Effortless Comfort: Your 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Beef Roast for Weeknight Wonders!

Tired of complicated dinners but craving hearty, home-cooked flavor? This incredible Instant Pot Beef Roast is your answer! With just five simple ingredients, you can transform a humble chuck roast into a tender, fall-apart masterpiece complete with potatoes and carrots. Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove; your pressure cooker makes quick work of this classic, delivering a delicious meal that tastes like you spent all day cooking. Get ready to impress your family with a truly fuss-free yet deeply satisfying Instant Pot Pot Roast that will become a new favorite in your rotation.

Quick Glance Summary

This Instant Pot Beef Roast is a remarkably easy, 5-ingredient meal that brings succulent, tender beef together with classic root vegetables in under 90 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this simplified classic is a breeze. With just five core items, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious and comforting meal that’s sure to please.

3-4 lb beef chuck roast
1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
2 cups beef broth
1 lb baby carrots
1.5 lbs small red or Yukon gold potatoes, quartered

Preparation Instructions

Making this incredible Instant Pot Beef Roast is straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly tender beef and vegetables every time. This method ensures that your Instant Pot Pot Roast comes out flavorful and moist, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Rub the entire packet of dry onion soup mix generously over all sides of the beef.
2. Sear (Optional, but Recommended): Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode on high. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (not included in 5 ingredients) if desired. Once hot, sear the beef for 3-5 minutes per side until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor. Remove beef and set aside.
3. Deglaze: Pour 1/4 cup of the beef broth into the hot Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This prevents a “Burn” notice.
4. Pressure Cook Beef: Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Pour in the remaining beef broth. Secure the lid, ensure the vent is sealed, and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 60 minutes.
5. Natural Release: Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes before carefully quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Add Vegetables: Open the lid. Add the baby carrots and quartered potatoes to the pot around the beef.
7. Second Pressure Cook: Secure the lid again, ensure the vent is sealed, and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 10-15 minutes (10 for firmer veggies, 15 for softer).
8. Final Release & Serve: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release. Carefully remove the lid. The beef should be incredibly tender and easy to shred. Serve the beef, potatoes, and carrots with the rich pan juices.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Elevate your Instant Pot Beef Roast with these simple variations:
Herbaceous Boost: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme along with the broth for an extra aromatic kick.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give the roast a subtle heat.
Mushroom Medley: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them with the vegetables during the second pressure cooking cycle for an earthy flavor.
Creamy Gravy: After removing the beef and vegetables, thicken the remaining pan juices with a cornstarch slurry for a rich gravy to pour over everything.
Sandwich Supreme: Shred any leftover beef and serve it on toasted buns with a bit of the pan juice for amazing hot beef sandwiches.

 

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen beef?
A: It’s best to use thawed beef for even cooking and best results with the seasoning. If using frozen, you’ll need to add significantly more cooking time and omit the searing step.

Q: Do I have to sear the beef?
A: Searing is optional but highly recommended. It adds a crucial layer of flavor and creates a beautiful crust on the outside of the roast.

Q: Can I substitute other vegetables?
A: Yes! Feel free to add or substitute with other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even large chunks of onion. Keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the density and size of the vegetables.

Q: How do I make the gravy thicker?
A: After removing the beef and vegetables, set the Instant Pot to “Sauté.” In a small bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the hot pan juices until desired thickness is reached.

Q: What if I get a “Burn” notice?
A: A “Burn” notice usually means there’s something stuck to the bottom of the pot. Ensure you deglaze thoroughly after searing the beef. If it still occurs, add a bit more liquid and ensure no dry rub or food particles are stuck.

Conclusion

This 5-ingredient Instant Pot Beef Roast proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require an extensive ingredient list or hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect solution for a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings. Enjoy the tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked vegetables that come together effortlessly in your pressure cooker. Give this simple yet spectacular Instant Pot Pot Roast a try and watch it become a staple in your culinary repertoire!

Recipe Note

For an even more tender roast, especially with larger cuts, consider allowing a full natural pressure release (NPR) at the end of the first cooking cycle. This extra rest time helps the meat reabsorb juices, resulting in a juicier, more succulent final dish.