Instant Pot Pot Roast

Learn to make instant pot pot roast in just an hour! Our instant pot roast beef cooks with potatoes, carrots, and onions creating a complete meal with a flavor that your whole family will love. Gluten-free.

Our recipe for instant pot roast beef makes a roast that is juicy, tender, and falls apart easily. The days of tough cut of beef and overcooked vegetables are over. With a delicious homemade gravy to flavor the dish, this will definitely become a top requested meal in your home!

For other instant pot beef recipes that are packed full of flavor, add Instant Pot Beef and Noodles and French Dip Sandwiches (Instant Pot) to the menu rotation!

This meal can easily be made any night of the week. Gather the equipment and ingredients below and let’s get pressure cooking!

Equipment

• instant pot
• plate
• paper towel
• measuring cups and spoons
• tongs
• small bowl
• whisk or wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 3 pound chuck roast, patted dry with paper towel
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 small onions, quartered
• 8 carrots peeled
• 10 medium red potatoes, scrubbed
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth, divided
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 springs fresh rosemary
• salt and pepper

For Gravy (optional)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

How To Make Chuck Roast In The Instant Pot

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to have a tender roast ready within the hour! If this is your first time using an instant pot, check out our How To Use An Instant Pot: A Beginners Guide to learn all the tips and tricks behind instant pot cooking.

Brown the roast

Start by turning the instant pot to sauté then wait until it says “HOT”. Next, add the oil to the bottom of the instant pot and wait one minute for it to heat.

While you are waiting for the oil to heat, season the chuck roast really well with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, add the chuck roast to the instant pot and brown on each side for three minutes. Remove the seared roast and place it onto a plate.

Deglaze the instant pot

Then, add 1 cup of chicken or beef broth to the hot instant pot, whisking to get the browned pieces from the bottom of the pan blended in. This is the process of deglazing, which adds SO much flavor to the pot roast and will be the base for the gravy. Once deglazed, place the roast back into the instant pot.

Add the rest of the ingredients

Pour the Worcestershire sauce on top of the roast. Add the onion, potatoes, carrots, rosemary, and remaining 3 cups of broth.

Mix It Up: Add another root vegetable such as parsnips, sweet potatoes or turnips if desired.

Then, place the lid onto the instant pot and turn the valve to the sealing position. Turn to high pressure for 50 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release and carefully remove the vegetables and meat. Set aside.

Make the gravy

Turn the instant pot to sauté after the meat and veggies have been removed. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl then whisk it into the remaining sauce in the instant pot. Continue whisking the gravy until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Pro Tip: It is important that you make the cornstarch slurry before adding to the instant pot to prevent the cornstarch from clumping.

Serve the pot roast

Before serving, remove any visible fat from the chuck roast. Serve with the cooked vegetables and homemade gravy. We also like to serve this pot roast recipe with a batch of Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Tips

• Sear the Meat: Before pressure cooking, consider searing the chuck roast on all sides in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. This adds flavor and helps to develop a nice crust.
• Use Sufficient Liquid: Ensure you have at least 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid (broth, water, etc.) to create steam and pressure. This prevents the meat from drying out and sticking to the pot.
• Add Flavorful Ingredients: Enhance the taste by adding aromatics like onions, garlic, herbs, and spices to the cooking liquid. These will infuse the meat with flavor during cooking.
• Cooking Time and Natural Release: Plan for 20 minutes of cooking time per pound of chuck roast. Opt for a natural pressure release for about 10-15 minutes before you release pressure to maintain tenderness.
• Cut Against the Grain: After cooking and resting, slice the chuck roast against the grain. This shortens muscle fibers and results in a more tender texture.
• Test for Doneness: Use a fork to check if the meat is easily shreddable. If not, you can return it to the Instant Pot for a bit more cooking time.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the cooked roast to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, leading to a juicier result.
• Experiment and Adapt: Cooking times and results can vary, so be prepared to adjust based on your preferences and the specifics of your Instant Pot model.

Storage & Reheating

After cooking your chuck roast in the Instant Pot, proper storage and reheating techniques are important to maintain its flavor and tenderness. If you’re not eating it right away, allow the roast to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Don’t forget to label the container with the date for easy tracking. In the refrigerator, the cooked roast can be safely stored for about 3-4 days.

Freeze

Ensure the roast is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and don’t forget to label the package with the date. Frozen roast should be used within 2-3 months for the best quality.

Reheating

When reheating, thaw frozen roast in the refrigerator overnight if needed.

Oven: In the oven, preheat to around 325°F (163°C), place the roast in an oven-safe dish with a bit of liquid to prevent drying, cover it with foil, and heat until warmed through.

Stovetop: On the stovetop, use a pot with a bit of liquid and gently reheat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Microwave: Place slices in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of liquid, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can result in dry meat.

While the texture might not be exactly the same as when freshly cooked, these methods should help retain the flavor and tenderness of the roast as much as possible.

What To Serve With This Recipe

A chuck roast pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your chuck roast:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice that goes perfectly with the hearty flavors of a chuck roast. The gravy from the roast can be drizzled over the potatoes for extra flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and other root vegetables add a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor. The caramelized edges of the roasted vegetables complement the savory roast.
• Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans provide a fresh and vibrant element to balance the richness of the meat. You can add some almonds or bacon for extra flavor.
• Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty roast.
• Rice or Grains: Serve the roast over rice, quinoa, or another whole grain for a complete and balanced meal.
• Bread or Rolls: Freshly baked bread or rolls are a great accompaniment for sopping up the flavorful juices and gravies.
• Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread can be a delightful addition to a hearty chuck roast.

More Instant Pot Meals

• Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Instant Pot Chicken Stir Fry
• Beef Pho in Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti