Tender Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast with Vegetables
This Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast is the perfect comfort food—juicy, fall-apart beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time. Using an Instant Pot allows you to achieve the same deep flavors of a slow-cooked roast in just over an hour. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or looking for a hearty meal prep option, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beef Roast:
- 3 lbs. beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tbsp. olive oil, for searing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, for deep umami flavor
- 1 ½ cups beef broth, preferably low sodium
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, for aromatic richness
For the Vegetables:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ lbs. whole baby potatoes, washed and left whole for texture
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste, for depth of flavor
For the Thickening Agent:
- 2 tbsp. cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp. water to create a slurry
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add olive oil to the pot.
- While the oil heats, cut the chuck roast in half to ensure even cooking.
- Generously season both sides of the beef with salt and black pepper.
- Place the beef into the heated Instant Pot and sear for 4 minutes per side, allowing a deep golden crust to form. This step locks in juices and enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Once seared, remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds incredible depth to the broth.
- Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot and nestle it into the liquid.
- Place the fresh thyme sprigs on top for added flavor.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Beef
- Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the release valve is set to sealing.
- Select the manual pressure cook setting and set it to 60 minutes on high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the release valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
- Open the Instant Pot and carefully add in the carrots and baby potatoes, ensuring they are submerged in the flavorful broth.
- Close the lid again, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 5 additional minutes.
- Once done, allow a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
- Remove the beef and vegetables from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function again.
- In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the pot and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice or shred the beef and spoon the rich, flavorful gravy over the meat and vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Instant Pot cooking significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional methods.
- Deep, Savory Flavor: The searing, aromatics, and broth combine to create an incredibly rich taste.
- One-Pot Meal: With beef, vegetables, and a thick sauce all in one dish, this recipe is both hearty and convenient.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors develop even more overnight, making it great for meal prep.
This Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast delivers a classic comfort food experience with minimal effort. Serve it with warm dinner rolls or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!