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    See More:   Comfort Food Eating after Bariatric Surgery Gluten-Free Main Dishes Raising Foodie Kids Recipes for Beginners Weeknight Meals

    Last Modified: Mar 14, 2023 by Tara Ziegmont 19 Comments

    Instant Pot Chuck Roast Recipe

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    This Instant Pot chuck roast recipe makes a juicy and incredibly tender beef roast that is perfectly paired with potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful brown gravy. Combining classic pot roast flavor with the quick and easy preparation of the Instant Pot, this recipe is a hit with the whole family and will delight even the pickiest eaters.

    Pin

    Pot roast, which used to be an all day affair in the oven, gets an update in this one-hour Instant Pot recipe, but you'll never know because it tastes so good!

    Before I was married, I used to go with my mom and sister to a local private club. It was pretty shady in a lot of ways, but their food was super cheap and really, really good. One of my favorite meals there was pot roast.

    Their pot roast reminded me of my mom's from my childhood. (She had pretty much stopped cooking by that time.) It was tender and fell apart with a fork. It was also flavorful, but without anything weird. It just tasted like beef. The best part was that it was accompanied by a huge helping of mashed potatoes with copious amounts of homemade brown gravy.

    The recipe below makes an amazing, tender, and flavorful pot roast, too, though it suggests making potatoes and carrots alongside it in the Instant Pot. This is more like the way my mom made pot roast when I was a kid, always with the potatoes and carrots right in the pot, and it doesn't make gravy, so you will have to whisk some up afterward.

    I don't generally eat potatoes, but my family does and I'm sure would prefer them mashed like the club made them. It's totally up to you.

    A quick side note: We once made this into a slow cooker pot roast, and IT WAS NOT THE SAME. So do yourself a favor and make it in the Instant Pot.

    Why this is the best Instant Pot pot roast recipe

    Chuck roast (often called pot roast) is the ultimate Sunday dinner comfort food. It used to be relegated to weekends only because it had to cook in the oven forever, but this easy, flavorful, and delicious update is done in just over an hour. It's so easy and quick that you can even serve it for a weeknight dinner!

    There are few meals more warm and comforting than tender, juicy roast beef. Instant Pot roast beef is an improvement on the original because it cooks in a fraction of the time.

    This is a one-pot meal. You mix and cook everything right in the Instant Pot, so there's virtually no clean up after cooking.

    This recipe only takes a handful of simple pantry ingredients, which means you probably have everything you need to make it already on hand!

    Nothing beats a homemade beef roast with potatoes and carrots, smothered in a rich homemade gravy. You don't even need to make another side dish because it's all done in the pressure cooker.

    What you'll need to make Instant Pot chuck roast

    EQUIPMENT

    Obviously, you will need an Instant Pot or another brand of electronic pressure cooker. Mine is 8 quarts, and I find that to be sufficient for my family.

    You'll also need a garlic press or a very sharp knife to mince the garlic before adding to the roast.

    INGREDIENTS

    Instant Pot Chuck Roast Recipe ingredientsPin

    See printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all measurements and nutritional information.

    • Olive oil - You'll need a little bit of olive oil to brown the roast. I suppose that browning isn't absolutely necessary, but you will miss the flavor it gives if you don't do it. All those charred bits give the roast a deep, rich flavor that you don't want to miss.
    • Boneless chuck roast - I use a two-pound roast and trim the big pieces of fat off before browning it in the Instant Pot.
    • Medium onion - Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery make the broth (and subsequently, the gravy) have a rich, complex flavor that is sooooo good.
    • Fresh garlic
    • Low sodium beef broth - You need a good bit of liquid for the Instant Pot to work its pressure cooking magic. I try to limit my salt intake, so I always use low sodium broth. But beyond the health factor, I think low sodium broth just tastes better.
    • Tomato paste - The recipe as written calls for about half of a small can of tomato paste, but I usually throw the whole can in rather than waste half of it.
    • Carrots - You're going to put two carrots into the broth when you cook the roast, and then you'll put the rest in after the roast is already done. If you put them all in at first, they will be mushy and unpleasant and will fall apart.
    • Celery - You'll add the celery with the two carrots above.
    • Baby potatoes - Leave the skins on for best results. As with the carrots, you're going to reserve these until the roast is almost finished.
    • Sea salt & black pepper - I prefer to add my own salt so that I can adjust for my family's taste preferences.
    • Corn starch or thickener of your choice - This is to make the gravy at the end.
    • Worcestershire sauce - This is optional, but I like the flavor it gives the roast.

