Instant Pot Beef Roast – Tender, Juicy & Easy
Instant Pot Beef Roast: Your New Favorite Weeknight Comfort Meal!
There are some meals that just wrap you in a warm hug, and for me, a perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef roast is at the top of that list. But let’s be real – traditional roasts can take hours in the oven, making them a weekend-only affair for most of us. That’s where the magic of the Instant Pot comes in! Today, we’re diving into the easiest, most delicious instant pot beef roast recipe that delivers all the rich, hearty flavor you crave in a fraction of the time.
Say goodbye to tough, dry meat and hello to fork-tender goodness with savory vegetables and a luscious gravy, all from one pot. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot pro or just starting your journey into the world of pressure cooker pot roast, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress everyone with minimal effort!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Roast
- Unbelievably Tender: The pressure cooking method makes the beef incredibly soft and juicy.
- Speedy Comfort: Get that slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time.
- One-Pot Wonder: Meat, potatoes, and carrots cook together, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The pan drippings transform into a savory gravy that you’ll want to pour over everything!
- Family Favorite: A classic, hearty meal that appeals to everyone.
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Instant Pot Beef Roast
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 2-3 large pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, optional but recommended for depth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Roast
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode on normal heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, sear the beef pieces in batches until deeply browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze: Pour in the red wine (if using) or additional beef broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is crucial to prevent a “Burn” notice and adds incredible flavor to your pressure cooker pot roast.
- Add Liquids & Seasoning: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Add Vegetables: Place the carrots and potatoes on top of the beef. Do not stir them in, as they cook better when not submerged completely.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, ensuring the sealing valve is set to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the time for 60 minutes on High Pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for at least 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully turn the sealing valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid.
- Remove Beef & Veggies: Carefully remove the beef and vegetables to a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Gravy: Change the Instant Pot setting back to “Sauté.” In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the liquid in the Instant Pot. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Shred or slice the beef against the grain. Serve hot with the tender vegetables and plenty of gravy poured over. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips for Success:
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the beef creates a rich, deep flavor base (the Maillard reaction!) that you won’t get otherwise.
- Scrape the Pot: Deglazing is essential to avoid the “Burn” message and add flavor. Ensure all browned bits are off the bottom.
- Natural Release is Key: For large cuts of meat like a roast, natural pressure release helps the meat remain tender and juicy, preventing it from drying out.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you have a very large roast, cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces to ensure even cooking.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
Make It Your Own:
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh thyme, bay leaves, or a sprig of fresh rosemary for different aromatic profiles.
- Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a little heat.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor boost.
- Different Veggies: Swap out or add parsnips, celery, or sweet potatoes for variety. Add more delicate vegetables like green beans towards the end of the cooking process (after the natural release, then pressure cook for 0 minutes with quick release).
- Creamier Gravy: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the very end when making the gravy for extra richness.
What to Serve With It:
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Creamy mashed potatoes (if you didn’t cook potatoes in the pot).
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli for extra greens.
Readers Are Raving! (Reviews)
Laura G. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This recipe is a game-changer! My husband said it was the best pot roast he’s ever had, and I barely lifted a finger thanks to the Instant Pot. The gravy is just divine. Definitely a new family staple!”
Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve tried many Instant Pot beef roast recipes, but this one is by far the most flavorful and the easiest to follow. The beef was incredibly tender, and the vegetables cooked perfectly. Five stars all the way!”
Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I used to dread making pot roast because of the time commitment. This recipe completely changed that! In just over an hour, I had a meal that tasted like it slow-cooked all day. The red wine really makes a difference. Highly recommend!”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Chuck roast is ideal for pressure cooking as its marbling and connective tissue break down beautifully to create tender meat. Other good options include beef round or brisket, but cooking times might vary slightly.
Q: What if I don’t have red wine?
A: You can simply use an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth. The wine adds depth of flavor, but the roast will still be delicious without it.
Q: My gravy isn’t thickening. What should I do?
A: Ensure your Instant Pot is on “Sauté” mode and the liquid is simmering. Make sure your cornstarch slurry is lump-free and you’re whisking constantly as you add it. If it’s still too thin, you can make another small slurry with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water and add it gradually until desired thickness is reached.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This Instant Pot Beef Roast actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store the beef, vegetables, and gravy separately or together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts on Our Instant Pot Beef Roast
There you have it, folks! A truly magnificent, soul-satisfying pressure cooker pot roast that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This instant pot beef roast is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth, flavor, and pure culinary delight. I promise once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe. Happy cooking!
Recipe Note:
All cooking times are approximate and may vary based on your specific Instant Pot model and desired doneness. Always ensure meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
