My Favorite Sunday Supper
This instant pot pot roast feels like a hug. It’s my go-to for a cozy Sunday. The smell fills the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
I love how the pressure cooker makes the meat so tender. You get a whole meal in one pot. That’s the magic of a pot roast with vegetables. It brings everyone to the table.
The Secret is in the Beef
Let’s talk meat. The best cut of beef for pot roast is chuck roast. It has great flavor. When it cooks slow and under pressure, it just falls apart.
I trim some fat off first. This keeps the gravy from getting too greasy. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference. Good food is about these little cares.
A Little Story and a Fun Fact
My grandson once called this “meat clouds.” He said it was so soft. I still laugh at that. It’s now the official name in our house.
Here’s a *fun fact* for you. That quick sear in the beginning? It locks in the juices. It gives the outside a beautiful, tasty crust. It’s worth the few extra minutes.
Making It All Come Together
How to cook pot roast in instant pot is simple. You brown the meat. You add your onions and wine. Then you let the pot do its work.
The key is not to stir after adding the carrots and potatoes. Just let them sit on top. They steam perfectly while the meat braises below. What’s your favorite vegetable to add to a roast?
The Best Part: The Gravy
Do not skip the pot roast gravy! It’s liquid gold. That cooking liquid is full of flavor. We thicken it just a bit at the end.
This matters because gravy is love on a plate. It ties the whole dish together. A tender pot roast recipe isn’t complete without it. Do you like your gravy thick or thin?
Why This Meal Matters
This easy instant pot pot roast is more than food. It’s about slowing down. It’s about sharing a hearty meal with people you love. That matters so much.
It also teaches patience. Good things take time, even with a pressure cooker pot roast. The wait is always worth it. What’s a meal that makes you feel cozy and happy?
Your New Kitchen Friend
I hope this becomes one of your favorite instant pot recipes. It’s reliable and always delicious. Perfect for busy weeks or lazy weekends.
Once you try it, you’ll see. An instant pot chuck roast is a game-changer. It turns a classic into a weeknight friend. I can’t wait for you to try it.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless beef chuck roast | 3 ½ to 4 pounds | Cut into 4-6 chunks, fat trimmed |
| Olive oil, divided | 3 tablespoons | For searing the beef |
| Diced onion | 1 cup | |
| Minced garlic | 2 teaspoons | |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | |
| Red wine (e.g., Cabernet) | ½ cup | Medium to full-bodied |
| Low-sodium beef broth | 2 cups | |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | |
| Carrots | 4 | Peeled, cut into 2-3 inch chunks |
| Whole baby potatoes | 1 ½ pounds | |
| Sea salt | 1 ½ teaspoons | Part of Seasoning Mix |
| Dried crushed rosemary | 1 ½ teaspoons | Part of Seasoning Mix |
| Dried thyme | 1 ½ teaspoons | Part of Seasoning Mix |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Part of Seasoning Mix |
| Granulated garlic or garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Part of Seasoning Mix |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Part of Seasoning Mix |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon | Part of Seasoning Mix |
| Water (for gravy) | ½ cup (or as needed) | To dilute cooking liquid |
| Cornstarch (for gravy) | 2 tablespoons (or as needed) | |
| Cold water (for slurry) | 2 tablespoons | To mix with cornstarch |

Instructions
Step 1: First, cut your beef chuck roast into big chunks. Trim off the big, white fat pieces. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. This helps our seasoning stick. (A dry roast gets the best sear, trust me!)
Step 2: Mix all your dried spices in a bowl. Rub them all over the meat pieces. Really press them in. I still laugh at my purple-stained fingers from the paprika. Now, wash your hands well!
Step 3: Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté on “More.” Wait until it says “HOT.” Add oil and brown half the meat. You want a nice, dark crust. This makes the best flavor for your pressure cooker pot roast.
Step 4: Cancel sauté. Add onion and garlic to the pot. Stir in tomato paste. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Pour in your wine and broth. Nestle the beef back in. Pile carrots and potatoes on top. Do not stir! This is how to cook pot roast in Instant Pot perfectly.
Step 5: Lock the lid. Cook on High pressure for 35 minutes. Let it release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully vent the rest. What’s your favorite cozy smell from the kitchen? Share below! You’ll have a tender pot roast recipe.
