Instant Pot Roast (Tender & Flavorful)

A classic pot roast is the ultimate comfort food, and making it in the Instant Pot means you can enjoy fork-tender beef in a fraction of the time! This Instant Pot Roast features juicy, fall-apart beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy—all cooked in one pot for maximum flavor and convenience.

Gone are the days of waiting hours for a pot roast to cook! With the pressure-cooking magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll have a perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth roast in about 90 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinner with the family.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
• Tongs
• Cutting board & knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients Overview

• Chuck Roast: The best cut for a tender, juicy pot roast.
• Beef Broth & Worcestershire Sauce: Creates a deep, rich flavor.
• Carrots & Potatoes: Classic vegetables that absorb all the delicious juices.

Ingredients

For the Pot Roast

• 3–4 lb chuck roast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 3 large carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 lb baby potatoes (or diced Yukon Gold)

For the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1: Sear the Roast

1. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat olive oil.
2. Season roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Sear roast for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

1. Add sliced onion and garlic to the pot, stirring for 2 minutes.
2. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and thyme, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

1. Return the roast to the Instant Pot and close the lid.
2. Set to “Pressure Cook” (High Pressure) for 60 minutes.
3. Once finished, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, then do a quick release.

Step 4: Add Vegetables & Finish Cooking

1. Add carrots and potatoes to the pot.
2. Pressure cook for an additional 10 minutes and do a quick release when done.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

1. Remove roast and vegetables, tent with foil.
2. Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
3. Whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir into the broth.
4. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Slice or shred the roast.
2. Serve with vegetables and drizzle with homemade gravy.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

70 minutes (plus pressure release)

Total Time

90 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: ~450
• Fat: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Protein: ~38g

Expert Tips

• For Even More Flavor: Marinate the roast in Worcestershire and seasonings overnight.
• Use a Natural Release: Helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
• For Extra Thick Gravy: Add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to the slurry.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Brisket or round roast also works but may require slightly longer cooking times.

What if my roast is tough?
Cook it longer! Tough meat just needs more time under pressure to break down.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day—store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions with gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove.

Substitutions & Variations

• Low-Carb: Skip the potatoes and add extra carrots and celery.
• Red Wine Version: Replace 1/2 cup of broth with dry red wine.
• Herby Twist: Add rosemary and bay leaves for an earthy flavor.

Instant Pot Roast (Tender & Flavorful)

A classic **pot roast** is the ultimate comfort food, and making it in the **Instant Pot** means you can enjoy fork-tender beef in **a fraction of the time**! This **Instant Pot Roast** features **juicy, fall-apart beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy**—all cooked in one pot for maximum flavor and convenience.

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Equipment

• - Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
• Tongs
• - Cutting board & knife
• - Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Pot Roast**
• - 3–4 lb chuck roast
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 2 tablespoons olive oil
• - 1 large onion sliced
• - 4 cloves garlic minced
• - 2 cups beef broth
• - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• - 2 teaspoons dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh
• - 3 large carrots cut into chunks
• - 1 lb baby potatoes or diced Yukon Gold
• #### **For the Gravy**
• - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• - 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Sear the Roast**
• Set the **Instant Pot to “Sauté”** mode and heat **olive oil**.
• Season roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
• Sear roast for **3-4 minutes per side** until browned. Remove and set aside.
• #### **Step 2: Build the Flavor**
• Add **sliced onion and garlic** to the pot, stirring for **2 minutes**.
• Pour in **beef broth**, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and thyme, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
• #### **Step 3: Pressure Cook**
• Return the roast to the Instant Pot and close the lid.
• Set to **“Pressure Cook” (High Pressure) for 60 minutes**.
• Once finished, let the pressure **naturally release for 15 minutes**, then do a quick release.
• #### **Step 4: Add Vegetables & Finish Cooking**
• Add **carrots and potatoes** to the pot.
• Pressure cook for an additional **10 minutes** and do a **quick release** when done.
• #### **Step 5: Make the Gravy**
• Remove roast and vegetables, tent with foil.
• Turn Instant Pot to **Sauté mode**.
• Whisk together **cornstarch and water**, then stir into the broth.
• Simmer for **2-3 minutes** until thickened.
• #### **Step 6: Serve & Enjoy**
• Slice or shred the roast.
• Serve with vegetables and drizzle with homemade gravy.