I’m excited to share with you my easy Instant Pot pot roast recipe! With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and tender pot roast on the table in no time. This recipe takes advantage of the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function to cook the beef to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth experience. Say goodbye to the hours of slow cooking and hello to a quick and effortless way to enjoy a classic pot roast. So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!

Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe

Ingredients

To make this easy Instant Pot pot roast recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

3 pounds beef chuck roast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

To prepare the pot roast, follow these steps:

Press the ‘Saute’ function on the Instant Pot and heat the vegetable oil.
Season the beef roast with salt and black pepper, then brown it on all sides in the Instant Pot.
Remove the browned roast from the pot and set it aside.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sauté until softened.
Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to release any stuck-on bits.
Return the beef roast to the Instant Pot.
Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot.
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position.
Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.
Remove the lid and transfer the pot roast to a serving dish.
Discard the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Serve the pot roast with the cooked vegetables and a ladle of the flavorful cooking liquid.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your pot roast recipe:

For a richer flavor, sear the beef roast on a stovetop before transferring it to the Instant Pot.
You can use baby potatoes or larger potatoes cut into chunks for this recipe.
If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or omit it altogether.
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or celery for added flavor and texture.
To thicken the cooking liquid into a gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water and stir it into the Instant Pot before cooking.

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some delicious variations to try:

Asian-Inspired Pot Roast

Replace the Worcestershire sauce and thyme with soy sauce, ginger, and star anise.
Serve over steamed rice for a flavorful Asian twist.

Italian-Inspired Pot Roast

Replace the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf with dried oregano, basil, and a can of diced tomatoes.
Serve with pasta or crusty bread for an Italian-inspired meal.

Mexican-Inspired Pot Roast

Replace the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf with cumin, chili powder, and a can of diced green chilies.
Serve with tortillas or rice to bring some Mexican flavors to your pot roast.

Vegetarian Pot Roast

Replace the beef roast with seitan or portobello mushrooms to make a vegetarian version.
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a colorful and nutritious twist.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your pot roast meal, consider serving it with the following:

Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a classic side dish.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add some freshness and color to your plate.
Creamy polenta or cheesy grits for a comforting and indulgent option.
Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful cooking liquid.
A side salad with vinaigrette dressing to add some brightness and freshness to the meal.

Storage

If you have leftovers or want to prepare your pot roast in advance, here are some storage tips:

Allow the pot roast to cool completely before storing.
Store the pot roast and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, transfer the pot roast and vegetables to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen pot roast in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftover pot roast, here are some reheating methods:

To reheat individual servings, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
For larger portions, transfer the pot roast and vegetables to a baking dish and cover with foil. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, reheat the pot roast and vegetables on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed to your desired temperature.

Instant Pot Troubleshooting

Sometimes, things may not go according to plan. Here are some troubleshooting tips for the Instant Pot:

If the Instant Pot doesn’t come to pressure, make sure the sealing ring is properly seated and that the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Check for any visible leaks or blockages.
If the pot roast turns out tough, it may need to be cooked for a longer time. Increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes and check for tenderness before adding more time.
If the flavor is lacking, adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices according to your taste.

Conclusion

With its convenience and flavorful results, this easy Instant Pot pot roast recipe is a winner for busy home cooks. The tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich cooking liquid create a satisfying and comforting meal. Experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to create your own delicious spin on this classic dish. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of pot roast made effortlessly in the Instant Pot!