If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, look no further than the Instant Pot roast recipe. The pressure cooker does all the hard work, transforming tough cuts of beef into tender, melt-in-your-mouth roasts, while infusing vegetables with deep, savory flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe guarantees a delicious meal in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Why Choose the Instant Pot for Your Roast?
The Instant Pot has taken the culinary world by storm. With its ability to cook food quickly without compromising on taste or texture, it’s become a go-to kitchen gadget for many home cooks. But what makes the Instant Pot perfect for roast recipes?
Speed and Efficiency
Unlike the slow-roasting method, where beef takes hours to become tender, an Instant Pot can cut down cooking time dramatically. With the press of a button, you can cook your roast and veggies in under two hours, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners when you don’t have the luxury of hours to spend cooking.
Tender Meat, Full of Flavor
The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot ensures that all the juices are sealed in, keeping the roast tender and flavorful. The beauty of the Instant Pot is in its ability to create a rich, savory broth while still keeping the meat juicy and perfectly shredded.
Versatility
While this recipe focuses on a beef roast, the Instant Pot is versatile enough to handle different types of meats and vegetables. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences—whether you prefer a different cut of meat, or want to add a mix of seasonal vegetables.
What You’ll Need for Your Instant Pot Roast Recipe
For the perfect Instant Pot roast, you’ll need the following ingredients and tools:
Key Ingredients:
- Beef Roast (3-5 pounds): The star of the show! A chuck roast, brisket, or bottom round works best. These cuts are known for their tenderness and ability to shred easily.
- Beef Broth (4 cups): Provides the necessary moisture to cook the roast and adds flavor to the final dish.
- Carrots, Potatoes, and Onions (as desired): Classic roast vegetables that complement the beef. Use large chunks for best results.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): Simple, yet essential for flavoring the roast.
- Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth to the broth and complements the meat’s savory flavors.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the broth into a gravy for serving.
Equipment:
- Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker): Essential for cooking the roast in a fraction of the time.
- Meat Thermometer (optional): Helps ensure your roast is cooked to the perfect level of doneness.
- Tongs and Stirring Spoon: For handling the roast and stirring the broth.
The Best Cut of Meat for Instant Pot Roast
The cut of beef you choose can significantly impact the texture and flavor of your roast. Below are the three most commonly used cuts for this recipe:
Chuck Roast: This is the go-to cut for Instant Pot roast. It’s well-marbled with fat, which breaks down during cooking, making the meat incredibly tender and juicy. A chuck roast shreds easily, making it perfect for pulled beef dishes.
Brisket: Though a bit more expensive, brisket is another great choice for roasting. It has a lot of connective tissue that becomes tender when slow-cooked or pressure-cooked. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a rich, beefy flavor.
Bottom or Top Round: These cuts are leaner than chuck or brisket, so they need extra fat to prevent dryness. You can add some butter or oil during cooking to keep the roast moist. While they don’t shred as easily as a chuck roast, they still make a great roast when cooked properly.
How to Cook a Perfect Instant Pot Roast
Now, let’s dive into the steps for making a perfect Instant Pot roast. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Season Your Roast
Before anything else, season your beef roast generously on all sides. This step is crucial for imparting flavor throughout the meat. Use a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (optional). This combination brings out the natural flavors of the beef while enhancing the overall dish.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
Using the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function, heat some oil in the pot and sear the roast on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. Searing locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust on the meat, which adds richness to the final dish. Don’t rush this step—it’s key to ensuring a perfectly caramelized roast.
Step 3: Add Your Vegetables
Once the roast is seared, add the potatoes, carrots, and onions around the roast. These vegetables will cook alongside the beef, soaking up all the savory flavors. You can also use other vegetables, such as parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips, depending on your preferences.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Now, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring the roast and veggies are covered. Lock the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure cooker to “High” for 60-80 minutes, depending on the size of your roast. For a 3-pound roast, aim for 60 minutes; for a 5-pound roast, 80 minutes will work best.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the vent to release the remaining steam. This step ensures the roast retains its juices and prevents it from drying out.
