This Instant Pot Chuck Roast recipe results in the best pot roast dinner ever! Made with only a handful of ingredients, the Instant Pot creates an amazingly tender and flavorful pot roast that is served alongside perfectly cooked potatoes and carrots for a family-favorite recipe made fast!
When it comes to cozy, hearty meals that feel like a hug, what is better than a tender, flavorful pot roast dinner? How about speeding up the process WITHOUT sacrificing any flavor? Now we are talking!
I took my Papa's famous recipe for Slow Cooker Pot Roast and made it Instant Pot-Friendly creating what is now a top-rated recipe for Instant Pot Pot Roast!
Why Use an Instant Pot for Pot Roast?
- It is simple and fast. This recipe for instant pot chuck roast is made with only 5 key ingredients and in a fraction of the time of classic pot roast recipes. It puts a flavorful dinner on the table with minimal effort and quickly!
- Can start with a a frozen roast. Because of how fast the Instant Pot heats up, you can safely cook a frozen beef roast in the Instant Pot.
- Unbelievably tender and flavorful. My Papa's secret ingredient to achieving the BEST pot roast was to add horseradish. Just like in my recipes for Instant Pot Beef Stew and Vegetable Beef Soup, the horseradish is key to tenderizing the pot roast and adding a subtle, irresistible flavor.
- Perfectly cooked vegetables. This recipe for Instant Pot Pot Roast, just like my recipe for Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage, includes directions for a two-step cooking process to keep the potatoes and carrots from becoming overcooked. No mushy vegetables here!
Two Key Ingredients for the Best Pot Roast
This recipe is made with simple ingredients. No flavor packets or expensive seasoning blends. While you can play around with the ingredients if desired, I do recommend not omitting the horseradish and using a chuck roast for best results.
- Chuck Roast: For a tender roast, you want to select a cut of beef that is well-marbled, like a chuck roast. A round roast or brisket will work, but won't be as tender. Chuck roast is always my preferred choice when making pot roast.
- Horseradish: Use prepared horseradish, not horseradish sauce. Prepared horseradish comes in a jar in the refrigerated section of the grocery store (usually by deli meat), and is simply grated horseradish, water, vinegar, and salt.
How to Make the BEST Instant Pot Pot Roast
While this is an incredibly simple recipe, if you are unfamiliar with cooking in an Instant Pot or the functions of your Instant Pot, be sure to start with How to Use an Instant Pot for the best results on this and future recipes. You will find the full recipe in detail in the recipe card below.
Sear the Chuck Roast
Using the sauté function to sear the beef roast will help to seal in the juices of the roast and add a bit of texture to the final product. While you technically don't have to sear the meat, if you have a few extra minutes, it is worth the extra step to sear your chuck roast before pressure cooking.
Starting with a frozen roast? Skip this step! You should never sear a frozen cut of meat.
Deglaze the Inner Pot
Anytime you sear ANYTHING in the inner pot, it is crucial to scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the inner pot. This will allow pressure to build appropriately and prevent a burn notice from occurring. For this pot roast recipe, I find it is best to remove the seared beef from the inner pot, add in about ½ cup of the beef broth, and use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
Top With Horseradish
To season the chuck roast, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Top the roast with minced garlic and horseradish.
Pressure Cook with Natural Pressure Release
Chuck roast needs to be cooked on high pressure for 20 minutes per pound (30 minutes per pound if frozen). It is also crucial you let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes after pressure cooking, as this will help ensure the roast stays super tender and does not seize up. Do not ignore this advice. If you quickly release pressure, your meat will likely become tough.
Seriously, I am begging you NOT to do a quick release of pressure, it WILL result in a tough pot roast. And no one likes that!
Cook Potatoes and Carrots
For a complete meal, potatoes and carrots always pair perfectly with a tender pot roast. However, I do not recommend cooking small potatoes or carrots the entire time you cook your pot roast, as your vegetables will turn to mush. Instead, it is best to cook your potatoes and carrots AFTER the roast has cooked while the meat is resting. They cook super fast and because your pressure cooker is already warm, it won't take long to come to pressure again.
Instant Pot Pot Roast Video
If you learn better through video, watch my video below where I walk you through how to make pot roast using your instant pot.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover pot roast with the leftover cooking liquid in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The liquid will help keep the meat from drying out. Leftover potatoes and carrots can be stored with the leftover meat as well.
