If you love the cozy, deeply savory flavors of French onion soup combined with tender, melt-in-your-mouth pot roast, you are going to adore this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe. This dish takes the classic elements of caramelized onions and rich beef gravy, marrying them with the convenience and speed that only an Instant Pot can offer. The result is a hearty, soul-warming meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivers satisfying comfort in every bite. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises to become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and perfect texture. From the hearty chuck roast to the sweet, slow-cooked onions and savory broth, every component comes together simply yet brilliantly.
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 10 chunks: The star of the dish, chuck roast becomes tender and juicy through pressure cooking.
- 3 tablespoons steak seasoning: Adds a bold, savory punch to perfectly season the beef.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 2 large white or yellow onions, sliced: Slowly soften and sweeten to mirror the classic French onion taste.
- 1 ½ cups reduced-sodium beef broth, divided: Builds a rich, beefy base for the cooking liquid and gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon: Intensifies the beef flavor for a robust, umami-packed broth.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the luscious gravy to just the right consistency.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle herbal notes that elevate the overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Start with cutting your chuck roast into manageable chunks so it fits comfortably in your Instant Pot. This helps the meat cook evenly and absorb all the incredible flavors you’re about to layer on.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Sprinkle the steak seasoning and kosher salt generously over each piece of beef. This seasoning sets the foundation for that bold, savory flavor you’ll adore. Don’t be shy—it really makes the roast shine.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Liquids
Pour 1 and 1/4 cups of beef broth into the pot for a moist cooking environment that will keep the meat succulent. Add the minced garlic directly on top of the beef for that garlicky punch, followed by the thick layer of sliced onions that will melt down into sweet, caramelized ribbons.
Step 4: Seasonings and Bay Leaf
Next, stir in the Better Than Beef Bouillon and tuck in the bay leaf. These ingredients deepen the moody, rich broth that’s the heart and soul of the dish.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Lock the lid securely on your Instant Pot, making sure the pressure release valve is set to sealing. Set it to manual high pressure and cook for a full 60 minutes. This slow, humid heat is what breaks down the connective tissue in the chuck roast, making it incredibly tender.
Step 6: Natural Release
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 25 minutes. This gradual cool-down step lets the flavors settle and keeps the meat juicy and tender instead of toughening up.
Step 7: Shred the Meat
Carefully remove the pieces of meat from the pot and shred them with two forks. Discard the bay leaf from the pot, as it has done its job of infusing subtle herbal notes.
Step 8: Thicken the Gravy
Switch your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Mix together the remaining 1/4 cup of beef broth with cornstarch to make a slurry, then stir it into the pot. Let the gravy cook and thicken, stirring occasionally until it reaches the perfect silky consistency to coat your roast.
How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, caramelized flavors. For an extra indulgent touch, a few shavings of gruyere or swiss cheese can bring that signature French onion soup feel to your pot roast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or roasted root vegetables. These sides soak up that luscious gravy and balance the savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the shredded pot roast over toasted baguette slices and drizzle with the onion gravy to create a rustic open-faced roast beef sandwich. Alternatively, pile it on soft dinner rolls for elegant sliders that are always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The beef stays tender and the flavors develop even more with a day or two of resting.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Store the shredded beef and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to best preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the meat. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to refresh the gravy’s consistency. This ensures each serving tastes just as delicious as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when pressure cooked, you can also try brisket or even shoulder roast for similar results. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if pieces are significantly larger or smaller.
Do I need to brown the meat first?
This recipe skips browning to keep it simple and fast. The Instant Pot does a fantastic job of developing deep flavors through pressure cooking and the steak seasoning, so browning is optional.
Can I use yellow onions instead of white?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are actually preferred by many for their natural sweetness and better caramelization, which enhances the French onion flavor profile in this dish.
Is the Better Than Beef Bouillon necessary?
It really elevates the richness and umami in the broth, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a high-quality beef bouillon cube or concentrate. Just be mindful of the salt content.
What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the gravy?
You can use all-purpose flour as a thickener instead. Mix it with cold water before adding to the pot to prevent lumps, or simply simmer the gravy longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a hug on a plate. With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of your pressure cooker, you can create a meal that’s both sophisticated in flavor and beautifully comforting. I can’t wait for you to make this your own and watch it become a family favorite—delicious, effortless, and truly unforgettable.
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Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender beef chuck roast cooked to perfection with caramelized onions and rich beef broth. Utilizing the convenience of the Instant Pot, this recipe ensures juicy, fall-apart meat and a luscious gravy thickened with cornstarch in under two hours, making it an ideal comforting dinner for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 10 chunks
Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons steak seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
Vegetables
- 2 large white or yellow onions, sliced
Liquids & Others
- 1 ½ cups reduced-sodium beef broth, divided (1 1/4 cups + 1/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Begin by cutting the boneless beef chuck roast into 10 chunks for even cooking and placing them into the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle the chuck roast pieces evenly with 3 tablespoons of steak seasoning and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to build flavor.
- Add Ingredients: Pour 1 and 1/4 cups of reduced-sodium beef broth over the meat. Then add the minced garlic on top of the beef and layer the sliced onions over everything.
- Seasonings: Add 1 tablespoon of Better Than Beef Bouillon and 1 bay leaf to enhance the depth of flavor in the pot roast.
- Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid by closing and locking it, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to sealing. Select manual high pressure and cook for 60 minutes.
- Natural Release: When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 25 minutes before opening the pot.
- Shred the Meat: Carefully remove the cooked beef chunks and shred them. Discard the bay leaf from the pot.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup beef broth with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook and stir until the gravy thickens to desired consistency.
Notes
- Using reduced-sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Letting the pressure release naturally improves the tenderness of the beef.
- The Better Than Beef Bouillon adds a rich umami flavor, but can be omitted or substituted with beef base if preferred.
- For thicker gravy, more cornstarch slurry can be added gradually as needed while sautéing.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