Note on Frozen Roasts:
You can also cook a frozen roast in the Instant Pot! It’s an excellent time-saver. For frozen beef, simply add an additional 20-30 minutes to the cooking time and skip the searing step. The Instant Pot will thaw and cook the meat all at once, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
What to Do After Cooking Your Roast
Once your roast is done, it’s time to serve! Remove the beef and vegetables from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a platter. Shred the roast using two forks. The meat should easily fall apart, which is a sign that the Instant Pot did its magic.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
The broth left in the Instant Pot is full of flavor, and it makes the perfect base for a rich, savory gravy. To thicken it, mix water and cornstarch together, then stir it into the hot broth while it’s set to the “Soup” setting. Stir constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Serve
Pour the gravy over the shredded roast and vegetables, and garnish with fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, for added flavor and color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple green salad.
The Secret to Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast
Cooking a pot roast in an Instant Pot isn’t just about convenience; it’s about achieving a dish that’s rich in flavor, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The magic of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to trap steam and use high pressure to break down the fibers in the meat, making even tougher cuts incredibly tender.
Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well and what you need to know for the best results.
Pressure Cooking: The Key to Tenderness
One of the most remarkable features of the Instant Pot is its pressure cooking function, which allows you to cook food quickly while locking in moisture and flavor. Pot roast typically requires long hours of slow cooking to achieve that fork-tender texture. The Instant Pot, however, shortens that cooking time dramatically by applying high pressure. This process causes the collagen in the meat to break down more efficiently, resulting in juicy, fork-tender roast beef in as little as 1 hour.
Additionally, the Instant Pot retains all the flavors and juices from the meat, creating a rich and savory broth that is perfect for making gravy or drizzling over your roast and veggies.
What You’ll Need for a Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast
To get the perfect Instant Pot roast, it’s essential to choose the right cut of meat and have the right ingredients to balance the flavors. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:
Ingredients:
• 3-5 pound beef chuck roast
• 1 tablespoon oil (for searing)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 pound baby red potatoes or regular potatoes, peeled
• 4 large carrots, cut into large chunks
• 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons corn starch (for thickening the gravy)
Key Cooking Tips
Choose the Right Cut of Meat
While you can make a pot roast from several different cuts of beef, the most common and recommended cut for this recipe is the chuck roast. It’s affordable, flavorful, and becomes incredibly tender after being pressure cooked. Here are some other cuts you can consider:- Brisket: Rich in flavor, but may take longer to cook. Brisket has more connective tissue, which breaks down beautifully in the Instant Pot.
- Bottom or Top Round: Leaner than chuck or brisket but can be used if you prefer a less fatty roast. Just make sure to add extra fat like butter or oil to keep it moist.
Don’t Skip the Searing Step
While you might be tempted to skip searing the meat, trust me—it’s worth the extra few minutes. Searing the roast on all sides creates a flavorful crust that enhances the taste of the entire dish. The Maillard reaction, which occurs during searing, adds a rich, caramelized flavor that permeates the roast.Consider the Vegetables
The beauty of a pot roast lies in its simplicity, and that includes the vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, and onions are traditional companions for pot roast. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Baby potatoes are convenient since they require no peeling, but if you use regular potatoes, make sure they’re cut into large chunks to prevent them from turning mushy during pressure cooking
Instant Pot Roast Recipe With Vegetables
Cooking the Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, it’s time to walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a mouthwatering Instant Pot pot roast. The good news is that the Instant Pot simplifies this process tremendously. All you need to do is follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a hearty, flavorful roast in under two hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Pot Roast
Step 1: Season the Roast
Before you even think about cooking, it’s essential to season your meat generously. In a small bowl, combine your salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this seasoning mix all over the roast to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
Heat the oil in the Instant Pot using the “Saute” function. Once the oil is hot, place your roast in the pot and sear it on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. The goal here is to achieve a deep, golden-brown crust that will lock in flavor. Resist the urge to move the roast too much while searing; allow it to sit undisturbed to develop that beautiful crust.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once the roast is seared, arrange the potatoes, carrots, and onions around the meat. This not only adds flavor but also ensures that the vegetables cook in the delicious juices from the meat. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to give the roast a flavorful base. The liquid is essential to creating the steam necessary for pressure cooking.
Step 4: Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Switch the Instant Pot to the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time for 60-80 minutes, depending on the size of your roast (60 minutes for a 3-pound roast, 80 minutes for a 5-pound roast). The high pressure will work its magic, tenderizing the meat in a fraction of the time.
Step 5: Natural Release
When the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that it stays tender and juicy. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release the remaining pressure.