- Freeze: Allow the pot roast and vegetables to cool fully. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving 1 inch of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: If needed, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For best results, place the leftovers in a baking dish, covered with foil, and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes to warm through. Alternatively, place the pot roast in a heat-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 60-second intervals in the microwave until warmed through.
Commonly Asked Questions
You can easily prepare a pot roast using a frozen chuck roast when cooking in the Instant Pot. Unlike slow cookers, the Instant Pot will get hot enough in a short amount of time to safely cook frozen meat. Skip searing the meat, as you can not sear a frozen cut of meat. Place the frozen beef roast, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder inside the pressure cooker. Pour in beef stock around the roast, then top the roast with horseradish. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes per pound.
Yes! Cut your chuck roast into large 2-inch chunks. Sear as directed and cook for 20 minutes on high pressure with a full natural pressure release.
While I find that this Instant Pot Pot Roast is so flavorful and juicy, there is no need for gravy, you certainly can prepare gravy using the remaining cooking liquid. And you can do this right inside your Instant Pot! Yay for one-pot meals! After cooking the roast and vegetables, strain off the cooking liquid. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and let heat up. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the inner pot and let melt. Once the butter is melted, add in 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk together, to form a roux.
Let the flour mixture cook for 30 seconds and then slowly whisk in 1 to 2 cups of the strained liquid. Cook, whisking constantly until the mixture is thickened.
Not at all! The horseradish works to tenderize the meat and give it a subtle flavor, but will not make the roast spicy. Nor will it have an overpowering flavor of horseradish.
More Instant Pot Beef Recipes
- Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches
- Instant Pot Chili
- Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup
- Instant Pot Italian Beef
- Instant Pot Lasagna
- Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
If you enjoyed this easy recipe for Instant Pot Pot Roast, please be sure to leave a comment and review below!
Instant Pot Pot Roast
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon oil
- 3-4 pound chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish NOT horseradish sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef stock
- 3 pounds potatoes cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
For Optional Gravy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
Pot Roast Directions
- Turn the pressure cooker to sauté, add the oil, and let heat.
- While the oil is heating, season the roast with salt and pepper liberally on both sides. Once seasoned, add the roast to the heated oil and sear the meat on all sides, 3-4 minutes per side. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the inner pot. And turn the Instant Pot off.
- Pour in about ½ cup of the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot. This will prevent a burn notice from happening--so don't skip this step.
- Add roast back into the pressure cooker, along with the remaining beef broth. Sprinkle with onion powder and a pinch of salt and pepper. Top the roast with minced garlic and horseradish.
- Place the lid on the pressure cooker, being sure the vent knob is pointed toward sealed. Set the cooking time by hitting the manual or pressure cook button, and set it to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes per pound. Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow for pressure to release for at least 15 minutes.
- Once the pressure has been released, open the inner pot and remove the roast, and place it on a cutting board or platter. Tent with foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
Cook Carrots and Potatoes
- If cooking carrots and potatoes, add them to the inner pot after you remove the beef from the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes for just tender vegetables or 10 minutes for softer potatoes and carrots.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release for 5 minutes and then do a quick release of pressure. Serve the potatoes, carrots, and roast with the cooking liquid.
Gravy (optional)
- After the roast and vegetables are cooked, strain the cooking liquid from the inner pot and then return the inner pot to the instant pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and then let cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in 1-2 cups of the leftover cooking liquid, whisking well. Let bubble and thicken for several minutes, whisking constantly. Serve with pot roast and vegetables.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2023.
Lina Gunnarsson
This came together really easily, and its so tasty! I cut my potatoes into large bite size pieces, and they got a bit overcooked. Should i consider leaving them whOle next time? I love that this only takes about an hour. The instant pot is my new obsession.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Lina! Next time you can just cook for 10 minutes after adding the potatoes (and cook for 10 minutes less than directions state). That will let the potatoes get just soft enough.
Marc
Recipe worked like a champ. I did the veggies, so reduce the initial cook time by 20 minutes, then added the veggies. 20 minutes later, fork-tender roast!
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you enjoyed Marc!
Tammy
do not have a insta pot how would you do it in a dutch oven!