    How to Make Instant Pot beef chuck roast

    1. Trim all the fat from a 2 pound chuck roast steak, pat it dry with paper towels, then sprinkle salt and pepper on each side. Set your Instant Pot to saute and and wait until the screen reads “hot.” Add 2 teaspoon of the olive oil and sear meat on both sides. Remove roast from pot.
      brown the chuck roast in the Instant PotPin
    2. Add remaining 2 teaspoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot and add the onions and garlic.
      Sauté the onions and garlic in the Instant PotPin
    3. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
      Browned onions and garlic in the Instant PotPin
    4. Deglaze with broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce and stir well.
      Add the broth and tomato paste to the Instant PotPin
    5. Get all those brown bits up from the bottom of the pot to flavor your meat and veggies and make a killer gravy!
      Mix the cooking liquid in the InstapotPin
    6. Add the roast back to Instant Pot.
      Add the chuck roast to the cooking liquid in the InstapotPin
    7. Add 2 carrots and 2 stalks of celery, cut in thirds, to the Instant Pot.
      Add celery to the chuck roast in the Instant PotPin
    8. Lock the lid and set on high pressure for 60 minutes.
      Chuck roast before cooking for an hour in the Instant PotPin
    9. After the cook time, do a natural pressure release. It took my pot about 15 minutes to release all the pressure. If you are hangry or impatient, you could switch it over to quick release anytime after this point and you should be good.
    10. Remove veggies from the Instant Pot. Add potatoes and remaining carrots, cut in large chunks, to the Instant Pot.
      Add carrots and potatoes to the pot roast in the Instant PotPin
    11. Cook on high for 5 minutes.
      Carrots and potatoes after five minutes of cook time in the Instant PotPin
    12. Carefully remove roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot.
      Remove the roast from the cooking liquidPin
    13. To make gravy, make a cornstarch slurry by combining a ½ cup of cold water (or of the hot stock) and mix it with 1 tablespoon of your choice of thickener (we use corn starch but flour would also work if you prefer).
      Make a slurry of cornstarch and cold water and add it to the cooking liquid in the Instant PotPin
    14. Add this slurry back to the IP and place pot on sauté. Simmer until the gravy thickens to your liking, stirring frequently.
      Whisk the gravy while heatingPin
    15. Serve roast hot with carrots and potatoes and a drizzle of your homemade beef gravy.
      Pouring gravy over the chuck roast on a white platterPin

    Do I have to pressure cook the carrots and potatoes separately?

    Yes, you do. I know it adds an extra step and some extra time, but if you put the carrots and potatoes in the Instant Pot for an hour, they will turn to mush.

    For the best most tender Instant Pot chuck roast:

    Meats work best and gets most tender in the Instant Pot if you let them warm up to room temperature prior to cooking. When you take it out of the fridge, pat dry with paper towels, trim the excess fat, season with plenty of salt and pepper, and let it rest on the counter for one hour before browning.

    Can I use frozen beef to make Instant Pot chuck roast?

    Technically, yes, you can. You'll need to add 20-30 minutes to the cook time.

    However, I think pot roast comes out much better when it's been thawed first. I recommend defrosting the roast overnight before you want to cook it.

    A benefit of thawing the roast first is that you can sear it, and searing or browning the meat adds considerable flavor that you will miss if you throw a hunk of frozen beef into your Instant Pot.

    How to fix tough pot roast

    I have good news! This is a super easy fix.

    To fix tough pot roast, you just need to cook it longer. If you've followed my instructions for a 2-pound roast, it should be falling apart tender. But if for some reason it's not, seal the lid back on your Instant Pot and cook it on high pressure for another 10-15 minutes.

    How long does it take to cook chuck roast in the Instant Pot?

    In the recipe below, I have suggested 30 minutes per pound. If your roast is warm (i.e. has been sitting out on the counter for an hour and is not cold to the touch), you can probably get away with 20-25 minutes per pound. If it's frozen, you will need at least 45 minutes per pound.

