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Instant Pot Pot Roast

This juicy and tender Instant Pot pot roast with potatoes and rich gravy is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food! With easy one-pot preparation, you can have this nostalgic meal on the table in just about an hour.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 3-5 pound boneless beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1 pound baby red potatoes
  • 4 large carrots chopped into 2-inch pieces (or 1 pound baby carrots)
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped parsley or thyme

Instructions

Season the Roast

  • In a small bowl, mix together salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
  • Rub the seasoning blend all over the roast to evenly coat all sides.

Sear the Roast

  • Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
  • Once hot, add oil and sear the roast for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
  • Remove the roast and set aside.

Deglaze the Pot

  • Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Turn off the Sauté function.

Add Ingredients

  • Place the seared roast back into the pot.
  • Scatter the potatoes, carrots, and onions around it.

Pressure Cook

  • Lock the lid in place and set the vent to Sealing.
  • Pressure Cook on High for:
  • 60 minutes for a 3 lb roast
  • 80-90 minutes for a 4-5 lb roast

Release Pressure

  • Once the cook time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.
  • Perform a controlled quick release for any remaining steam.

Shred the Roast

  • Carefully remove the lid.
  • Transfer the roast and veggies to a platter.
  • Use two forks to shred the roast into chunks.

Make the Gravy

  • Set the Instant Pot to the Soup/Broth setting.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup water and 2 tablespoons cornstarch to make a slurry.
  • Once the liquid is simmering, whisk in the slurry and stir until thickened.
  • Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed.

Serve

  • Plate the shredded pot roast with veggies and smother with the rich gravy.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.

Notes

For a frozen roast: Skip the searing step and add 20-30 minutes to the cook time.
For baby carrots: Reduce the initial cook time by 10 minutes, then add the carrots and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.