My Favorite Sunday Supper
Let’s talk about my Instant Pot Pot Roast. It’s my go-to Sunday supper. The smell fills the whole house. It feels like a hug.
This easy pot roast recipe is a lifesaver. I use my pressure cooker. It turns tough meat into something tender and wonderful. It matters because a good meal brings everyone to the table. What’s your favorite family dinner? Tell me in the comments.
The Secret is in the Sear
First, we sear the roast. This step is so important. It locks in all the good juices. Doesn’t that sizzle sound wonderful?
I use a simple mix of salt, pepper, and Montreal steak seasoning. *Fun fact*: Montreal steak seasoning was created by a Canadian butcher. His customers loved it on their steaks. It’s perfect for a pressure cooker pot roast, too. It adds so much flavor.
Picking the Best Beef
Now, the best cut of beef for pot roast. I like a chuck roast. It has good fat that melts away. This makes the meat so soft.
Why does this matter? The right cut turns a simple meal into something special. You don’t need a fancy cut. The magic happens in the pot. Do you have a question about picking meat? Ask me below.
All the Good Stuff In the Pot
Next, in go the veggies. This is a classic pot roast with potatoes and carrots. I use small golden potatoes and sweet baby carrots. They cook right with the meat.
I add a bay leaf, broth, and a little ketchup. The ketchup adds a touch of sweetness. My grandson once saw me add it. He laughed and said, “Grandma, ketchup?” I still laugh at that. But it works!
Let the Magic Happen
Learning how to make pot roast in Instant Pot is easy. Close the lid. Set it for 75 minutes. Then walk away. The pressure does all the work.
When it’s done, you have a feast. The meat falls apart. The veggies are perfect. And you have a wonderful juice left in the pot. That juice makes a quick pot roast gravy. Just thicken it a bit on the sauté setting. It’s the best part.
Why I Love This Meal
This is one of my top Instant Pot beef recipes. It feels like I cooked all day. But I didn’t. I had time to sit and relax.
That’s the second reason this matters. Good food shouldn’t be hard. It should bring joy, not stress. This meal does that for me. What’s a meal that makes you feel happy and relaxed? I’d love to hear your stories.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roast | 3 lb | |
| Canola oil | 4 tbsp | |
| Salt | 1 1/2 tsp | |
| Pepper | 1/2 tsp | |
| Montreal steak seasoning | 2 tsp | |
| Onion | 1 | quartered |
| Golden potatoes | 8 | small |
| Baby carrots | 2 cups | |
| Bay leaf | 1 | |
| Beef broth | 1 cup | |
| Ketchup | 3 tbsp | |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
Step 1: First, turn your Instant Pot to Sauté. Pour in the oil. Let it get nice and hot. I love the sizzle sound it makes. This starts our easy pot roast recipe perfectly.
Step 2: Dry your roast with a paper towel. Rub all the seasonings all over it. Use your hands, it’s fun! (This helps a crispy crust form). This is the best cut of beef for pot roast, trust me.
Step 3: Carefully sear the meat. Do it for about 4 minutes per side. It should look beautifully brown. Then, add your broth, potatoes, carrots, and onion. What’s your favorite veggie to add? Share below!
Step 4: Now, lock the lid on your pressure cooker. Set it for 75 minutes on High Pressure. Walk away! The magic of a quick pot roast is the waiting. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 5: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, do a quick release. Take out the tender pot roast with potatoes and carrots. You can use the juices for a simple pot roast gravy. It’s so good!
Creative Twists
Swap the ketchup for a spoonful of tomato paste. Use parsnips instead of carrots for a sweet change. Add a splash of red wine to the broth for depth. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve this Instant Pot beef recipe over creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks right in. A simple green salad on the side cuts the richness. Or, pile it all into a big, cozy bowl with crusty bread. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Spring Pot Roast Cozy
Let’s talk about storing your lovely pot roast. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for three days. Just pop it in a sealed container. The freezer is your friend for longer storage. I freeze the meat and gravy together for up to three months.
Batch cooking this recipe is a smart move. Make a double batch on a quiet Sunday. You will thank yourself on a busy Wednesday night. It matters because it gives your future self a gift. A warm, home-cooked meal is ready in minutes.
I remember my first freezer meal. It was a lifesaver when my grandson visited unexpectedly. For reheating, use the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Every cook faces a few little problems. Here are easy fixes. First, if your meat is tough, it needed more time. Pressure cookers are fast, but big roasts need their full cook time. This matters because tender meat makes the whole meal special.
Second, if the gravy is too thin, let it simmer. Use the sauté function after you remove the roast. Let the liquid bubble and reduce. I once served soup instead of gravy! Finally, if flavors seem dull, add a pinch more salt. Salt wakes up all the other flavors.
This matters for your confidence. Fixing small issues makes you a more relaxed cook. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best cut of meat for a spring pot roast?
Chuck roast is the best cut of beef for pot roast. It has great marbling. This fat melts during cooking. It makes the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. Your pot roast with potatoes and carrots will be perfect. A chuck roast turns this into the best easy pot roast recipe.
Can I make a spring pot roast in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Sear the meat first in a pan. Then add everything to the cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours. The result is similar to a pressure cooker pot roast. Both methods make delicious Instant Pot beef recipes.
What are good herbs to use in a spring pot roast?
Rosemary and thyme are wonderful. They taste fresh and light. A bay leaf adds depth. This recipe uses Montreal steak seasoning pot roast blend. That mix already has herbs. It is a simple way to build flavor for your quick pot roast.
How do I thicken the gravy for my pot roast?
Making pot roast gravy is easy. Remove the meat and veggies. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water. Whisk it into the broth. Let it bubble for a few minutes. It will thicken into a lovely gravy for your how to make pot roast in Instant Pot meal.
Can I add potatoes to a spring pot roast with carrots and onions?
Absolutely! This is a classic combination. Use small, whole golden potatoes. They hold their shape well. They soak up all the delicious juices. A pot roast with potatoes and carrots is a complete, comforting meal. It is my favorite way to serve this Instant Pot Pot Roast.
How long does it take to cook a spring pot roast in the oven?
An oven pot roast takes about 3 to 4 hours. Cook it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. It is done when the meat is fork-tender. The Instant Pot version is much faster. That is why I love this quick pot roast method for busy days. Which tip will you try first?
A Final Word from My Kitchen
I hope you love this spring pot roast. It brings the whole family to the table. *Fun fact: The “pot roast” method is centuries old. Cooks used heavy pots over hearth fires.* It is a timeless way to make a tough cut tender and delicious.
Cooking should be joyful, not stressful. This easy pot roast recipe is here to help. Have you tried this recipe? I would love to hear about your experience. Please tell me all about it in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
—Marina Caldwell
Spring Pot Roast with Carrots and Onions
Description
A hearty and comforting pot roast with tender carrots and onions, cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot for a delicious spring meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select the sauté button on the Instant Pot and add 4 tbsp of oil.
- Season the roast with salt, pepper and Montreal steak seasoning.
- Sear the meat for 4 minutes on each side. Add the beef broth, veggies (onion, potatoes, carrots) and the remaining ingredients (bay leaf, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce).
- Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 75 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. Remove the beef and veggies from the liquid to serve.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the cooking liquid after removing the meat and vegetables. Use the sauté function to simmer until thickened.