If you love comforting, rich flavors with minimal fuss, then the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe is your new go-to. This dish takes tender chunks of beef chuck roast and infuses them with the deep, caramelized sweetness of sautéed onions, all simmered together in a luscious beef broth gravy. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you get a melt-in-your-mouth roast in under two hours that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day. It’s a perfect centerpiece for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you crave that hearty French onion charm without the long wait.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this recipe. Each component is simple but essential, building layers of flavor and texture that transform your pot roast into a soul-satisfying feast.
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 10 chunks: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy while absorbing all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons steak seasoning: Adds a robust, savory punch that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a slight kick to the dish.
- 2 large white or yellow onions, sliced: The star of the recipe that melts down into sweet, caramelized layers of flavor.
- 1 ½ cups reduced-sodium beef broth, divided: Provides the savory base for your gravy while keeping salt in check.
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon: Intensifies the beefy richness in the broth.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to a perfect, silky consistency.
- 1 bay leaf: Offers a subtle herbal note that deepens the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Begin by cutting your beef chuck roast into roughly 10 sizeable pieces. This allows each chunk to cook evenly and soak up all the flavors from the seasoning and broth. No need for searing first here; the Instant Pot will handle tenderizing beautifully.
Step 2: Place and Season the Meat
Place the chunks of beef directly into the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Then sprinkle on the steak seasoning and kosher salt evenly, making sure every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Onions
Pour in 1 and 1/4 cups of the beef broth over the meat to give it that rich cooking liquid it needs. Next, spread the minced garlic right on top of the beef pieces, followed by a generous layer of those sliced onions. These will cook down into the glorious French onion component.
Step 4: Include Bouillon and Bay Leaf
Add the Better Than Beef Bouillon, which will elevate the beef flavor in the broth, and then nestle a bay leaf into the pot. This bay leaf will subtly infuse the roast as it cooks, adding complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cooker to manual high pressure for 60 minutes. This is where the roast transforms from a firm cut of beef into velvety, pull-apart deliciousness.
Step 6: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking cycle finishes, don’t rush. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 25 minutes. This gentle cooldown phase helps the meat fibers relax further, making your roast even more tender.
Step 7: Shred the Meat
Carefully remove the bay leaf and take out the beef chunks. Use two forks to shred the meat right in the pot or on a cutting board, soaking up the surrounding gravy as you go.
Step 8: Thicken the Gravy
Mix the remaining 1/4 cup of beef broth with cornstarch until smooth. Switch your Instant Pot to sauté mode, stir in the cornstarch mixture, and cook until the gravy thickens to that ideal silky texture that clings to every shred of meat.
Step 9: Serve the Gravy Over the Shredded Meat
Pour the thickened gravy over your shredded roast beef for a comforting forkful of flavors and textures that’ll quickly become a family favorite.
How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your pot roast with a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds a pop of color. Crispy fried onions or a few shavings of gruyere cheese can also bring extra richness and a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This pot roast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even roasted root vegetables. These sides soak up the fragrant gravy and complete the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve the shredded roast on toasted baguette slices for mini open-faced sandwiches or pile it into warm pita pockets with melted cheese and a handful of caramelized onions for impressive sliders. It’s just as sensational served straight from the pot with a crisp green salad on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it an easy option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the shredded roast and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for a ready-made meal that warms up in no time.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pot roast and gravy on the stovetop over low heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help maintain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless beef chuck roast is ideal for tender results, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind the cooking time might adjust slightly depending on the cut’s thickness and fat content.
Do I need to brown the meat before pressure cooking?
Nope! This recipe skips the browning step to save time. The Instant Pot does a stellar job cooking the beef until it’s juicy and tender without pre-searing.
Can I make this recipe without the Better Than Beef Bouillon?
You can, but the bouillon adds an extra punch of savory flavor that really deepens the broth. If you omit it, consider using a more concentrated beef broth or adding a splash of soy sauce for umami.
Is it possible to double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but be sure not to exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line. You might need to cook in two batches or use a larger pressure cooker.
How can I make the gravy thicker if I don’t have cornstarch?
All-purpose flour or arrowroot powder can be good substitutes for cornstarch when thickening the gravy. Mix with a little cold water before stirring into the pot to avoid lumps.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe. It wraps up all the rich, comforting flavors of classic French onion soup with the hearty goodness of a slow-cooked roast, all in less than two hours. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become an indispensable part of your dinner rotation. Don’t hesitate — give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite!
Print
Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast features tender, flavorful beef chuck roast cooked with savory onions, garlic, and a rich beef broth-based gravy. Quick and convenient, this recipe uses an Instant Pot to pressure cook the beef to perfect tenderness while infusing robust French onion flavors, making it an ideal comforting meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 10 chunks
Seasonings and Broth
- 3 tablespoons steak seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large white or yellow onions, sliced
- 1 ½ cups reduced-sodium beef broth, divided
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon
- 1 bay leaf
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Cut the boneless beef chuck roast into 10 chunks, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking.
- Place the Meat in Instant Pot: Arrange the chuck roast pieces in the Instant Pot inner pot in a single layer.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle the steak seasoning evenly over the meat, followed by kosher salt to enhance flavor.
- Add Garlic and Onions: Pour 1 1/4 cups of beef broth over the meat, then scatter the minced garlic on top, followed by the sliced onions covering the meat.
- Add Bouillon and Bay Leaf: Sprinkle the Better Than Beef Bouillon over the mixture and add the bay leaf for aromatic flavor infusion.
- Pressure Cook: Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, set the pressure release valve to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 60 minutes to tenderize the meat thoroughly.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to naturally release over 25 minutes to retain juices and maintain tenderness.
- Shred the Meat: Carefully remove the cooked meat and shred it with forks. Discard the bay leaf from the pot.
- Thicken the Gravy: Mix the remaining 1/4 cup beef broth with cornstarch to form a slurry. Switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode, stir in the slurry, and cook until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Pour the thickened French onion gravy over the shredded meat and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, use a well-marbled chuck roast as it becomes tender and flavorful under pressure cooking.
- You can substitute Better Than Beef Bouillon with beef base or concentrate if unavailable.
- Make sure to cut the roast into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
- If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, caramelize the onions separately before adding to the pot.
- Use reduced-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Leftover pot roast can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
