
A: Yes, you can cook a frozen roast, but it will require more time. Increase the pressure cooking time to 80-90 minutes.

Q: What size Instant Pot do I need?
A: A 6-quart Instant Pot is usually sufficient for a 3-4 pound roast. If you’re making a larger roast, consider an 8-quart Instant Pot.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover pot roast and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Q: Can I skip the wine?
A: Yes, you can substitute the wine with additional beef broth if you prefer.

Q: What if my pot roast isn’t tender?
A: If the meat isn’t tender, it may need more cooking time. Return it to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Cooking an Instant Pot Pot Roast doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll have a mouthwatering, tender roast that will impress anyone at your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe takes all the classic flavors of a pot roast and simplifies the process with the help of an Instant Pot. So, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try—your family will thank you!

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