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

Scale

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