Best Ever Instant Pot Roast

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Best Ever Instant Pot Roast – A Tender, Flavor-Packed Classic Made Easy

When it comes to hearty comfort food, few dishes compare to a classic pot roast. Juicy, tender beef simmered in rich gravy with carrots and potatoes—this meal is like a warm hug after a long day. With the Instant Pot, you can enjoy the same slow-cooked tenderness in a fraction of the time! This recipe for the Best Ever Instant Pot Roast delivers melt-in-your-mouth results that rival any traditional oven or slow cooker roast.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Roast:

3–4 lb (1.3–1.8 kg) beef chuck roast (boneless preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika

For the Braising Liquid:

1 cup beef broth (or more as needed)
2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (adds depth and slight sweetness)
1 onion, roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced

For the Vegetables:

4–5 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)

For the Gravy (optional but recommended):

2 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp cold water

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Beef

Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels—this helps it sear better. Rub the entire surface generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika. The seasoning creates a flavorful crust that enhances the final dish.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and let it heat up. Add olive oil to the pot, then sear the roast for 4–5 minutes per side, until deeply browned.

Tip: Don’t rush this step! Browning builds a rich flavor base for your gravy.

Once browned, transfer the roast to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (these add flavor). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste (or Worcestershire sauce). Stir well and continue scraping the bottom to release all those flavorful bits. This prevents a burn notice and infuses the liquid with rich flavor.