    However, remember that your total cooking time will be longer than the Instant Pot time. The pressure cooker needs time to build up pressure and also time to release pressure. Both add considerable time to the process.

    What's the difference between pot roast and chuck roast?

    "Pot roast" is a cooking method that means you've cooked the meat at a low temperature for a long period of time, and "chuck roast" is a fatty cut of beef that comes from the cow's shoulder or neck. Chuck brisket and beef round are two other cuts that are commonly used to make pot roast.

    How to store leftover pot roast

    This recipe makes a good bit of pot roast. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can store the meat and veggies together in the same container, but I recommend keeping the gravy separate.

    To freeze leftover pot roast, wrap the meat only in aluminum foil and then drop it into a plastic freezer bag. It will be good for about 3 months.

    How to reheat leftover pot roast

    You can zap chilled pot roast in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until hot.

    To thaw frozen chuck roast, move to the refrigerator overnight to defrost. Place leftover roast beef in a baking dish with a ½ to 1 cup of beef broth. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for 10-12 minutes.

    Here are a few other Instant Pot recipes you might enjoy:

    • Sweet Balsamic Pork Roast in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
    • Frank's RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Instant Pot
    • The Best Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
    • Lemon Chicken in the Instant Pot
    • Chicken Burrito Bowls in the Instant Pot
    • Mongolian Beef in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Garlic Chicken
    • Easy Shredded Beef Tacos in the Instant Pot
    Chuck roast topped with homemade beef gravy with carrots and potatoes on a white platter

    The Best Instant Pot Chuck Roast Recipe

    This Instant Pot chuck roast recipe makes a juicy and incredibly tender roast that is paired with potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful brown gravy. This recipe combines classic pot roast flavor with the quick and easy preparation of the Instant Pot.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 35 mins
    Course Gluten-free, Main Course, Main Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 355 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
    • Garlic press

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 teaspoons olive oil divided
    • 2 pounds boneless chuck roast trimmed
    • ½ medium onion roughly chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic pressed
    • 1½ cups low sodium fat-free beef broth
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 8 large Carrots peeled, 2 carrots cut in thirds, the rest sliced in thick chunks
    • 2 stalks celery
    • 6 cups baby potatoes washed but skins on
    • sea salt
    • corn starch or thickener of your choice
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional

    Instructions
     

    • Trim all the fat from a 2 pound chuck roast steak, then sprinkle salt on each side. Set your Instant Pot to sauté and and wait until the screen reads “hot.” Add 2 teaspoon of the olive oil and sear meat on both sides. Remove roast from pot.
    • Add remaining 2 teaspoon olive oil to the Instant Pot and add onions and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant, then deglaze with broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce and stir well. Get all those brown bits up from the bottom of the pot to flavor your meat and veggies and make a killer gravy!
    • Add the roast back to Instant Pot, along with 2 carrots and 2 stalks of celery, cut into thirds. Lock lid and set to high pressure for 60 minutes.
    • After cook time, do a natural release. It took my pot about 15 minutes to release all the pressure. If you are hangry or impatient, you could switch it over to quick release anytime after this point and you should be good.
    • Remove veggies from the Instant Pot. Add potatoes and remaining carrots to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

    To make gravy

    • Carefully remove roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot.
    • Combine a ½ cup of cold water (or of the hot stock) and mix it with 1 tablespoon of your choice of thickener (we use corn starch but flour would also work if you prefer).
    • Add this slurry back to the IP and place pot on sauté. Simmer until the gravy thickens to your liking, stirring frequently.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 589mg | Potassium: 1269mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 12153IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 4mg
    Keyword beef, Instant Pot, roast
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    THE BEST POT ROAST INSTANT POT RECIPE STORYPin
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Danielle says

      January 22, 2019 at 2:30 pm

      Hey Tara,
      Thanks for the wonderful recipe! I'll definitely give it a try.
      I was wondering how you liked the instant pot versus the slow cooker. I don't like to cook meat in the slow cooker, because it changes the texture and makes it drier and tougher, even if there's liquid all the time. I would imagine that instant pot doesn't have this issue, but I've tasted a few dishes that were cooked in an instant pot, and the meat got an odd taste. Any insights, or tips on how to avoid that? I'll also check the bundle, I am off home for work for 10-14 days at a time, back home for 4-6 days, so meal planning is a huge help. Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        January 22, 2019 at 5:17 pm

        There is definitely a difference between meats cooked in the IP and meats cooked in the oven. I would say it's similar to what you would get in the slow cooker. Chicken, for example, comes out a little drier and a little denser than if you baked or fried it on the stovetop. I wouldn't say it's entirely dry and tough, but it is different. I've also never noticed that the IP meats had a different flavor, so I can't speak to that.