Step 6: Shred and Serve
Remove the roast from the pot and place it on a cutting board or platter. Using two forks, shred the roast into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, use a strainer to skim any leftover bits from the broth, then return the broth to the pot. Switch the Instant Pot to “Soup” mode and bring the broth to a boil. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch, then stir this mixture into the boiling broth to create a rich, velvety gravy.
Once the gravy thickens, taste and adjust for seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder, if needed. Serve the roast and vegetables with a generous pour of gravy on top, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor and color.
Best Instant Pot Roast Recipe
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pot Roast
Now that you’ve got the basic steps down, here are a few additional tips to ensure your Instant Pot pot roast turns out perfectly every time.
1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat
The key to a flavorful and tender pot roast is in the meat. While there are various cuts you can use, some are better suited for pressure cooking.
- Chuck Roast: This is the most popular and best cut for pot roast. It’s well-marbled with fat, which helps it stay juicy and shred easily once cooked.
- Brisket: Though a little pricier, brisket is another excellent option. It’s flavorful and tender when cooked low and slow, making it a great choice for the Instant Pot.
- Round Roast: If you prefer a leaner roast, go for a round cut. It might not shred as easily as a chuck roast, but it will still be flavorful when cooked properly.
2. Searing is Key
While it might seem like an optional step, searing your meat before pressure cooking adds essential flavor. The caramelized crust that forms during searing enhances the overall taste and gives the roast a more complex flavor profile. Don’t skip this step!
3. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions add vibrant flavors to the roast. Be sure to chop them into large chunks to ensure even cooking. If you use baby carrots, they cook more quickly, so consider adjusting your pressure cook time accordingly.
4. Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste
The beauty of pot roast is that it’s versatile when it comes to seasoning. Feel free to tweak the seasoning mix based on your preferences. For example, you can add thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of red wine to elevate the flavors further. Just remember to keep the balance—don’t overdo it with salt, as the broth and Worcestershire sauce already provide some saltiness.
5. Let It Rest
After cooking and shredding the roast, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This ensures the juices are reabsorbed into the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
6. Make It a Complete Meal
If you’re looking to turn your Instant Pot pot roast into a full meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a simple salad. You can also serve the gravy over the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor. Another delicious side is roasted vegetables—roast them in the oven while your pot roast is cooking to add a variety of textures and flavors to your meal.
7. Experiment with Add-Ins
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding extra ingredients like mushrooms, parsnips, or even turnips. These root vegetables can stand up to the pressure cooking and add even more depth of flavor to the dish. If you like a hint of sweetness, throw in a couple of apples or sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Making an Instant Pot pot roast is simple, quick, and utterly satisfying. In under two hours, you can have a delicious, tender roast with perfectly cooked vegetables and a rich, flavorful gravy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With the Instant Pot, you don’t have to wait all day for a juicy, tender pot roast—it’s ready in a fraction of the time.
Easy Instant Pot Roast Recipe
FAQs About Instant Pot Roast
1. Can I use frozen beef in an Instant Pot Roast recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. The Instant Pot will thaw and cook the beef evenly for a tender result.
2. What’s the best cut of beef for an Instant Pot Roast recipe?
The best cuts are chuck roast, blade roast, or chuck shoulder roast. These cuts become tender and flavorful when pressure cooked.
3. How long does it take to cook a roast in the Instant Pot?
Cook for 60 minutes on high pressure for a 3-4 pound roast. Add 10 minutes if your roast is larger or frozen, ensuring it’s fully cooked and tender.
4. How do I prevent mushy vegetables in my Instant Pot Roast?
Add vegetables like carrots and potatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This keeps them tender yet firm, avoiding an overcooked texture.
5. Can I skip searing the beef?
You can skip it, but searing adds flavor and seals in juices. It creates a rich, golden crust that enhances the final taste of your roast.
6. Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, use a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add it to the sauce and simmer on sauté mode until thickened.
7. Is it possible to make a roast without broth?
Broth is recommended for flavor and to prevent burning. You can substitute water, but add seasonings like garlic, rosemary, or Worcestershire sauce for taste.
8. How many people can this recipe serve?
A 3-4 pound roast with vegetables serves 4-6 people. Adjust the size of the roast and amount of veggies based on the number of servings needed.
9. Can I use red wine in the recipe?
Yes, replace some broth with red wine for added depth. Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
10. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with some extra broth to keep it moist.
