What is the secret to a tender pot roast?

The key is using a marbled cut like chuck and letting the Instant Pot release pressure naturally.

How to make meat more tender in Instant Pot?

Add enough liquid and avoid rushing the release process. Letting the meat rest also helps.

Why is my roast tough in the Instant Pot?

It may need more cook time or not enough natural release. Pressure cooking breaks down collagen, but it needs time.

Will a pot roast get more tender the longer you cook it?

Yes, up to a point. If it’s still firm, add 10–15 more minutes of pressure cooking.

Tender Instant Pot Pot Roast | Ultimate Comfort Dinner

Name: Tender Instant Pot Pot Roast | Ultimate Comfort Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491571H5M6S
Total time: PT-491571H5M6S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–5 lb beef chuck roast (well-marbled); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp cooking oil (grapeseed or avocado oil); 1 large yellow onion (cut into 8 wedges); 4 large carrots (peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks); 1 lb small red potatoes (halved or quartered if large); 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 4 cups beef stock; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1/4 cup water

Description

Tender Instant Pot Pot Roast delivers fall-apart beef, rich gravy, and tender vegetables all in one pot. A comforting, hearty dinner made easy with pressure cooking magic.

Ingredients

Scale

3–5 lb beef chuck roast (well-marbled)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp cooking oil (grapeseed or avocado oil)

1 large yellow onion (cut into 8 wedges)

4 large carrots (peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks)

1 lb small red potatoes (halved or quartered if large)

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

4 cups beef stock

2 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 cup water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub seasoning onto roast. Add oil and brown roast on all sides, 3–4 minutes per side.

2. Switch to pressure cook mode (high). Set 60 minutes for a 3 lb roast or up to 80 minutes for a 5 lb roast. Add potatoes, onions, and carrots around the roast. Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Secure lid and seal vent.

3. After cooking, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then switch vent to release and remove lid once the float valve drops.

4. Move roast and vegetables to a platter. Shred meat using two forks. Strain any bits from remaining broth.

5. Switch Instant Pot to soup mode. Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl. Add to boiling broth and stir until thickened. Season gravy to taste.

6. Pour gravy over roast and vegetables. Optionally garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.

Notes

Avoid skipping the searing step to build flavor.

Keep vegetables in large chunks so they don’t turn mushy.

Let the roast rest 10–15 minutes before cutting so juices redistribute.

Natural pressure release keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 70–90 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pressure Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 300–350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 95mg