Introduction
Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy is the epitome of comfort food. This dish brings together tender beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal.
Using the Instant Pot for pot roast significantly reduces cooking time while infusing flavors deeply into the meat and vegetables. The pressure cooking process ensures that every bite is juicy and bursting with savory goodness. Let's dive into crafting this delicious meal step by step.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds chuck roast
Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling, which melts during cooking, ensuring the meat stays tender and flavorful. - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Oil is used for searing the roast, which caramelizes the meat's exterior, adding depth to the flavor in the final dish. - 2 cups beef broth
Beef broth serves as the cooking liquid, enhancing the roast's flavor and providing a base for the rich gravy. - 1 medium onion, sliced
Onions add sweetness and depth to the dish; as they cook, they caramelize and enhance the overall flavor profile. - 4 carrots, cut into chunks
Carrots not only add sweetness but also contribute nutrition and color to the pot roast, making it more visually appealing. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic adds aromatic flavor, complementing the beef and other vegetables, creating a well-rounded dish. - 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
Thyme has earthy notes that enhance the savory aspect of the roast, bringing a fragrant touch to the overall dish. - Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process ensures balanced flavors and enhances the natural taste of the ingredients. - 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
Potatoes provide the perfect base for creamy mashed potatoes, soaking up the gravy and creating a satisfying side. - 1/2 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes, resulting in a delectable side dish. - 4 tablespoons butter
Butter not only adds flavor but also contributes to the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Sear the chuck roast in vegetable oil.
To start, select the 'Sauté' function on your Instant Pot and heat the oil. Searing the chuck roast on all sides creates a flavorful, caramelized crust, sealing in the juices. This step forms the foundation of your dish, enriching the overall taste.
Step 2: Remove the roast and add onions, garlic, and carrots.
Once seared, take out the roast and add sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sautéing these aromatics for a few minutes allows them to soften, boost flavors, and release their natural sweetness. Then, add the carrots, which will soften as they cook with the roast.
Step 3: Deglaze the pot with beef broth.
Pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot, scraping any bits left from the searing process. This step is crucial, as it prevents burning during pressure cooking and enhances the flavor, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Step 4: Return the roast to the pot, add thyme, salt, and pepper.
After deglazing, return the chuck roast to the pot, then add fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. The thyme infuses wonderful aroma and flavor into the beef, while seasoning it correctly ensures the roast and vegetables are perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for about 60-80 minutes, depending on the size of your roast. The pressure will help tenderize the meat and infuse flavors, making it tender enough to easily shred.
Step 6: Prepare potatoes while the roast cooks.
As the roast cooks, peel and quarter the potatoes. Having everything prepped saves time and keeps your workflow efficient. This attention to timing ensures your meal comes together seamlessly.
Step 7: Cook the potatoes for mashed potatoes.
Once the roast is done, remove it from the pot and switch to 'Sauté' mode again. Add the quartered potatoes to a separate pot of boiling water. Cook until tender, around 15-20 minutes, so they can be easily mashed.
Step 8: Mash the potatoes with cream and butter.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add heavy cream and butter, then mash until smooth. This step is essential; the right balance of cream and butter creates a velvety texture, making these mashed potatoes a perfect partner to your pot roast.
Step 9: Thicken the gravy if desired.
After the potatoes are mashed, you can use the remaining liquid in the Instant Pot to create gravy. If you want a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water, then stir it in while simmering. This way, your gravy maintains a rich flavor while achieving the desired thickness.
Step 10: Serve and enjoy your pot roast meal.
Once everything is completed, slice the pot roast and serve it alongside the mashed potatoes and gravy. This final presentation allows all the flavors to shine and creates a hearty, fulfilling meal that is sure to please the entire family.
The Art of Seasoning Beef
Seasoning is critical in elevating the flavor of your pot roast. Layering flavors throughout the cooking process allows for a complex taste. Start with salt and pepper during the searing phase, then enhance with fresh herbs like thyme. This attention to seasoning ensures every bite of the roast is richly flavored and satisfying.
Crafting the Perfect Gravy
The gravy is what ties your pot roast together, and using the leftover juices is vital for flavor. After removing the roast, any browned bits should be deglazed with broth to create a deep flavor base. Thicken it to your preference—creamy or more broth-like—and adjust seasoning. This method guarantees a gravy that complements the savory meat exquisitely.
Mashed Potatoes Made Right
Perfect mashed potatoes require the right ingredients and techniques. Use starchy potatoes, like Russets, for a fluffy texture. Incorporate warm heavy cream and melted butter for rich flavor. Avoid over-mashing to keep them light; using a potato masher instead of an electric mixer makes a difference. Creamy mashed potatoes are the ideal side to complete your meal.
FAQs
What if my pot roast is too tough?
If your pot roast is tough, it may need more cooking time. Try sealing and cooking it at high pressure for an additional 10-15 minutes.
How can I scale this recipe for a smaller roast?
To adjust for a smaller roast, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes per pound, and make sure to keep the broth and vegetable proportions similar.
What if my gravy turns out too thin?
If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing cornstarch with water and stirring it in while simmering until desired consistency is reached.
Can I use wine in the pot roast?
Yes, you can replace some of the beef broth with red wine. It adds depth and richness to the flavors.
What type of beef should I use instead of chuck roast?
Brisket or round roast are suitable alternatives if you can't find chuck. Adjust cooking times slightly if necessary.
How do I make my mashed potatoes fluffier?
For fluffier mashed potatoes, ensure you do not over-mash them and incorporate warm cream and butter gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Cooking Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy combines convenience with deeply satisfying flavors. The Instant Pot makes this comforting classic accessible, even on busy days.
Gather your family around the table and enjoy the harmonious blend of tender beef, flavorful gravy, and creamy potatoes. This meal is bound to become a cherished favorite in your home.
Recipe Card
Delicious Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Sear the chuck roast in vegetable oil.
- Remove the roast and add onions, garlic, and carrots.
- Deglaze the pot with beef broth.
- Return the roast to the pot, add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure.
- Prepare potatoes while the roast cooks.
- Cook the potatoes for mashed potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes with cream and butter.
- Thicken the gravy if desired.
- Serve and enjoy your pot roast meal.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
