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More about Joe →There’s something about the smell of slow-cooked beef filling the kitchen that just stops you in your tracks. Instant Pot Pot Roast with Vegetables gives you all of that deep, tender comfort without babysitting the stove for hours.
Spring always makes me want meals that feel cozy but not heavy, and this one hits that spot perfectly. I started leaning on pressure cooker pot roast back when I was testing weeknight dinners at the farmers market pop-ups around Austin the trick is searing the chuck roast hard before locking the lid, because that crust is where all the rich flavor builds. After testing it dozens of times, I can tell you: don’t skip that step.

Instant Pot Pot Roast with Vegetables Warm Satisfying Way to Make Real Comfort
Ingredients
Notes
- *UPDATED December 3, 2021. I made a few changes to this recipe to make it even more flavorful (and get us more gravy!). I wanted to list them here so you can see what has happened. I added a sauteed onion and garlic to the gravy. You can skip this if you didn’t miss it 🙂 I increased the broth to 2 cups from 1 cup –
- this gives us more gravy! I also increase the vinegar, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to match. I removed the roast after pressure cooking to add the potatoes and carrots, but you can still do it either way. This way, the roast has time to rest and we can shred it while the vegetables cook. I added a tablespoon of ketchup to the gravy –
- this just brightens the flavors and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pot Roast
Here’s why this one earns a permanent spot in the weeknight rotation: tender, fall-apart beef, vegetables that hold their shape, and a rich gravy that tastes like it simmered all day done in just over two hours, most of which is completely hands-off. It’s the go-to when you’re tired and still want dinner to feel like dinner.
- One pot means one cleanup no Dutch oven, no roasting pan
- The vegetables cook separately from the roast so nothing turns to mush
- The gravy builds itself from the braising liquid no separate sauce needed
What You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is pulling its weight. The beef chuck roast is cut into one-pound chunks so pressure builds evenly and the meat shreds cleanly. The balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce work together to give the braising liquid real depth without any single flavor taking over.
- Creamer or baby potatoes stay whole and firm no falling apart under pressure
- Thick-cut carrots hold up beautifully in the three-minute cook cycle
- Cornstarch and water whisked together at the end bring the gravy to that glossy, spoonable finish
- A tablespoon of ketchup in the gravy adds subtle brightness it’s the detail most people skip and then regret
How to Make It
The process moves in two pressure cycles, which is what keeps the vegetables perfectly cooked instead of overdone. Here’s the full sequence:
- Mix the seasoning salt, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, and black pepper, then coat the roast chunks evenly.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté, add canola oil, and sear the roast on all sides in batches do not rush this step.
- Cook the chopped onion until soft, add the minced garlic, then deglaze with beef broth, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up any browned bits.
- Return the meat to the pot, seal, and pressure cook on high for 65 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove the roast to rest. Add the potatoes and carrots, seal again, and pressure cook for 3 minutes. Natural release for 5 minutes.
- Shred the beef, plate with the vegetables, stir ketchup into the liquid, whisk in the cornstarch slurry, and sauté until the gravy thickens.
Pro Tip: Searing the chuck roast hard before closing the lid is non-negotiable that crust is where the deep, savory flavor starts.
Can You Make Instant Pot Pot Roast with a Frozen Roast?
Yes and the process is almost identical. Skip the searing step if your roast is fully frozen, then increase the pressure cook time to 90 to 100 minutes on high. The natural release and vegetable cycle stay exactly the same. The result won’t have quite the same seared crust, but the braising liquid still delivers serious flavor.
Swaps, Storage, and Serving Tips
A few easy adjustments if you’re working with what’s already in your kitchen:
- No balsamic vinegar? Use red wine vinegar same acidity, slightly lighter flavor
- Swap ketchup for honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter finish to the gravy
- Baby potatoes or Creamer potatoes both work just keep them whole
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy
- This dish also freezes well for up to three months store the beef and gravy together, vegetables separately
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FAQs ( Instant Pot Pot Roast with Vegetables )
How long do you cook Instant Pot Pot Roast with Vegetables?
Cook the roast on high pressure for 65 minutes, then add the vegetables for a separate 3-minute pressure cook. Total time including prep and pressure build is about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Can you cook a frozen roast in the Instant Pot?
Yes – cook a frozen roast on high pressure for 90 to 100 minutes instead of 65 minutes. All other steps remain the same.
Why are the vegetables not mushy in this recipe?
The potatoes and carrots are pressure cooked separately from the roast for just 3 minutes. This keeps them tender without overcooking.
What cut of beef is best for this dish?
This recipe uses a 3 lb beef chuck roast cut into 1 lb chunks. Chuck roast becomes fall-apart tender under pressure and is ideal for this meal.
How do you thicken the gravy in this recipe?
Whisk together 2 tablespoons each of corn starch and water, stir into the liquid, then use the saute function until the gravy thickens.

This Instant Pot Pot Roast delivers everything you want from a Sunday dinner without the all-day commitment. Tender, fall-apart beef, vegetables that still have their shape, and a rich glossy gravy all coming together in just over two hours. It’s the kind of meal that turns out beautifully every single time.
Don’t skip the sear that hard crust on the chuck roast is where all the deep, savory flavor starts, and it makes a real difference in the finished dish. If you’re working with what’s already in your fridge, red wine vinegar swaps in beautifully for the balsamic. And that little spoonful of ketchup stirred into the gravy at the end? Trust the process. Leftovers reheat wonderfully with just a splash of beef broth to loosen things back up honestly, day two might be even better.
Did you grow up with a pot roast recipe that felt like home? Drop a comment below or tag me when you make yours. This one’s worth saving for the people you love most around the table.