Kristen Chidsey
Here is my favorite slow cooker pot roast recipe. To do in an oven, I would follow the same instructions for the slow cooker, just place seared meat in dutch oven with remaining ingredients and cover. Roast at 300 degrees for 3-4 hours based on size of roast.
Katie
Is this any different if you're using a bone-in chuck roast?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Katie! You can use a bone in. I would cook for same amount of time. The bone adds to the weight, so that will account for a slightly longer cook time.
Jennifer
I followed your instructions exactly and this turned out delicious!! I made a 3 lb. roast with carrots and potato and the veggies were perfectly cooked and the meat was so tender and flavorful.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Jennifer! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
Keli
I loved the simplicity of your recipe. Super easy to follow
Kristen Chidsey
Simple is often best! I am glad you found this recipe easy to follow and delicious!
Doris
I only had a 2 lb. chuck roast. I pressure cooked on high for 40 min. Still tough. Reset it for another 20 mins. Still not tender, added my veggies and will set another 20 minutes I hope that will do it. So what am I doing wrong??
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Doris. I am sorry you have been struggling to get your roast tender. My best guess is that you may have done a quick release of pressure instead of letting pressure release naturally.
Renee
Put in three table spoons of red wine vinegar or a half cup of wine. Either will ensure your meat is tender. Also, I second the natural pressure release.
John R. Wilson
Tried this recipe fromfrozen ...worked like a charm!!! Absolutely delicious...thank you
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! So glad you enjoyed John! I love being able to cook from frozen!
marti
Best pot roast I've ever had and so quick and easy to make. I used large whole potatoes and carrots and cooked for the full hour and they came out great. Also added a can of cream of mushroom soup and cut the broth down to 3 cups. Added flour (3/4 cup) and water mixture at the end to thicken the gravy. Thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Marti!! And thank you for sharing the adaptations you made in case others want to do the same 🙂
Rachel
I dont have horseradish has anyone used anything as substitute instead of horse radish??
Kristen Chidsey
You can use dried onion soup mix, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce, garlic, or just omit altogether. It will still be delicious, just not the same flavor.
Diane
I will be cooking my chuck roast (1.80lbs) in an instant pot mini. Are the any changes or adjustments needed? You said you use a 6 and 8 qt pot. This will be my first time using a pressure cooker.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Diane! I am so excited for you to begin cooking in your Instant Pot! Before cooking any actual meal, I would suggest reading over Instant Pot 101 and/or doing a water test. This will help you familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot. As for the roast, the timing will remain the same. I would cut the broth back to 2 or 3 cups (and if using carrots, potatoes, cut down the # of those as well) I hope you enjoy!
Margaretkohlstaedt
This was amazing!!!! I just knew a frozen roast would be nasty and not tender! I was SO wrong! Absolutely perfect! Thank you SO much!
Kristen Chidsey
I am glad this recipe proved you wrong 😉 It is truly an awesome thing to be able to cook from frozen--if you are like me and forget to defrost meat at times!
Lillian Rodriguez
My family loved it!
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing that Lillian! Thank you for taking the time to share!
Sandra Butcher
Made your Pot Roast this evening for supper - one of the best I’ve tasted - I’m new to doing Instant Pot meals (only had one for about 3 weeks) - what I’m learning is that almost every thing I’ve made, tastes better cooked in one of these - the food taste so much better and fresher and hopefully healthier. (Not so much fats and oils it seems) Anyways - your pot roast was delicious and the recipe was very easy too follow and I love the side commits which gives you some options on the same dish. I did add cut up celery and a pkg. of dry onion soup & dip mix it was a good add for a little more flavor and kick. Thanks for the receipt - will definitely make this again!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Sandra! I am so glad you enjoyed this Pot Roast and that you are enjoying your Instant Pot 🙂
Karen Levine
Should I spread the garlic, onion powder and horseradish onto the piece of meat so it sits on top after the broth has been added....or mix it into the sitting broth, or does it matter?
Kristen Chidsey
I would mix the onion powder and garlic in broth and then spread the horseradish on top of the roast.
Karen
Hi there, I have a frozen strip loin roast any concerns with using it with your recipe?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Karen! A strip loin is is really lean, and is best roasted and served medium rare, so to be honest, I think it would ruin this cut of meat. The strip roast the same portion that New York Strip Steaks are cut from--and I don't recommend using the Instant Pot for steaks. I do have a delicious Roasted New York Strip Roast recipe though.