Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast offers a delightful blend of tender beef and the rich essence of caramelized onions, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or special gatherings. The convenience of the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while ensuring deep, savory flavors that will impress your guests. You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing taste or comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: The Instant Pot speeds up cooking, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in just over an hour.
• Rich Flavor: Caramelized onions and herbs infuse the beef with a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time doing dishes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone, with crusty bread, or topped with cheese for added indulgence.
• Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for any family gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make this flavorful pot roast, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Slicing knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker not only speeds up cooking but also locks in flavors and moisture for tender results.
• Slicing Knife: A sharp knife makes it easy to slice through the beef and onions, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
• Cutting Board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Onions

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Broth

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup dry white apple vinegar (or additional broth)

For Flavoring

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves

Optional Toppings

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional, for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil. Once hot, season the roast with salt and pepper. Sear it on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove the roast and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally until they are caramelized and golden brown (about 10-15 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the apple vinegar (or extra broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds depth to the flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the seared roast to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 60 minutes.

Step 5: Release Pressure

Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 15 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Serve

Remove bay leaves from the pot. Shred the roast with two forks. Serve hot, topped with shredded Gruyère cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Serving this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is a delightful experience, as the rich flavors and tender meat create a comforting meal. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it.

On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes

• Rich and creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the savory sauce from the pot roast, soaking up every delicious drop.

In a Sandwich

• Shred the roast and pile it high on crusty bread for a hearty sandwich. Add cheese and broil until melted for extra indulgence.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of the pot roast alongside warm, crusty bread. This allows diners to mop up the flavorful juices left on their plates.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• For a lighter option, serve the pot roast over fluffy rice or nutrient-rich quinoa. This makes for a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor.

As a Salad Topper

• Shred the beef and use it as a topping for fresh greens. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious contrast of flavors.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Pair the pot roast with roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal full of color and nutrition.

How to Perfect Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

To ensure your Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for well-marbled beef chuck roast, which becomes tender during cooking thanks to its fat content.

• Sear Properly: Make sure to sear the meat until it’s deeply browned on all sides. This step adds important flavor to your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh thyme and onions will elevate your dish’s taste compared to dried alternatives.

• Don’t Skip Natural Release: Allowing natural pressure release helps keep the meat juicy and tender while also enhancing flavors.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving! Feel free to add more salt or pepper according to your preference.

• Thicken if Desired: If you prefer a thicker sauce, set your Instant Pot to Sauté after cooking and let it reduce until desired consistency is achieved.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Complementing your Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast with delicious sides can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic create a classic side that pairs wonderfully with pot roast.

2. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide balance and color, adding a touch of sweetness to every bite.

3. Green Beans Almondine: Tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft pot roast.

4. Cauliflower Gratin: A cheesy cauliflower bake brings richness and comfort, making it an appealing side dish.

5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet baked sweet potatoes give an earthy flavor that complements the savory beef well.

6. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw salad adds freshness and brightness, cutting through the richness of the pot roast.

7. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can soak up the flavorful juices from the pot roast for an added layer of taste.

8. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach provides nutrients and color, making it an excellent way to round out your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking an Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Skipping the Sear: Not searing the roast first can prevent you from achieving rich flavors. Always brown the meat on all sides to enhance taste.
• Overcrowding the Pot: Placing too much in the Instant Pot can impact cooking time and texture. Make sure there’s enough space for steam circulation.
• Ignoring Natural Pressure Release: Rushing to release pressure can make the meat tough. Allow for a natural release for at least 15 minutes for better tenderness.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality broth or meat can lead to bland flavors. Always opt for high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Incorrect measurements of liquids or spices can alter the dish. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.

Freezing Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Portion out servings before freezing for easy meal prep.

Reheating Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil, heating until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this delicious dish, check out these FAQs.

What kind of beef is best for Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast?

The best choice is beef chuck roast as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure.

Can I substitute beef broth in this recipe?

Yes! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast without alcohol?

You can use dry white apple vinegar or additional broth instead of wine or other alcoholic ingredients.

How long does it take to cook in the Instant Pot?

Cooking time is approximately 60 minutes on high pressure, plus additional time for natural pressure release.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various herbs or serve it with different sides. Try this recipe for an easy family dinner that will impress everyone!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast, a delightful dish that combines tender beef with the rich sweetness of caramelized onions. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering deep, savory flavors that will impress your guests. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this delicious meal in just over an hour, making it a quick and satisfying option for any day of the week. The one-pot preparation means less cleanup, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—enjoying your meal with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup dry white apple vinegar (or additional broth)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 bay leaves

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Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat olive oil. Season the roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook until caramelized (10-15 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Deglaze by adding apple vinegar (or extra broth), scraping up browned bits from the pot.
4. Return the roast to the pot along with beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 60 minutes.
5. Allow natural pressure release for about 15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Remove bay leaves and shred the beef with two forks before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 120mg