If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, this Best Ever Instant Pot Roast is the perfect choice. With tender, juicy beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this roast is a family favorite that cooks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious roast dinner ready in less than two hours. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. Beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp. Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 ⅕ lbs. whole baby potatoes
- 2 tbsp. cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Sear the Roast:
- Set the Instant Pot to the saute function. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
- Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Once the olive oil is hot, place the roast in the Instant Pot and sear for 4 minutes on each side until browned. This step helps develop flavor.
- Remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
- Cook the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and saute for about 2-3 minutes, until it begins to soften. This will release its natural sweetness.
- Turn off the saute function, and then add the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 ½ cups beef broth, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this adds extra flavor).
- Return the seared roast to the Instant Pot, and place the 4 sprigs of thyme on top of the roast.
- Cook the Roast:
- Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the release valve is set to sealing.
- Set the Instant Pot to manual mode and cook for 60 minutes on high pressure.
- After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then, move the release valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Carefully remove the lid and add the whole baby potatoes and chopped carrots on top of the roast.
- Close the lid again, ensuring the release valve is set to sealing, and cook on manual mode for an additional 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Shred the Beef:
- After the 10-minute cook time, allow for another 10 minutes of natural pressure release, then move the release valve to venting.
- Open the lid and remove the thyme sprigs and the roast. Discard the thyme sprigs.
- Shred the beef with two forks, then return it to the pot with the vegetables.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the pot and let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Enjoy!
Your Best Ever Instant Pot Roast is now ready to serve! The beef is perfectly tender, the potatoes and carrots are soft and flavorful, and the broth is rich and savory. Serve this delicious roast with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices, or enjoy it as is for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Tips for Success:
- Searing the meat: Don’t skip the searing step—browning the beef develops a rich, caramelized flavor that makes all the difference.
- Adjusting seasoning: Always taste the broth before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to swap or add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added variety.
Storage and Leftovers:
- Storage: Store any leftover roast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The roast can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
This Instant Pot Roast is the perfect way to enjoy a classic Sunday roast with minimal effort and in much less time. Enjoy your delicious, tender roast with all the vegetables and a flavorful broth—comfort food at its best!