The Ultimate Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
Introduction
Experience rich, tender beef infused with the sweet depth of caramelized onions in this Ultimate Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast. This comforting dish combines the best of French onion flavors with succulent roast beef, all made effortlessly in your pressure cooker.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb (1.3 to 1.8 kg) chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry, optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add olive oil and sear the chuck roast for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the roast and set it aside.
- Step 2: Add butter to the pot, then toss in the thinly sliced onions. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the onions are soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Return the seared roast to the pot. Secure the lid, seal the vent, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 60 minutes. When the cooking time ends, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before opening the lid.
- Step 5: Remove the roast and shred it using two forks. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, add it to the pot, and simmer on “Sauté” until the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Serve the shredded beef topped with the rich onion gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- For deeper onion flavor, cook the onions a few minutes longer until they reach a rich caramel brown.
- Swap chuck roast for brisket for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine along with the beef broth for an enhanced richness.
- Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a brighter herb note.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. The gravy may thicken after cooling; stir in a little beef broth or water when reheating if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, while chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can use brisket or even a rump roast. Just adjust cooking times if necessary to ensure it’s tender.
Do I have to use the Instant Pot?
No, you can make this recipe on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, but cooking times will differ. Using the Instant Pot speeds up the process dramatically while retaining flavor.
Print
The Ultimate Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ultimate Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast recipe delivers a tender, flavorful chuck roast slow-cooked with caramelized onions, garlic, and a rich onion gravy. Utilizing the Instant Pot ensures a perfectly cooked, succulent pot roast in a fraction of the traditional time, infused with classic French onion soup flavors and finished with a savory beef gravy.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 to 4 lb (1.3 to 1.8 kg) chuck roast
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fats and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Liquids
- 1½ cups beef broth
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the roast: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sear the chuck roast for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Once seared, remove the roast and set it aside on a plate.
- Caramelize onions: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the Instant Pot. Toss in the thinly sliced onions and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they become soft and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Build flavor: Pour in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1½ cups of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to season the mixture.
- Pressure cook: Return the seared roast back into the Instant Pot, nestling it into the onion and broth mixture. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Shred and thicken: Remove the roast from the pot and shred it using two forks. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry. Add this slurry to the pot and simmer on “Sauté” mode, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Spoon the rich onion gravy over the shredded beef. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside your preferred side dishes for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, use a well-marbled chuck roast to ensure tenderness and flavor.
- Allowing the pressure to release naturally enhances the meat’s moisture and texture.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing the classic French onion flavor profile.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure Worcestershire sauce and cornstarch are certified gluten-free or substitute as needed.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot pot roast, French onion pot roast, pressure cooker roast, easy pot roast recipe, caramelized onion beef roast
