Easy Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast: Tender, Flavorful Comfort in Under 90 Minutes

The Ultimate Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast Recipe

Discover how the Instant Pot revolutionizes the classic pot roast dinner with this incredibly tender and flavorful recipe that’s ready in a fraction of the traditional time. This pressure cooking method transforms even tougher cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection while infusing the meat with rich, savory flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pot Roast

Gone are the days of waiting hours for a tender pot roast! The magic of pressure cooking means this hearty, comforting meal can be on your table in under 90 minutes. This recipe delivers all the rich flavor of a slow-cooked roast but fits perfectly into your busy weeknight schedule.

The Instant Pot seals in moisture and intensifies flavors, creating the most succulent pot roast you’ve ever tasted without hours of cooking. The pressure cooking environment breaks down tough connective tissues quickly, resulting in fork-tender meat every time.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot Pot Roast

• 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 4 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Paper towels
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Pot Roast

1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and add the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned roast and sear until deeply browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This creates a flavorful crust that enhances the final dish.
3. Remove the seared roast and set aside temporarily. Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits contain concentrated flavor and prevent the “burn” notice on your Instant Pot.
5. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste until well combined with the broth.
6. Return the seared roast to the Instant Pot and add the dried rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
7. Arrange the halved potatoes, carrots, and celery pieces around the roast.
8. Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to the sealing position. Select Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 60 minutes at high pressure.
9. When the cooking cycle completes, allow for a 15-minute natural pressure release before carefully turning the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
10. Remove the roast and vegetables to a serving platter and tent with foil to keep warm.
11. Optional: For a thicker gravy, select the Sauté function. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the liquid in the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
12. Remove the bay leaves, taste the gravy, and adjust seasonings if needed.
13. Slice or shred the pot roast and serve with the vegetables and gravy.

Recipe Tips and Variations for Your Instant Pot Beef Roast

Pro Tips for Success

• Choose the right cut: Chuck roast is ideal for pressure cooking, as it has excellent marbling that breaks down beautifully under pressure.
• Don’t skip the sear: Browning the meat creates the Maillard reaction, developing deep flavor that makes a significant difference in the final dish.
• Layer properly: Place the meat directly in the cooking liquid with vegetables arranged around it for even cooking.
• Natural release matters: The 15-minute natural pressure release allows the meat fibers to relax, resulting in a more tender roast.

Delicious Variations

• Red Wine Pot Roast: Replace half the beef broth with a dry red wine for a more complex flavor profile.
• Italian-Style: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and substitute the tomato paste with 1/4 cup of marinara sauce.
• Root Vegetable Medley: Include parsnips, turnips, or rutabaga for a more diverse vegetable mix.
• Mushroom Lover’s: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an earthy flavor boost.

Storing and Reheating Your Instant Pot Pot Roast

This pot roast actually tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, gently warm the meat and gravy in a covered saucepan over low heat until heated through. Alternatively, use the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally, to prevent the meat from becoming tough.

Nutrition Information

Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Crusty sourdough bread or dinner rolls for sopping up the delicious gravy
• Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed green beans with toasted almonds
• Creamy mashed potatoes (if you prefer them to the potatoes cooked with the roast)
• Buttered corn on the cob
• Roasted brussels sprouts with bacon

Why the Instant Pot is Perfect for Pot Roast

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, and dishes like pot roast showcase why this kitchen appliance has become so beloved. The sealed pressure environment forces moisture and flavor into the meat while simultaneously breaking down tough fibers – accomplishing in just over an hour what would take 3-4 hours in a traditional oven or 8+ hours in a slow cooker.

The multi-functionality of the Instant Pot also means you can sear, pressure cook, and reduce the sauce all in one pot, saving cleanup time and preserving all those wonderful flavors. For busy households or anyone looking to enjoy comfort food without the wait, the Instant Pot is truly a game-changer for creating delicious pot roast any day of the week.