There’s something incredibly comforting about a pot roast simmering away in an Instant Pot, isn’t there? The enticing aroma of beef, onions, and herbs wafting through the kitchen feels like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. I can’t help but fondly remember my mother making her famous pot roast on Sunday afternoons while we gathered around the table, eager for a delicious meal and great conversation. Fast forward to today, and I’ve taken that beloved recipe and given it a tasty twist with French onion soup. If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and downright delicious—look no further than this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast!
What I love most about this recipe is its ability to come together quickly without sacrificing flavor. The Instant Pot works its magic to infuse the meat with so much taste, plus, you can have it on the table in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional pot roast. Just trust me; once you try it, it’s going to become a favorite in your household too!
What’s in Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast?
Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the show! This cut is perfect for pot roast because it has plenty of marbling that melts during cooking, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Onions: I use two large onions that are thinly sliced, and let me tell you, caramelizing them brings a rich, sweet flavor to this dish. You can never have too many onions in my opinion!
Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic give this roast a lovely depth of flavor. Who doesn’t love the tantalizing aroma of garlic wafting through their kitchen?
Beef Broth: I opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness and let the flavors shine through. You can also use homemade broth if you have it!
French Onion Soup: This is where the magic happens! The soup adds wonderful flavor and complexity that takes this pot roast to the next level.
Worcestershire Sauce: A key ingredient that adds a savory punch and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Dried Thyme: One teaspoon of dried thyme contributes an earthy, aromatic taste. You could easily substitute with fresh thyme if you have it on hand.
Black Pepper & Salt: Basic seasoning that’s absolutely necessary to bring all the flavors together.
Olive Oil: A little bit to sauté the onions and sear the meat. I always use extra virgin olive oil for its great flavor.
Cornstarch & Water (optional): If you’re a fan of thicker gravy (who isn’t?), this option allows you to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Mashed Potatoes & Steamed Green Beans: While not strictly part of the pot roast, serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans is a delicious tradition—which I highly recommend!
Is Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Good for You?
You bet it is! While pot roast can often be seen as a luxurious comfort food, the ingredients in this dish pack quite a nutritional punch.
Beef Chuck Roast: A good source of protein and iron, this cut provides essential nutrients. Just keep an eye on portions if you’re watching your fat intake.
Onions: These humble veggies are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, caramelizing them enhances their natural sweetness, making them irresistible!
Garlic: And we can’t forget about garlic! It’s known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and boosting the immune system.
Just keep in mind that while there are healthy components to this dish, it’s still best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you plan to load up your plate with buttery mashed potatoes!
Ingredients
– 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1-2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– 2-3 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
– Mashed potatoes (for serving)
– Steamed green beans (for serving)
*Serves 6-8, perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week!*
How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast?
1. Turn your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode and add olive oil. Once heated, toss in the sliced onions, cooking until they’re beautifully caramelized (about 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally. Then, take the onions out and set them aside—just a little patience here!
2. Season the chuck roast liberally on all sides with salt, pepper, and thyme. Add it to the Instant Pot and sear it on both sides until a rich brown color forms—about 4-5 minutes each side will do the trick.
3. Once you’ve got that beautiful sear, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until your kitchen smells heavenly.
4. Now pour in the beef broth, French onion soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot to avoid the dreaded burn notice!
5. Layer those caramelized onions back on top of the roast. It’s time for all that flavor to meld together!
6. Close the lid, ensure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’, and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for a solid 60 minutes.
7. After the timer goes off, allow for a natural release for 15 minutes before carefully switching the valve to ‘Venting’ for any remaining pressure.
8. Once all’s said and done, remove the pot roast and let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks. It should fall apart beautifully!
9. If you want a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid until it thickens to your liking.
10. Serve the shredded pot roast over creamy mashed potatoes with that luscious gravy on top. And don’t forget those steamed green beans on the side for a pop of color and nutrition!
Serving Suggestions and Extra Tips!
This dish is absolutely cozy on its own, but if you’re feeling a bit extra, serve it up with some crusty bread for soaking up all that gravy—trust me, you won’t regret it! If you’re looking to customize your meal, you can add root veggies like carrots or potatoes directly into the pot for a one-pot wonder. I also love to throw in some fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for an aromatic twist.
So, there you have it, a delightful Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast that’s bound to impress! I encourage you to give it a try and let that delicious aroma fill your kitchen. I’m excited to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
