Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Step-by-step instructions

Preparing the Pot Roast

Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Season the chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper. Carefully sear the meat on all sides in the hot pot until it’s beautifully browned. Once done, remove it and set it aside.
Add the quartered onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until you can smell that delicious aroma.
Pour in the beef broth, taking a moment to scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits (these add fantastic flavor). Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and rosemary.
Return the seared roast to the pot along with the chopped carrots and celery.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 60 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes, and then quick release any remaining pressure.

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

While the roast is cooking, you can prepare the mashed potatoes:

In a large pot, boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until they are tender.
Drain the potatoes and mash them with 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm.

Creating the Gravy

Once you’ve removed the pot roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot, set it back to ‘Sauté.’
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the drippings, stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Serving It All Together

Plate the serving of pot roast alongside the creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Drizzle the rich gravy generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the heartwarming flavors!

Best ways to enjoy it

This Instant Pot Pot Roast is delightful on its own, but you can enhance your meal by considering these serving suggestions:

Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up extra gravy.
Pair with a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
Consider roasted or sautéed green beans for a pop of color and texture on the plate.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your delicious leftovers fresh and tasty:

Refrigerate the pot roast, vegetables, and gravy in airtight containers. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pot roast and gravy separately in freezer-friendly bags or containers. It’s best used within 3 months for optimal flavor.
To reheat, thaw any frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Then, either microwave or gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.

Helpful cooking tips

Don’t Skip Searing: This step may take a few extra minutes, but searing the meat builds layers of flavor that are essential for a sumptuous pot roast.
Experiment with Seasoning: While the classic herbs are fantastic, feel free to add your favorite spices or fresh herbs to customize the flavor profile.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For best results, check the internal temperature of your roast. It should reach at least 195°F for ideal tenderness.

Creative twists

Herb Variations: Swap in fresh herbs for dried ones if you have them on hand. Thyme, rosemary, or even a sprig of sage can bring additional freshness to the dish.
Add Wine: Deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after sautéing the onions and garlic for an even richer sauce.
Vegetable Mix-Up: Feel free to add root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a different texture and taste.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to make this recipe?
From start to finish, including prep and cooking, you can expect to invest about 1.5 hours.

Can I use other cuts of beef?
While chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after cooking, you can try a brisket or round roast, though the result may vary slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes! The pot roast and gravy freeze beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or ready-to-go dinners.

This Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The tenderness of the beef, creaminess of the potatoes, and richness of the gravy create a symphony of flavors that will keep everyone asking for seconds. Grab your Instant Pot and experience the joy it brings to your table!