If you adore tender, flavor-packed roasts and crave a cozy meal with minimum fuss, this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is going to steal your heart—and likely become your new go-to comfort dinner! Imagine juicy, fall-apart beef mingling with sweet caramelized onions and a rich, savory gravy—all magically ready in a fraction of the usual time, thanks to your handy Instant Pot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: The Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast delivers all the sophisticated, slow-cooked flavor you crave without hours of effort or hovering over the stove.
- Restaurant-Quality Gravy: Silky, onion-infused gravy comes together right in the pot—no stove-top whisking required, just pure savory perfection.
- Weeknight and Sunday Supper Ready: With less than 15 minutes of prep, this recipe is just as suited for a busy weeknight as it is for a Sunday family feast.
- Irresistibly Tender Beef: Pressure cooking transforms budget-friendly chuck roast into luscious, fork-tender bites that soak up every bit of French onion goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is all about simple ingredients coming together to create big, bold flavors. Every component has a purpose—whether it’s building that lush gravy, infusing the meat with savory aromatics, or creating irresistible tenderness in almost no time.
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 10 chunks: Chuck roast is the star here, chosen for its rich marbling that melts down to tender perfection under pressure.
- 3 tablespoons steak seasoning: This mix instantly amps up the beefy flavor—use your favorite blend or make your own for a personal touch.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the savory notes—feel free to adjust if your seasoning blend is already salty.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic steeps into the sauce, giving the whole dish a punchy, aromatic depth.
- 2 large white or yellow onions, sliced: These lend their sweet, caramelized magic—yellow onions are classic, but white onions work beautifully too.
- 1 ½ cups reduced-sodium beef broth, divided: Adds richness to the braising liquid and forms the base of your dreamy French onion gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon: This concentrate bumps up the umami, rounding out the flavors with extra depth and savoriness.
- 1 bay leaf: Just one is all it takes to add a subtle earthy aroma to your pot roast.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Whisks with broth to turn your juices into a thick, glossy, pour-over-everything gravy.
Variations
This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast welcomes creativity! Whether you need to adjust for dietary needs, your favorite flavors, or simply what you have in your pantry, it’s so easy to make this classic recipe your own.
- Swap in Different Onions: Try red onions for a touch of sweetness or a mix of shallots for a more delicate, gourmet vibe.
- Add Mushrooms: Stir in sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the onions for extra savory richness (and a little more veggie goodness).
- Gluten-Free Option: The recipe is naturally gluten-free as written—just double-check your bouillon and steak seasoning labels to be sure.
- Make It Dairy-Free: No need to add cheese, but if you love the classic French onion finish, melt some dairy-free provolone over the roast just before serving.
How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast
Step 1: Layer and Season the Meat
Start by arranging the beef chunks right in the Instant Pot insert. Be sure not to overlap too much, so every piece gets its time to soak in those flavors. Sprinkle the steak seasoning and kosher salt evenly over the meat, letting the robust spices and salt work their magic from the very start.
Step 2: Build Flavors with Aromatics
Pour in 1 and 1/4 cups of the beef broth to give your roast a luxurious, steamy bath. Layer the minced garlic right over the beef for that rich French onion aroma, then pile on the sliced onions in a generous blanket. Tuck the spoonful of Better Than Beef Bouillon alongside the onions, and drop in the bay leaf. Every layer matters for that savory, sippable gravy!
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Select manual high pressure and set the timer for 60 minutes. The Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast needs time to develop that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, so don’t rush it! Once the cooking cycle finishes, resist the urge to open the lid and let it naturally release pressure for a full 25 minutes—this is where all the magic happens!
Step 4: Shred, Thicken, and Serve
Carefully unlock and remove the lid. Fish out the bay leaf and set it aside. Transfer the beef to a plate and use two forks to shred it into big, juicy chunks. Mix the remaining 1/4 cup of broth with cornstarch until smooth, then stir this slurry into the simmering liquid in your Instant Pot (switch to sauté mode). Thickening takes just a couple minutes, yielding a glossy, deeply-flavored onion gravy that’s utterly irresistible when poured over the shredded beef.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast
- Chunky Cuts Are Key: Cutting the chuck roast into larger chunks allows for more even cooking and lets that luscious gravy seep into every bite.
- Layer Onions Generously: Don’t be shy with the onions—they’ll practically melt, imparting deep sweetness and body to your sauce.
- Take Your Time with Pressure Release: The 25-minute natural release is non-negotiable for ultra-tender beef and optimum juiciness—trust me, it’s worth every minute.
- Bouillon Boost: Better Than Beef Bouillon adds a complex backbone to the broth, but if you’re out, beef base or extra concentrate will work in a pinch.
How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast
Garnishes
This dish practically begs for a flourish on top! Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, or add a splash of crunch and classic flavor by topping with crispy French-fried onions. For the true French onion experience, a thin slice of toasty baguette or melty provolone set under the broiler will win applause!
Side Dishes
Classic pairings are perfect here. Creamy mashed potatoes and simple buttered egg noodles soak up every drop of the French onion gravy, while steamed green beans or honey-glazed carrots lend a balancing freshness. Crusty bread on the side is practically mandatory for swiping up sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy twist, spoon your Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast over thick slices of toasted garlic bread for open-faced sandwiches, or serve atop a bed of silky cauliflower mash for a lighter touch. Individual ramekins topped with a broiled cheese crostini make a show-stopping dinner party presentation, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is almost better the next day! Let the meat and gravy cool, then store everything together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making leftovers a true treat.
Freezing
The pot roast freezes like a dream. Cool completely, then portion the shredded meat and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its luscious, tender texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen up the gravy. For single portions, a microwave works well—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast?
Chuck roast is the top choice due to its marbling and tenderness, but you can substitute with brisket or bottom round. Just keep in mind that other cuts may cook differently and could be a bit less juicy than chuck.
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Is it necessary to cut the roast into chunks before pressure cooking?
Cutting the beef into chunks not only helps it cook more evenly in the Instant Pot but also allows maximum flavor absorption from all the aromatics and seasoning. If you prefer to cook it whole, increase the pressure cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
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Can I make this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is ideal for making ahead since the flavors only get richer after a night in the fridge. Just store the meat and gravy together, reheat as directed, and enjoy a worry-free dinner later.
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What can I do if my gravy doesn’t thicken enough?
If your gravy is still a bit thin after adding the cornstarch, simply simmer on sauté mode for a few extra minutes, stirring constantly. You can also mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water and stir it in for extra thickening power.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is the epitome of homey and heartwarming—a dinner that brings everyone to the table with anticipation. Give it a try, and you’ll discover just how simple (and satisfying!) it can be to create gourmet comfort food in your own kitchen. Enjoy every cozy, saucy bite!
Print
Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Instant Pot
- Method: Pressure Cooking
Description
This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender chunks of beef chuck roast are cooked in a savory broth with garlic, onions, and aromatic seasonings, creating a deliciously rich and flavorful meal. The meat turns out tender and juicy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 10 chunks
- 3 tablespoons steak seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large white or yellow onions, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth, divided
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Place the chuck roast pieces in the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle the steak seasoning and salt over the meat.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in 1 and 1/4 cups of the beef broth. Add the garlic on top of the meat. Place the sliced onions on top of the garlic. Add the Better Than Beef Bouillon and the bay leaf.
- Cook in Instant Pot: Close and lock the lid. Set the pressure release valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 25 minutes.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the meat, shred it, and remove the bay leaf.
- Make the Gravy: Mix the remaining beef broth with cornstarch. Switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the gravy over the shredded meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
