There’s something magical about a perfectly cooked chuck roast — melt-in-your-mouth beef, savory gravy, and the rich aroma that fills your kitchen. But what if you could get all that goodness without waiting for hours? That’s where the Instant Pot Chuck Roast steps in.
This recipe transforms a tough cut of beef into a fork-tender masterpiece in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this dish delivers comfort and flavor every single time.
Unlike traditional oven-braised or slow cooker methods, this Instant Pot version locks in moisture, tenderness, and deep flavor using pressure cooking magic. You’ll love how the beef falls apart effortlessly and the gravy turns silky-smooth — all in about 90 minutes total.
Let’s dive into the best Instant Pot Chuck Roast recipe that’s flavorful, easy, and foolproof!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make the best Instant Pot pot roast:
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 lb beef chuck roast – choose a well-marbled cut for tenderness
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for searing and rich flavor
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup red wine (optional – adds richness; replace with broth if preferred)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Substitutions
- Beef broth substitute: Use vegetable broth or mushroom broth for a lighter flavor.
- Red wine substitute: Replace with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar + ¾ cup broth.
- Vegetables: Swap carrots for parsnips, or add celery and mushrooms.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs can be used for added aroma.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a perfect Instant Pot chuck roast every time:
1. Season and Sear
- Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels.
- Generously season all sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil.
- Sear the roast for 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- Add onions to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to deepen the flavor.
3. Deglaze and Add Liquids
- Pour in red wine (or broth) to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Pressure Cook
- Return the roast to the pot and add thyme, bay leaf, and any remaining seasoning.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 10–15 minutes, then quick release.
5. Add Vegetables
- Remove the roast and add carrots and potatoes to the liquid.
- Place the roast back on top.
- Pressure cook again on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.
6. Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
- Remove the roast and vegetables.
- Set the pot to Sauté mode again.
- Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce.
- Simmer until thickened to desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice or shred the roast, spoon the gravy over, and serve hot with veggies.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a beautiful finish.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Choose the right cut: Chuck roast is best — it’s marbled with fat that melts beautifully under pressure.
- Don’t skip searing: Browning the meat adds deep, caramelized flavor to your gravy.
- Natural pressure release is key: It keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- Rest before serving: Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this locks in juices.
- For thicker gravy: Always use cornstarch slurry at the end for perfect consistency.
Variations
1. Keto / Low-Carb Version
Skip the potatoes and carrots — use low-carb veggies like cauliflower, radishes, or turnips.
2. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check that your broth is gluten-free.
3. Italian-Inspired Chuck Roast
Add crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and serve with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
4. Spicy Southwestern Twist
Mix in chili powder, cumin, and diced jalapeños for a bold kick. Serve with rice or tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot chuck roast pairs perfectly with:
- Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash – creamy and comforting.
- Buttered Egg Noodles – a classic side for soaking up the gravy.
- Steamed Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts – adds freshness.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls – perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce.
Ideal occasions:
- Cozy Sunday dinners
- Holiday gatherings
- Meal prep – leftovers taste even better the next day!
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or microwave gently until hot.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the roast a day before serving — the flavors deepen overnight.
Health & Nutrition Notes
This Instant Pot Chuck Roast is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
Health Benefits:
- High in protein and iron, supporting energy and muscle repair.
- Includes vitamin-rich vegetables for balanced nutrition.
- Cooking in an Instant Pot reduces oil use, making it lighter and healthier than traditional roasts.
FAQs
1. How long to cook frozen chuck roast in Instant Pot?
If you’re cooking a frozen chuck roast, skip the searing step and add an extra 20–25 minutes to the pressure cooking time. So, cook for 80–85 minutes total on High Pressure, followed by natural release.
2. How long to cook chuck roast in Instant Pot?
For a 3–4 lb roast, 60 minutes on High Pressure is ideal, plus 10–15 minutes natural release. If your roast is larger, increase cooking time by 10 minutes per pound.
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Conclusion
This Instant Pot Chuck Roast recipe is the ultimate comfort food shortcut — tender beef, flavorful gravy, and hearty veggies all in under 90 minutes. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or an Instant Pot pro, this dish never fails to impress.