If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with minimal fuss, then this Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish turns a classic beef roast into a weeknight winner with tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, savory gravy, and perfectly cooked vegetables, all made faster than you ever expected. Whether you are feeding the family or impressing guests, this recipe will soon become your go-to for wholesome, satisfying dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to creating the rich flavors and perfect textures of this Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipe. Each element plays an important role—from the hearty chuck roast providing tenderness to the fresh veggies adding color and sweetness, and the herbs creating that unforgettable aroma.
- Beef chuck roast (3 to 3 1/2 lbs.): This cut delivers the ideal marbling and flavor for a juicy, tender roast.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika: Essential seasonings that build a savory and smoky crust on the meat.
- Dijon mustard (2 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle tang and helps the seasonings stick beautifully to the roast.
- Onions (3 medium, chopped): Bring sweetness and depth to the broth and gravy.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Infuse the dish with warm, aromatic notes.
- Carrots (1 to 1 1/2 lbs., sliced): Add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Baby potatoes (2 lbs., halved): Creamy potatoes that soak up the delicious gravy.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped, optional): Introduce a subtle earthiness and slight crunch.
- Red wine (1 cup): Enhances depth and richness in the savory gravy.
- Dried thyme (1 tbsp): Offers a hint of herbal brightness.
- Dried rosemary (2 tsp): Gives a warming piney fragrance that complements the beef.
- Bay leaves (3): Add a subtle layer of complexity to the broth.
- Beef broth (4 cups): The hearty base of the cooking liquid and gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce (3 tbsp): Boosts umami and depth in the flavors.
- Cornstarch slurry (4 tbsp water + 2 tbsp cornstarch): Used to thicken the luscious gravy at the end.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipe
Step 1: Season the Roast
Start by rubbing your beef chuck roast with Dijon mustard if you like, then sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This simple seasoning blend creates a beautiful flavor foundation and helps form a savory crust during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Pot
Place the seasoned roast on the Instant Pot’s rack. Surround it with the chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, halved baby potatoes, and optional celery. Pour in the red wine, then sprinkle on the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Finally, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a little extra Dijon mustard to the mixture for a deeply flavorful gravy.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Roast
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. This method locks in moisture and tenderizes the meat perfectly, cutting down on the usual hours needed for a traditional roast.
Step 4: Release the Pressure
Let the pressure release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the meat fibers to relax gently, then carefully use the manual release to let out any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Switch your Instant Pot to sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens to a silky, rich consistency that clings beautifully to the meat and veggies.
Step 6: Shred and Serve
Remove the roast, shred it effortlessly with two forks, and return the tender meat to the pot. Mix everything well so the shredded beef is coated with the delicious gravy. Serve it all warm for a meal that feels like a warm hug.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or rosemary brightens the look and adds a fresh herbal aroma, perfect for balancing the richness of the beef roast. A dollop of grainy mustard alongside adds a nice tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
While the roast is hearty on its own, serving it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans offers a refreshing crunch. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls are fantastic for soaking up every last drop of that luscious gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, plate the shredded beef over creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles, then spoon the gravy and veggies on top. Alternatively, pile the roast and vegetables onto crusty bread for a mouthwatering open-faced sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day! Be sure to separate the meat and vegetables if you want to maintain their texture longer.
Freezing
This beef roast freezes beautifully. Portion the shredded beef and veggies into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water as needed to loosen the gravy. This helps keep the roast moist and delicious, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use beef round roast or brisket. Just know that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the cut’s thickness and fat content.
Is it necessary to use red wine in the recipe?
Red wine adds wonderful depth and richness, but if you prefer to skip it, you can substitute with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity. The dish will still be delicious!
Can I omit the celery if I don’t have it on hand?
Yes, celery is optional and mainly adds a subtle earthiness and texture. Your roast will still be flavorful and satisfying without it.
How do I know when the beef roast is done in the Instant Pot?
The 60 minutes on high pressure followed by natural release usually results in fork-tender beef perfect for shredding. If you prefer slices, you can cook slightly less and check for tenderness using a fork.
Can I double this recipe to feed a larger crowd?
You can, but be mindful of your Instant Pot’s maximum fill lines. You may need to cook the roast in batches or use a larger pressure cooker to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipe is a real winner for anyone looking to make a comforting, delicious meal with ease and heart. Once you try how effortlessly it produces tender beef and rich gravy packed with fresh veggies, it will become a treasured staple in your kitchen. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll be reaching for it time and again when you want a dish that feels like a warm, homemade celebration.
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Instant Pot Beef Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (Instant Pot cooking time) plus 15 minutes natural release
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Instant Pot Beef Roast recipe is a comforting family favorite that delivers tender, flavorful beef chuck roast cooked to perfection with savory vegetables and a rich, aromatic gravy. Using the Instant Pot ensures a perfectly cooked roast in just about an hour, but alternative methods such as oven roasting or slow cooking in a Crock Pot are also provided for versatile preparation options.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 to 3 1/2 lbs. beef chuck roast (or beef round roast)
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, plus additional 2 tsp for gravy)
Veggies
- 3 medium onions, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. carrots, sliced
- 2 lbs. baby potatoes, halved
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
Gravy
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 3 bay leaves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
Thickener
- Cornstarch slurry (4 tbsp water + 2 tbsp cornstarch)
Instructions
- Season the roast: Rub the beef chuck roast with Dijon mustard (if using) along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika evenly on all sides.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the seasoned roast on the rack inside the Instant Pot. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, halved baby potatoes, chopped celery (if using), red wine, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the additional Dijon mustard to the pot.
- Cook under pressure: Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Release pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then perform a manual pressure release for any remaining pressure.
- Thicken the gravy: Switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually to thicken the gravy, cooking for a few minutes until it reaches desired consistency.
- Shred and serve: Remove the roast from the pot, shred the meat using two forks, then return it to the pot to combine with the thickened gravy. Serve warm.
- Optional – Oven Method: Preheat oven to 355°F (180°C). Pat the roast dry, tie with butcher’s twine if needed, rub with Dijon mustard and seasonings, then sear on all sides in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Remove roast; sauté onions and garlic, deglaze with red wine. Return roast to pot with gravy ingredients, cover, and roast for 1.5 hours. Add potatoes and carrots, roast uncovered for 2.5 more hours. Shred meat and serve when tender.
- Optional – Crock Pot Method: Pat roast dry, coat with mustard and seasonings, sear in pan on all sides. Sauté onions, deglaze with red wine, add veggies and roast to Crock Pot. Pour sauce ingredients over and cook on high for 6-7 hours. Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry if desired.
Notes
- Dijon mustard enhances the flavor and helps in seasoning adherence but is optional.
- Celery adds extra flavor and texture but can be omitted.
- Natural pressure release is important to retain moisture and tenderness in the Instant Pot method.
- The cornstarch slurry is key for a rich, thick gravy.
- For best results, sear the roast before cooking when using the oven or Crock Pot methods to develop deep flavors.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- Leftovers store well and the flavors deepen after a day.
