Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

If you love the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup but crave a hearty, comforting meal, then the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked chuck roast with deeply savory onions and a luscious beef gravy, all made effortless in the Instant Pot. It’s the perfect marriage of simplicity, bold flavor, and the kind of cozy satisfaction that only a home-cooked meal can provide. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each one is essential, from the succulent beef chuck that forms the base, to the sweet onions that build deep richness, and finishing touches like the beef broth and seasoning that create the perfect gravy. Here’s everything you’ll need to make magic happen in your kitchen.

• 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 10 chunks: Choose well-marbled beef for the most tender, juicy results after pressure cooking.
• 3 tablespoons steak seasoning: Adds robust savory notes and a hint of spice to enhance the beef’s natural flavor.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances all the flavors and helps season the meat thoroughly.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the roast and gravy with aromatic warmth and depth.
• 2 large white or yellow onions, sliced: These cook down beautifully to add sweetness and body to the dish.
• 1 ½ cups reduced-sodium beef broth, divided: Provides moisture for cooking and forms the savory base of the gravy.
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon: Concentrated flavor enhancer that boosts richness without overpowering.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy into a silky, luxurious sauce.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the beef and onions perfectly.

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Start by cutting your boneless beef chuck roast into about 10 manageable chunks. This helps the meat cook evenly and ensures every bite is tender. Using beef chuck is key because its fat content renders beautifully under pressure, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture you want.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of steak seasoning and 1 teaspoon kosher salt evenly over the beef pieces. This step might seem simple but it’s crucial for building layers of flavor that will carry through the entire dish. The seasoning will penetrate the meat as it cooks, giving every morsel a savory boost.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot

Place the seasoned chunks of beef into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Pour in 1 and 1/4 cups of the reduced-sodium beef broth so the meat has enough liquid to cook in and stay juicy. Then, scatter the minced garlic over the meat, followed by the sliced onions. The onions contribute sweetness and help create that signature French onion flavor throughout the dish.

Step 4: Add Seasonings and Broth Enhancer

Drop in the tablespoon of Better Than Beef Bouillon and tuck in the bay leaf. These ingredients add complexity to your broth, which will become the rich, velvety sauce served with the roast. Their combined effect is a savory, umami-packed flavor that elevates the whole meal.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Roast

Secure the lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to sealing. Set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 60 minutes. This long cook time allows the beef and onions to meld beautifully while the Instant Pot does all the work for you, breaking down the beef fibers until perfectly tender.

Step 6: Natural Pressure Release

Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 25 minutes. This slow depressurization helps retain moisture and ensures the meat stays juicy rather than drying out. It also lets the flavors continue to develop inside your pot.

Step 7: Shred the Meat

After removing the lid, carefully take the bay leaf out and discard it. Using forks, shred the beef chunks right in the pot or transfer to a plate for shredding. The meat should fall apart effortlessly thanks to the long cooking.

Step 8: Thicken the Gravy

Mix the remaining 1/4 cup beef broth with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth. Switch your Instant Pot to sauté mode and stir the slurry into the liquid inside. Cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens into a luscious sauce that will coat the shredded meat beautifully.

Step 9: Serve

Pour the rich, caramelized onion gravy over the shredded pot roast and get ready to dive into a comforting plate of deliciousness.

How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note and adds a pop of color. For an indulgent touch, consider melting a small slice of gruyere or Swiss cheese on top of the meat–it’s a delicious nod to French onion soup’s famous cheesy topping.

Side Dishes

This robust pot roast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even a rustic crusty bread to soak up every last bit of gravy. For a lighter side, steamed green beans or a crisp salad balance out the richness and provide textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the shredded pot roast in individual bowls topped with caramelized onions and a drizzle of gravy. Another fun idea is to pile it onto toasted baguette slices for open-faced sandwiches, garnished with a little melted cheese for a satisfying and unique appetizer or meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pot roast and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your leftovers even tastier! Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality and taste.

Freezing

To freeze, transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. Label and date them, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for safe reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy and keep the meat tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, brisket or round roast can also work. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the cut’s thickness and fat content.

Do I need to brown the meat before pressure cooking?

This recipe skips browning to save time without sacrificing flavor because the Instant Pot does a fantastic job infusing seasoning and cooking the meat until tender. However, if you have extra time, a quick sear can add a lovely depth of flavor.

Can I use beef bouillon powder instead of Better Than Beef Bouillon?

Yes! Beef bouillon powder can be substituted, but be sure to adjust the amount carefully to avoid over-salting. Better Than Beef Bouillon is simply a convenient and flavorful concentrated paste.

How can I make the onion flavor more intense?

Try caramelizing the onions separately in a pan before adding them to the Instant Pot. This step will deepen their sweetness and give your pot roast an extra layer of rich onion taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This dish reheats very well and can be portioned into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a generous plate of the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe on a chilly evening. It’s a dish that feels lovingly homemade yet is surprisingly simple to prepare thanks to the Instant Pot. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become a comforting classic in your rotation—packed with bold flavors, tender meat, and that irresistible onion gravy. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and savor every delicious bite!

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