Creative Twists
Swap red wine for strong black coffee. Use parsnips or turnips with your carrots. Add a spoonful of berry jam to the gravy. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve this easy Instant Pot pot roast over creamy mashed potatoes. The pot roast gravy is so good soaked up. A simple green salad on the side is perfect. It cuts the richness. For a cozy night, just use a big bowl for everything. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pot Roast Perfect for Later
Let’s talk about storing this lovely meal. First, let the roast cool a bit. Then, place everything in airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for three to four days. For the freezer, pack it flat in bags. It will be good for up to three months. This makes a future dinner so simple.
I remember my first big batch of pot roast. I froze it all in one big tub. What a brick! Now I pack single servings. Reheating is easy. Use your microwave or a pot on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Batch cooking like this saves your future self time and stress.
It matters because a good meal should bring comfort, not rush. Having dinner ready is a gift to your family. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Pot Roast Hiccups
Even grandmas run into little problems. Here are three common ones. First, a greasy gravy. I once made gravy that was all oil. The fix is simple. Trim your meat well before cooking. Skim the fat off the liquid before you thicken it.
Second, vegetables turning to mush. Place your carrots and potatoes on top of the meat. Do not stir them into the liquid. They will steam perfectly. Third, meat that is not tender. This usually means it did not cook long enough. Trust the timer on your pressure cooker pot roast.
Fixing these issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavor of your pot roast with vegetables just right. Good food should be joyful to make. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best cut of meat for pot roast?
The best cut of beef for pot roast is chuck roast. Chuck roast comes from the shoulder. It has lots of connective tissue. This tissue breaks down during long, slow cooking. It makes the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. For an easy instant pot pot roast, chuck is your best friend.
How long does it take to cook a pot roast in the oven?
A pot roast in the oven takes about 3 to 4 hours. You cook it at a low temperature, around 325°F. The meat needs this long, slow time to become tender. It is much faster to learn how to cook pot roast in instant pot. That is why I love my pressure cooker.
Can you cook pot roast in a slow cooker?
Yes, you absolutely can. A slow cooker is great for a tender pot roast recipe. It cooks on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The result is very similar to an instant pot chuck roast. Both methods use moist heat to soften tough meat.
What vegetables are best in a pot roast?
Hard, root vegetables are the best. Carrots, potatoes, and onions are classic. They hold their shape during long cooking. They also soak up the delicious cooking juices. My pot roast with vegetables always uses these. They make the meal complete and hearty.
How do you thicken pot roast gravy?
You make a slurry. Mix equal parts cold water and cornstarch. Whisk this into your hot cooking liquid. Let it simmer for a few minutes. It will thicken into a perfect pot roast gravy. This is a key step for many delicious instant pot recipes.
Why is my pot roast tough and dry?
This often means it was undercooked. Tough cuts need time to become tender. If using a pressure cooker pot roast, ensure the seal was good. Also, did you cut and trim the roast? Trimming helps the meat cook evenly. Always let the meat rest before slicing. Which tip will you try first?
A Final Word from My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this instant pot pot roast as much as we do. It is a hug in a bowl. *Fun fact: The chuck roast gets its name from an old word for “neck” or “shoulder.”* Cooking should be fun, not fussy. I am so glad we could cook together today.
Please tell me all about your cooking adventure. Have you tried this recipe? I read every comment and love hearing your stories. Share your photos and your own tips with everyone. Now, go enjoy that delicious dinner you made.
Happy cooking!
—Danielle Monroe.

Hearty Pot Roast with Vegetables
Description
A classic and comforting meal made easy in the Instant Pot. Tender, flavorful beef chuck roast cooks to perfection with carrots and potatoes, all finished with a rich gravy.
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast:
For the Pot Roast Seasoning Mix:
For the Gravy:
Instructions
- Cut the chuck roast into 4 to 6 chunks, trimming excess fat. Blot dry. Combine the seasoning mix ingredients and rub all over the beef chunks.
- Set Instant Pot to SAUTÉ on HIGH (MORE). Add 2 tbsp oil. Sear half the beef for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining oil and beef.
- Press CANCEL, then SAUTÉ on NORMAL. Add onions and garlic; sauté 2-3 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring. Add wine, broth, and Worcestershire, scraping bottom.
- Nestle the seared beef into the liquid. Top with carrots and potatoes (do not stir). Secure lid. Cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Transfer vegetables to a dish and tent with foil. Transfer beef to a cutting board to rest.
- For the Gravy: Set pot to SAUTÉ on LOW. Add ½ cup water to cooking liquid. In a bowl, whisk cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water. Whisk slurry into pot and simmer 5 minutes until thickened. Press CANCEL.
- Shred or chunk the beef. Serve with the vegetables and gravy.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, use more cornstarch slurry. For a less rich gravy, skim fat from the cooking liquid before adding the slurry. Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days.