If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a succulent chuck roast, seared to lock in those rich flavors, then pressure-cooked to tender perfection alongside tender potatoes and sweet carrots—all swimming in a savory, aromatic gravy that will make your kitchen smell incredible. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms a simple dinner into a memorable occasion, and best of all, it comes together so quickly with the magic of the Instant Pot. This dish offers the perfect balance of tender meat, vibrant vegetables, and deeply satisfying flavors that make for an easy, rewarding meal any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each one playing a crucial role in shaping the delicious taste, texture, and color of your Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe. From the savory depth of chuck roast to the earthiness of fresh vegetables, everything comes together for a classic dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful.
- 3–4 lb chuck roast: The star of the dish, this cut becomes wonderfully tender and juicy when pressure-cooked.
- 1 onion, quartered: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it cooks.
- 4–5 carrots, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the pot.
- 3–4 potatoes, cubed: Absorbs all the wonderful juices and adds satisfying texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and an irresistible savory kick.
- 2 cups beef broth: Essential for braising the roast and creating a rich gravy base.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity and a hint of tanginess.
- 1 tsp thyme: Offers an herbal note that complements the beef perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but vital seasonings to enhance every flavor layer.
How to Make Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Roast
Start by heating your Instant Pot on the sauté setting until it’s hot. Carefully place the chuck roast in and sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This step is key because it locks in the juices and adds a deep, caramelized flavor base that elevates the entire dish.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Broth
Once the roast is seared, add the minced garlic, quartered onion, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. These ingredients build the rich, savory broth that will infuse the roast with flavor as it cooks. Give everything a gentle stir to combine while keeping the roast nestled right in the center.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Roast
Seal your Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on High pressure for 60 to 70 minutes, depending on your roast’s size and how tender you’d like it. After the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally—this helps the meat stay juicy and tender without drying out.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Carrots
Carefully open the lid and add your chopped carrots and cubed potatoes around the roast. Replace the lid and cook on High pressure for an additional 10 minutes. This step ensures your vegetables become fork-tender while soaking up all that delicious flavor from the broth and roast.
Step 5: Finish and Thicken the Gravy
Remove the roast and vegetables with tongs or a slotted spoon, setting them aside to rest. If you prefer a thicker gravy, use the sauté setting again to reduce the remaining broth, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency. This luscious gravy is the perfect finishing touch for your hearty meal.
How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme not only adds a pop of color but brings a fresh, herbal note that brightens the rich flavors of your pot roast. For an extra touch of comfort, a spoonful of horseradish sauce alongside the plate can add a subtle kick that complements the beef beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is already a full meal in one pot, but if you want to round it out, consider a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or steamed green beans for a burst of freshness. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are also incredible for sopping up every last bit of that savory gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the roast sliced with the potatoes and carrots arranged on the side, drizzled generously with gravy. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions with the vegetables stacked neatly and garnish with fresh herbs. You could even serve the meat shredded on soft buns to make comforting slider sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store the roast and vegetables together to maintain that flavorful broth, which tastes even better after the flavors have mingled overnight.
Freezing
This pot roast freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving for a busy night. Portion the roast, vegetables, and broth into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the tenderness of the meat. If the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up as you reheat. This helps keep every bite moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While chuck roast is ideal because of its marbling and tenderness after pressure cooking, you can also use brisket or rump roast for this recipe. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly with different cuts.
Is it necessary to sear the roast first?
Searing isn’t absolutely required, but it makes a huge difference in flavor by creating that rich, caramelized crust. It also adds depth to your gravy, so I highly recommend not skipping this step if you have a bit of extra time.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or even pearl onions in step 4 along with the potatoes and carrots. Just make sure the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
After pressure cooking, simply switch your Instant Pot to sauté and simmer the liquid until it reduces and thickens naturally. You can also stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water to speed up this process and achieve a glossy finish.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
It can, but keep in mind the size of your Instant Pot limits how much you can cook at once. If doubling, you may need to cook in batches or use a larger pressure cooker to accommodate more ingredients safely.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the comforting magic of the Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. It’s a timeless classic made effortlessly modern with the Instant Pot, and I truly believe it’s worth every minute of your time and love in the kitchen. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the delicious, tender results that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
A tender, flavorful pot roast cooked quickly in the Instant Pot with hearty potatoes, carrots, and a savory gravy that makes a perfect comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3–4 lb chuck roast
Vegetables
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4–5 carrots, chopped
- 3–4 potatoes, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Roast: Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode and sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned to lock in the juices and develop flavor.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, quartered onion, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot with the seared roast.
- Pressure Cook the Roast: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on High for 60–70 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally to ensure a tender roast.
- Add Vegetables and Cook Further: Open the lid and add the chopped carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Close the lid again and cook on high pressure for an additional 10 minutes to cook the vegetables thoroughly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot. If desired, thicken the remaining broth inside the pot into a gravy by using the sauté function and incorporating a slurry of cornstarch and water or reducing the liquid directly.
Notes
- A longer cook time of around 90 minutes gives fall-apart tender meat.
- Adding red wine to the broth mixture enhances depth and richness of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Beef
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
