Instant Pot Roast Recipe

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness? Look no further! This Instant Pot Roast Recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds and make dinner prep a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to make a tender, mouthwatering pot roast in less time than traditional methods. Read on to discover all the secrets, tips, and tricks to master this delicious dish!

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What is an Instant Pot Roast?

An Instant Pot Roast is a classic pot roast cooked in an electric pressure cooker, also known as an Instant Pot. This cooking method drastically reduces the time required to create a tender, succulent roast compared to slow cooking or oven roasting. Pot roasts are typically made using tough cuts of beef, such as chuck or brisket, which become incredibly tender when cooked under pressure. The roast is seasoned and paired with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, creating a complete meal that’s both rich and satisfying.

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Ingredients List for Instant Pot Roast

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need for this delectable Instant Pot Roast Recipe:

1. Beef Roast (3-4 pounds): A well-marbled chuck roast is ideal, but brisket or rump roast will also work.
2. Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the roast to add flavor.
3. Beef broth (2 cups): Provides moisture and enhances the flavor of the roast.
4. Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and umami to the dish.
5. Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the roast with aromatic richness.
6. Yellow onion (1 large, sliced): Adds sweetness and texture.
7. Carrots (3 large, chopped): Provide a natural sweetness that balances the dish.
8. Potatoes (3 medium, quartered): For a hearty addition to the meal.
9. Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Adds a subtle freshness and crunch.
10. Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried): For an earthy, herbaceous note.
11. Rosemary (1 teaspoon, dried): Brings a fragrant, piney flavor to the roast.
12. Salt and pepper: To season the roast generously.
13. Cornstarch (2 tablespoons, optional): For thickening the gravy.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Instant Pot Roast Recipe is versatile, and you can easily modify it to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Beef Alternatives: If you prefer a leaner cut, opt for a bottom round roast, though it may not be as tender. For a different flavor, you can also try lamb shoulder.
• Broth Variations: Use vegetable or chicken broth if you prefer a lighter flavor or don’t have beef broth on hand.
• Root Vegetables: While carrots and potatoes are classics, feel free to add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even turnips for a twist.
• Herbs: Switch out thyme and rosemary for herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried ones, but use three times as much for fresh herbs.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the potatoes and opt for cauliflower or radishes to create a low-carb alternative.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce or make sure it’s labeled as gluten-free.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking an Instant Pot Roast might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, tender roast in no time!

1. Prepare the Roast: Start by patting the beef roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the Roast: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the roast on all sides until it’s golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the roast and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is where the flavor is!).
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Be sure to scrape the bottom to lift any bits stuck to the pan.
5. Add Vegetables and Roast: Place the chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery into the broth mixture. Set the roast on top of the vegetables.
6. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the thyme and rosemary over the roast and vegetables. You can add a bit more salt and pepper to taste at this point.
7. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before carefully turning the valve to release any remaining pressure.
8. Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you want to make a gravy, remove the roast and vegetables from the pot and set them aside. Switch the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water), and cook until the sauce thickens.
9. Serve: Slice the roast against the grain and serve with the vegetables and gravy.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making an Instant Pot Roast, a few common pitfalls can affect the texture and flavor of your dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Not Searing the Meat: Searing the roast before pressure cooking locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Overcrowding the Pot: If you add too many vegetables or too large a roast, the Instant Pot might struggle to cook evenly. Make sure everything fits comfortably.
• Quick Releasing Pressure: Allowing for natural pressure release helps maintain the tenderness of the meat. A quick release can make the roast tough and chewy.
• Using Too Little Liquid: The Instant Pot requires liquid to build pressure. Make sure you have enough broth or other liquid to avoid a “burn” warning.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: To avoid mushy vegetables, you can add them halfway through cooking by carefully opening the pot and resetting the timer.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your roast is cooked to perfection, you’ll want to serve it in a way that does justice to all that hard work. Follow these tips to elevate the presentation:

• How to Serve Instant Pot Roast: Serve the roast sliced or shredded, depending on your preference. Place the vegetables around or under the meat for a beautiful, rustic presentation. Drizzle the gravy over the top for added richness.
• Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Roast: Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to garnish the roast. You can also plate the meal family-style by placing the roast on a large platter, surrounded by colorful vegetables. For an elegant touch, arrange the vegetables in neat clusters and serve the gravy in a small sauceboat on the side.

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Instant Pot Roast Recipe Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the best Instant Pot Roast every time:

1. Let the Roast Rest: After slicing, let the roast rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
2. Don’t Rush the Natural Release: As tempting as it might be to release the pressure quickly, the natural release keeps the roast tender.
3. Make It a Make-Ahead Meal: Instant Pot Roast is even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
4. Adjust the Cooking Time for Larger Roasts: For a roast over 4 pounds, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the pressure cooking time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a frozen roast?
A: Yes! You can cook a frozen roast in the Instant Pot, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 20-30 minutes. Just be aware that you won’t be able to sear the meat beforehand, so it might not have as much depth of flavor.

Q: What size Instant Pot should I use?
A: A 6-quart Instant Pot is sufficient for a 3-4 pound roast with vegetables. If you’re making a larger roast or want more room, an 8-quart pot works better.

Q: Can I make this recipe without potatoes?
A: Absolutely. You can leave out the potatoes or substitute them with other vegetables like cauliflower or radishes if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet.

Q: How long does it take to make Instant Pot Roast?
A: Including the time to prep, pressure build-up, cooking, and natural pressure release, it takes around 90-100 minutes from start to finish.

Q: Can I make the gravy thicker?
A: Yes! You can always add more cornstarch to the gravy if you prefer it thicker. Start with 1 more tablespoon and whisk it in until you reach your desired consistency.

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Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort. The Instant Pot dramatically cuts down on cooking time, while still delivering the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavors of a classic pot roast. Whether you're feeding a family or making a special Sunday dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy!

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