        Reply
      • Wendy says

        June 04, 2022 at 5:05 pm

        Is it possible that the seal on the lid was not cleaned properly, or has taken on the characteristics of previously cooked food. I have purchased several seals so I can switch out and be sure the seal is clean and that the lid was cleaned with the seal removed.

        Reply
    2. Danielle says

      January 23, 2019 at 6:25 pm

      Thanks for your input, Tara! I guess I'm not very adventurous, and I will prepare your recipe in a regular pot, it should work perfectly if I'm not in a hurry.

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        January 26, 2019 at 7:48 pm

        That will work!

        Reply
    3. Rebecca says

      August 22, 2019 at 5:18 pm

      Is this an hour at low or high pressure?

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        August 23, 2019 at 10:40 am

        High pressure

        Reply
    4. Shawn says

      October 01, 2019 at 10:35 pm

      I just made this tonight and it was so good!! This is only the 3rd time I’ve used my Instant Pot but I will absolutely be making this again. Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Elizabeth says

      October 15, 2019 at 5:28 pm

      I've been using my IP for over a year now, but never for a pot roast. I hope it turns out good, I'm making it right now!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        October 15, 2019 at 5:29 pm

        PS- I added in about a quarter of a cup of cooking sherry and some celery.

        Reply
    6. Christy Bacon says

      December 03, 2019 at 6:03 pm

      So this is my first try at this instapot thing. When I go to cook it for 60 min do I put on Meat/Stew setting? I did that and set timer but it just says on right now. Help!!

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        December 04, 2019 at 1:55 pm

        Hi Christy,
        You want to set it to High Pressure. Mine doesn't have a Meat/Stew setting, so I'm not sure what that will do. Did you try the manual that came with it?

        Reply
      • lindsay s says

        January 06, 2020 at 4:40 pm

        i would just do the 'pressure cook' setting and increase the time to 60 minutes with the + sign. I mostly use the 'pressure cook' button and set my high/low pressure manually and also select my time manually. It is the same as using the other buttons if you have a recipe that indicates the amount of pressure and time on it; it does not cook it any differently in any way. The presettings are if you want a more 'preguided' way of cooking for pressure and time options is all.

        Reply
        • Stephanie says

          February 21, 2022 at 7:48 pm

          Hey LIndsay,
          When I first put it at 60 min, the roast came out tough, then I put down to 52 minutes and it was great! I put mine on the Pressure setting.

          Reply
    7. Joan M Leoncio says

      December 24, 2019 at 9:54 pm

      Hi! I dont have a steamer basket to put the carrots in. Any suggestions? And 60 minutes seems like quite a long time for the potatoes and carrots to cook. Will they be mush by the time 60 minutes is up?

      Reply
      • Lindsay says

        January 06, 2020 at 4:42 pm

        i just put mine at the very top of the roast and make sure the thicker pieces of carrot/potato are closer to the bottom with the tinier pieces on the very very top. I have also stopped my pressure cooker early, and added carrots for an extra 10 minutes at the end, for example. takes a bit more time bc of the depressurization/pressurizing time needed, but its an option.

        Reply
    8. Nana says

      January 08, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      How much time would you cook for a 1lb piece of chuck roast

      Reply
    9. Elizabeth says

      January 18, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      Dee-licious! Only thing I did different was use vegetable broth because I didn't have beef handy.

      Reply
    10. Barbara says

      April 21, 2021 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t remember whether I commented on this recipe or not but here goes again. It had a really good flavor and came out very tender. The only difference that I would make is to inform your followers that when they make the gravy, not to put the corn starch in the hot broth. It will not dissolve in hot liquid, I used beef broth instead and it came out delicious. I will definitely try some of your other recipes. Thank you

      Reply

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