If you’re in the mood for a comforting meal that tastes like a Sunday dinner but comes together on a weeknight, look no further than A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast. This recipe brings all the savory, slow-cooked flavors of a traditional pot roast, yet thanks to the magic of pressure cooking, it’s ready in a fraction of the time. Imagine tender beef, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and an irresistible rich gravy—all mingling in one pot. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special, and everyone at the table will be begging for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast so inviting is how each simple ingredient plays a crucial part in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. Every addition, from the marbled chuck roast to the aromatic dried herbs, works together to create a meal that’s much more than the sum of its parts.
- Chuck Roast (3–4 pounds): The star of the show—choose a well-marbled cut for the juiciest, most tender results.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the meat, locking in those crave-worthy caramelized flavors.
- Onion (1 large, sliced): Adds sweetness and depth as it melds into the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings bold, savory complexity to each bite.
- Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Lends a touch of acidity and intensifies the richness of the gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Infuses the sauce with umami and a subtle tang.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): A classic herb that gives an earthy, comforting note.
- Dried Rosemary (1 teaspoon): Provides a piney aroma that beautifully complements beef.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances both color and gently smoky undertones.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the roast a gentle, peppery kick without overpowering.
- Beef Broth (1 1/2 cups): Forms the backbone of the savory gravy and keeps everything moist.
- Baby Potatoes (1 pound, halved): These soak up the juices and become buttery-smooth.
- Carrots (4 large, peeled and cut into chunks): Their sweetness balances the savory notes.
- Cornstarch Slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, optional): For those who love a thicker, richer gravy at the end.
How to Make A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until shimmering. While the oil is coming to temperature, season your chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Sear the roast for 3 to 4 minutes per side, making sure to get a deep golden-brown crust. This initial step is what gives A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast its irresistible depth of flavor, so don’t skip it! Once each side is beautifully browned, transfer the roast to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
With the pot still on Sauté, toss in the sliced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so the onions soften and pick up all those tasty browned bits. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, letting them cook for another 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Next, pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, deglazing the pot by scraping up all those delicious caramelized bits from the bottom. This step is key for creating a rich, flavorful gravy.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Roast
Return the seared chuck roast to the Instant Pot, nestling it down into the aromatic liquid. Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Pressure cook on High for 60 minutes. This hands-off time lets the Instant Pot work its magic, turning a tough cut into fork-tender perfection. Your kitchen will start to fill with the kind of savory, homey aroma that signals something wonderful is in the works.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Once the 60 minutes are up, carefully do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and arrange the baby potatoes and carrots around the roast. These vegetables only need a brief pressure cook to soften without becoming mushy. Seal the lid again, cook on High Pressure for 10 more minutes, and then let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before quick releasing any last steam. This technique keeps every element perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Carefully transfer the roast and its lovingly braised vegetables to a serving platter. Feel like a thicker gravy would be the crowning touch? Simply set the Instant Pot to Sauté, whisk in your cornstarch slurry, and let the sauce bubble until it’s gloriously thickened—perfect for drizzling over every bite of beef and veg. A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast is now ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast
Garnishes
Sprinkling on a handful of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of extra cracked black pepper before serving makes this dish pop with color and freshness. A few thyme leaves or a sprig of rosemary can also add a fragrant, rustic touch right on top. Not only do these garnishes enhance the visual appeal, they add bright notes to every bite of A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast.
Side Dishes
While those buttery potatoes and sweet carrots make a hearty meal all on their own, you can easily round out your table with even more favorites. A crisp green salad, some buttered peas, or warm homemade rolls make delicious pairings. A slice of sourdough or crusty bread is always welcome for sopping up that luscious gravy!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go beyond the classic presentation, turn the leftovers into next-level sandwiches with a dollop of creamy horseradish or a layer of melty cheese. Serve the roast family-style on a big platter for a rustic vibe, or plate individually with a spoonful of gravy for a more refined look. However you present A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast, everyone’s sure to be impressed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once everyone’s had their fill, let the leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast will stay delicious for up to four days. This makes it a fantastic meal-prep option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This roast freezes beautifully! Just pack slices of beef and vegetables, along with plenty of gravy, into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and date, then freeze for up to three months. It’s a lifesaver to have a comforting homemade meal ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
Gently reheat portions of A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast in the microwave or a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra broth if needed to loosen the gravy. If frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The meat will stay tender and flavorful, almost like it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for tenderness, you can also use a bottom round roast or brisket. Just know that the fattier the cut, the more melt-in-your-mouth your Instant Pot beef roast will be.
What if I don’t have baby potatoes?
No problem. Simply substitute with regular potatoes cut into 2-inch chunks. Yukon Golds or even russets will work nicely, absorbing all those savory flavors from the pot.
How do I prevent the ‘burn’ warning on the Instant Pot?
Make sure to scrape up all browned bits from the bottom of the pot after sautéing and before pressure cooking. The beef broth and Worcestershire sauce should be enough liquid, but if your pot is sensitive, add an extra splash of broth or water just to be safe.
Can I add red wine for more flavor?
Yes, and it’s delicious! Just deglaze the pot with a quarter cup of red wine before adding the broth, allowing it to simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol and extract even more flavor for your A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure you use certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, and you’ll have a meal that’s safe for gluten-sensitive guests to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to gather your loved ones and serve up this unforgettable A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough for Sunday dinners or celebrations. Try it once, and it just might become the highlight of your family table, too!
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A Family Favorite: Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Roast recipe is a family favorite for its tender, flavorful meat and hearty vegetables, all made in one pot for easy cleanup. The perfect comforting meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chuck Roast:
3–4 pound chuck roast
Seasonings:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large onion (sliced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper,
Liquid and Vegetables:
1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 pound baby potatoes (halved), 4 large carrots (peeled and cut into chunks), 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast: Season the chuck roast with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Sear in the Instant Pot until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and tomato paste. Add broth and Worcestershire sauce, deglaze the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Return the roast to the pot, pressure cook for 60 minutes. Quick release pressure.
- Add Vegetables: Add potatoes and carrots, pressure cook for an additional 10 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes.
- Thicken Gravy: For a thicker gravy, use the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
Notes
- For added flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding the broth.
- This recipe also works well with a bottom round roast or brisket.
- Leftovers make amazing sandwiches!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
