Instant Pot Pot Roast is succulent and tender beef cooked in a flavorful braise alongside classic potatoes, onions, and carrots. It's classic comfort food 101 and perfect for those busy nights!
This is the perfect recipe when you need a one-pot, everyone-loves-it-meal, with minimal effort. In about 15 minutes, you can have everything in the pressure cooker ready to set it and forget it. In less than 2 hours, dinner for the entire family is on the table!
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Instant Pot Pot Roast is a recipe that you will fall in love with and for many reason. First of all, it's so simple. The pressure cooker does all of the work. It's also incredibly quick. In just about an hour and a half, you have fall apart tender beef on the table.
Simple ingredients and simple method, but let's not forget how comforting a good pot roast can be. It's hearty and filling. If you're a fan of Sunday roast, you've got to try it this way. Turn on the Instant Pot just before your leave the house. Because of the warm setting, the pot roast will stay warm until you're ready to eat. What's not to like about that?!
Why use an Instant Pot?
I have to be honest, I didn't want an Instant Pot for the longest time. I rallied against it, but my sister told me I would love one especially for making my bone broth. Man, was she right. I have absolutely fallen in love with this gadget and highly recommend one. The meals I've been able to make with it have been absolutely phenomenal.
This Instant Pot Pot Roast is just one of many. It comes out succulent and tender and in under half the time of traditional pot roasts made in the oven. This is my go-to method now!
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Key Ingredient: A Word About Beef Roast Cuts
What cut of beef roast should you use? Whichever is you favorite! I generally use a chuck roast - I love their fat content and they are readily available. After cooking, a chuck roast with be fall apart tender and super moist because of the fat. When I cook with a chuck roast, we typically will eat it as a meal with the potatoes and carrots just as the recipe instructs.
Something like arm roast will also be incredibly tender and make a fantastic Instant Pot pot roast. However, because it is leaner, it won't have that same softness you'll find in a chuck roast. When I cook an arm roast, we will have it with the potatoes and carrots for one meal, but I'll often shred the leftovers for things like burritos, nachos, or put it into soups.
You can even use a brisket for this Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe! Make sure it's a trimmed, 3-5 pound cut and follow the cooking instruction as normal. You'll have a wonderfully succulent, tender result! For leftovers, Instant Pot brisket makes great sandwiches.
Tips and Tricks
Don't skip out on the searing step. It adds a ton of flavor to a very simple dish.
Pat the pot roast dry with a paper towel before adding the seasoning. This will help create a better sear, thus more flavor.
Use kosher salt. This is what I use for all of my recipes. If you use iodized or another type, your end result may turn out too salty. I highly recommend kosher for your cooking.
To make the roast ahead of time, follow the instructions in the recipe card, but allow the Instant Pot to naturally release and automatically go to the warm setting. It can stay on the warm setting for several hours. When you are ready to eat, the pressure will already be released. All that's let to do is dig in!
Variations and Substitutions
Use what ever veggie you like for this Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe. A hearty root veggie would be preferable. Something like parsnips or turnips would be delicious!
Play with your seasoning blends. Use your favorite all purpose, a cajun blend would be fun, and even classic Italian herbs and spices are delicious. I've even used Asian-inspired flavors to make a Mongolian Beef situation. Make it your own!
Mushrooms and tomatoes add incredible flavor to a pot roast.
If you can find them, cipollini onions are amazing in this Instant Pot Pot Roast!
A bit of Worcestershire sauce or red wine would also add fun flavor to this recipe.
Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe
Ingredients
- 3-5 lb chuck roast
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp granulated onion
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 yellow onion, rough chopped
- 2-4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 lb baby new potatoes
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Mix together the kosher salt, granulated garlic and onion, smoked paprika, dried dill weed, and fresh ground pepper.
- Pat the roast dry and season it liberally with the mix. Using the high sauté function on the Instant Pot, sear the beef on all sides until a nice, deep brown color has formed.
- Once the beef is nicely seared and the fond is well developed, remove the roast and set it aside. Add the tomato paste and stir constantly for a few minutes. Deglaze with the beef broth and make sure you scrape up all the little bits on the bottom of the pressure cooker bowl.
- Return the roast to the cooker, add the potatoes, onions, and carrots. Add the Worcestershire sauce and a bay leaf.
- Cook the pot roast for an hour and a half on high pressure. Allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for about 10 minutes or so, then flip the switch and let it quick release until the valve goes all the way down.
- Remove the roast and vegetables.
- Make a slurry with the cornstarch and water. Pour it into the cooker bowl and stir until the braising liquid thickens and turns into a gravy. Plate the beef and veggies and serve the gravy on the side.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fond?
The fond is the dark toasty bits that show up at the bottom of a cooking pot during searing. It creates an opportunity for an incredible amount of flavor, so I highly recommend not skipping the searing step. To release fond, simple deglaze (or pour) with the beef broth and scrape up the bits at the bottom of the pot. Flavor, flavor, flavor!
Is this Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe dairy and/or gluten-free?
This recipe is both dairy and gluten-free! Everyone can enjoy this simple, whole food recipe!
Can I make this recipe with a frozen roast?
You can! Follow the instructions as laid out in the recipe below and simply add 20-30 minutes of high pressure cook time. You can have dinner on the table in just a little over 2 hours with a frozen roast. No problem!
How many minutes per pound of meat do you cook in the Instant Pot?
The standard rule of thumb is 20 minutes per pound of meat. On average, the roasts I tend to see and buy are about 4 pounds so I generally cook mine for an hour and a half. If you get one that's closer to 3, you can definitely back off of that time a bit.
Why is my pot roast tough?
More than likely, it did no cook for long enough. A pot roast requires time. Be mindful of the size of your roast and the amount of time recommended by the above question.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Dutch oven!
Yes! For the slow cooker, cook on low 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours. Until tender.
For the Dutch oven, cook at 250°F for 6-8 hours until tender.
Serving Ideas
This Instant Pot Pot Roast is a all-in-one meal. You don't need much else. However, a piece of homemade beer bread or sour cream biscuits would be delightful. And, you could serve it along with a simple green salad. Ya know. For health.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- The leftovers will stay good in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a large skillet with a splash of the cooking liquid on medium-low heat until warmed through.
- If using a microwave, heat on low in small increments until warmed through. I recommend covering with a damp cloth in case of unexpected pot roast explosion. It can happen. I've seen it with my own eyes.
- If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend only freezing the beef. I don't like how the veggies are after thawing. The beef, if frozen, will stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw out in the fridge when you're ready to use.
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok!
If you guys make this Instant Pot Pot Roast, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Recipes You'll Love
French Onion Pot Roast - A wonderful variation of a classic pot roast. The flavors are out of this world!
French Dip Sliders - Wonderfully flavored, perfectly tender beef served on slider buns with melty cheese and an au jus dipping sauce!
Slow Cooker Mongolian - One of my very favorite recipes with a chuck roast. It's such a fun spin on the weekly pot roast. Serve it over noodles or rice and dinner is done!
And, if you're in the market for more great Instant Pot recipes, you've come to the right spot! Try my Instant Pot Taco Chicken, Instant Pot Pinto Beans, or my Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With Orzo!
Breanna says
So simple! So good for busy days!
Mallory F says
such a simple, fast recipe for a busy mom! and very tasty!
Rufus says
Thank you so much for letting me know! Love hearing from you!