Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is a savory, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that feels like it cooked all day—but takes a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot. Think of all the deep, rich flavors of French onion soup infused into tender, juicy beef. It’s comforting, hearty, and ridiculously satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours at the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick for a Roast: You get all the tenderness of a slow-cooked roast in under two hours—thank you, pressure cooker magic!
• Big, Bold Flavors: The caramelized onions, beef broth, garlic, and herbs create an irresistible depth of flavor.
• Minimal Hands-On Time: Once everything is in the pot, the Instant Pot does the work while you unwind.
• Versatile and Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit with adults and kids alike, and pairs well with all your favorite sides.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chuck Roast: The star of the show—choose one with marbling for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
• Onions: Yellow or sweet onions are best here; they’ll cook down and give that deep, sweet-savory base flavor.
• Beef Broth: Helps create a rich, meaty sauce. Use low-sodium to better control the seasoning.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that umami punch and ties everything together beautifully.
• Garlic: Minced or sliced—adds essential depth to the flavor.
• Thyme and Bay Leaf: Classic herbs that bring warmth and an aromatic touch to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the roast properly. Don’t be shy, especially with the beef.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For searing the roast and softening the onions, building those foundational layers of flavor.
• Cornstarch (optional): For thickening the sauce at the end if you like a gravy-style finish.
• Gruyère or Swiss Cheese (optional): To channel that French onion soup vibe even more, melt some over the top before serving.

Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Toss in some sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthier flavor.
• Swap the Beef: Use pork shoulder if you prefer—it’ll work beautifully with the same flavors.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip any thickener, and serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
• Wine-Infused: Deglaze with a splash of dry red wine after searing the meat for even more depth.

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Step 1: Sear the Chuck Roast

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat a splash of olive oil. Generously season the roast with salt and pepper, then sear each side until deeply browned—this builds essential flavor.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Remove the roast and add sliced onions to the pot. Sauté until golden and softened, about 10-15 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. Add the garlic during the last minute.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build Flavor

Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Return the roast to the pot, nestle it into the liquid, and toss in the herbs.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 60–70 minutes depending on the size of the roast. Let it naturally release for 15 minutes before opening the lid.

Step 5: Shred and Thicken (Optional)

Remove the roast and shred it. If desired, set the pot to Sauté, stir in a cornstarch slurry, and simmer until thickened. Return the shredded beef to the pot and mix with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Top with grated Gruyère or Swiss if you like, and serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a Good Cut: A chuck roast with good marbling will yield the most tender, flavorful result.
• Don’t Rush the Onions: Take the time to really caramelize them. This is where a huge amount of the flavor comes from.
• Natural Release is Key: Give the Instant Pot time to release naturally—this helps keep the beef juicy and tender.
• Thicken to Your Liking: Prefer a looser broth or thicker gravy? Adjust with cornstarch or leave it as-is.

How to Serve

This French Onion Pot Roast is incredibly versatile. Here are a few favorite ways to plate it:

Classic Comfort:

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes with the sauce spooned generously on top.

Crusty Bread:

Pile it onto toasted sourdough or a crusty baguette—add cheese and broil it for a French dip-style sandwich.

Light and Fresh:

Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.

Grain Bowl Style:

Spoon over rice, couscous, or even quinoa for a satisfying grain bowl with a gourmet twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and get better overnight.

Freezing

Freeze the shredded beef and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, or use the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can make it in a slow cooker (8 hours on low) or braise it in the oven at 325°F for about 3 hours in a Dutch oven.

What type of cheese is best for topping?
Gruyère is the traditional choice for French onion flavor, but Swiss, provolone, or even mozzarella work well too.

Do I have to sear the meat first?
While not mandatory, searing the roast adds a tremendous amount of flavor and helps develop a richer sauce.

Can I add vegetables to the pot?
Absolutely. Carrots or potatoes can be added for the last 20 minutes of pressure cooking to make it a one-pot meal.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is a weeknight winner with weekend-level flavor. It’s rich, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make. If you’re looking for comfort food with a little extra flair—and minimal effort—this recipe will become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and taste the magic of French onion soup… in pot roast form!

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