Instant Pot Pot Roast

Culinary Comfort: Perfecting Instant Pot Pot Roast

Dive into the world of hearty, soul-warming comfort with our Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe—an embodiment of classic flavors and modern convenience. This one-pot wonder transforms tough cuts of beef into tender, succulent bites, surrounded by a symphony of vegetables and savory aromas. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the art of crafting the perfect pot roast using the magic of the Instant Pot, making home-cooked comfort more accessible than ever.

Ingredients

For the Pot Roast:

  • 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 cups baby bella mushrooms, halved
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Gravy:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups cooking liquid from the Instant Pot

Instructions

Preparing the Instant Pot Pot Roast:

  1. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to “Saute” mode and heat the vegetable oil. Brown the chuck roast on all sides to develop a rich crust. Remove the roast and set it aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until softened.
  4. Pour in beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine.
  5. Return the browned chuck roast to the Instant Pot. Add carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms.
  6. Seal the Instant Pot, set it to “Meat/Stew” mode, and cook for 60-70 minutes, depending on the size of the roast.

Making the Gravy:

  1. Once the roast is cooked, carefully release the pressure, and transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving dish.
  2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
  3. Gradually add 2 cups of the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens.
  4. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serving and Garnishing:

  1. Slice the pot roast into thick slices and arrange it on the serving dish alongside the vegetables.
  2. Drizzle the homemade gravy over the pot roast and vegetables.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Cook Notes

Perfect your Instant Pot Pot Roast with these expert tips:

  1. Searing for Flavor: The key to a flavorful pot roast is searing the meat to create a caramelized crust. Don’t rush this step.
  2. Liquids for Tenderness: The combination of beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste creates a flavorful braising liquid that ensures a tender roast.
  3. Vegetable Variety: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences. Add celery, parsnips, or even pearl onions for extra depth.
  4. Adjusting Cook Time: Larger roasts may require additional cooking time for ultimate tenderness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Variations

Customize your Instant Pot Pot Roast experience with these delightful variations:

Citrus Burst:

Add a zesty twist by incorporating orange or lemon zest into the braising liquid for a citrus-infused pot roast.

Herb Infusion:

Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a diverse flavor profile.

Root Vegetable Medley:

Enhance the vegetable mix with a medley of root vegetables like turnips, rutabagas, or sweet potatoes.

Keto Versions

Indulge in the comforting goodness of Instant Pot Pot Roast while staying keto-friendly with these low-carb adaptations:

Almond Flour Roux:

Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour when making the gravy for a keto-friendly thickening agent.

Low-Carb Vegetables:

Opt for lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts in place of potatoes.

No Red Wine Option:

Omit the red wine from the braising liquid if you prefer a lower-carb version.

In conclusion, Instant Pot Pot Roast is a celebration of tradition and efficiency, bringing the warmth of classic comfort to the modern kitchen. As you savor each forkful of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re partaking in a culinary experience that bridges the gap between nostalgia and innovation.

So, dust off that Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the joy of crafting the perfect pot roast. Share it with loved ones, savor the simplicity of a home-cooked masterpiece, and revel in the satisfaction of Instant Pot Pot Roast perfection!