Using the sauté function on the Instant Pot to brown a pot roast deepens its flavor profile. If you have been wondering how to cook pot roast in instant pot, you have come to the right place. This guide will walk you through every step to make a tender, juicy roast with minimal effort.
Pot roast is a classic comfort food. The Instant Pot makes it faster and easier than ever. You get all the rich flavors of a slow-cooked meal in a fraction of the time.
How To Cook Pot Roast In Instant Pot
This section covers the complete process. You will learn the ingredients, the steps, and the tips to ensure success. Follow along for a perfect pot roast every time.
Ingredients You Will Need
Gather these items before you start. Having everything ready makes the process smooth.
- 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, quartered
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 bay leaf
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully. Each step builds on the last for the best results.
- Season the roast. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the meat.
- Brown the meat. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté function and select high heat. Add olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the roast in the pot. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Do not skip this step. It adds huge flavor.
- Remove the roast. Take the browned roast out and set it on a plate. It is ok if it is not cooked through yet.
- Sauté the aromatics. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This is called deglazing and prevents a burn warning later.
- Add liquids. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Return the roast. Place the roast back into the pot. Add the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf on top.
- Pressure cook. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting. Set the time to 60 minutes for a 3-pound roast. Add 10 minutes for each additional pound.
- Natural release. When the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Then carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
- Add vegetables. Open the lid. Add the carrots, potatoes, and any other vegetables you like. Close the lid again and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release. After 10 minutes, do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid carefully.
- Rest and serve. Remove the roast and vegetables to a platter. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the cooking liquid as a gravy.
Tips For The Best Pot Roast
These small details make a big difference. Pay attention to them for a superior dish.
- Always brown the meat thoroughly. The Maillard reaction creates deep, savory flavors.
- Do not skip the deglazing step. Burnt bits can cause a burn error on your Instant Pot.
- Use a chuck roast. This cut has enough marbling to become tender under pressure.
- Cut vegetables into large chunks. They hold up better during pressure cooking.
- Let the pressure release naturally for at least 15 minutes. This keeps the meat tender.
- Thicken the gravy if desired. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir into the cooking liquid and sauté until thickened.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced cooks make errors. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.
- Not browning the roast. This is the biggest flavor mistake. Always sear first.
- Overcrowding the pot. Leave space around the roast for even cooking.
- Adding vegetables at the start. They turn to mush. Add them later.
- Using a lean cut of meat. Chuck roast is best. Round or sirloin will be dry.
- Forgetting to check the seal. Make sure the silicone ring is properly seated.
- Cutting the meat too soon. Let it rest to retain juices.
Variations To Try
Once you master the basic recipe, experiment with these variations.
- Italian style. Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 teaspoon basil. Omit the Worcestershire sauce.
- Mexican style. Add 1 cup salsa, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Serve with rice and beans.
- Mushroom gravy. Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the onions. Use mushroom broth instead of beef broth.
- Red wine version. Replace 1/2 cup of broth with red wine. Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste for richness.
How To Store And Reheat Leftovers
Leftover pot roast is even better the next day. Store it properly to maintain quality.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer bags for easy meals.
- Reheat gently. Use the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying.
- Use leftovers for sandwiches, tacos, or over noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a frozen pot roast in the Instant Pot?
Yes, but it will take longer. Add 20-30 minutes to the cooking time. You cannot brown a frozen roast, so the flavor will be less deep. It is better to thaw first.
How do I know when the pot roast is done?
The meat should be fork-tender. It should shred easily when pulled apart. Internal temperature should be at least 190°F for connective tissue to break down.
Why did my pot roast come out tough?
It likely needed more time. Tough meat means the collagen has not broken down yet. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes under pressure.
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, but results vary. Brisket or bottom round work well. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin or eye of round.
Do I need to add liquid to the Instant Pot?
Yes. Pressure cooking requires liquid to create steam. At least 1 cup of broth is necessary for a pot roast.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cook pot roast in instant pot is a game changer. You get a hearty, flavorful meal in about 90 minutes total. The key steps are browning the meat, deglazing the pot, and using natural release. Follow this guide, and you will have a perfect pot roast every time. Enjoy your meal with family and friends.