Name: Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 to 4 lb beef chuck roast; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf

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If you have ever dreamed of enjoying the deeply comforting flavors of French onion soup combined with tender, melt-in-your-mouth pot roast, then you are in for a treat with the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe. This dish is the perfect marriage of caramelized onions, savory beef, and rich broth, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the traditional time using your Instant Pot. Every bite bursts with incredible flavor, making it a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a clear glass bowl with a thick piece of red meat with white fat marbled inside, placed on the right side. Above it, a large silver bowl holds chopped orange carrots, white onion slices, and yellow small potato pieces all layered side by side. To the left of the meat, there are two small white ramekins, one filled with a brown sauce and the other with a dry seasoning mix in light beige color. Below these, a small white dish contains a yellow minced substance. In the bottom right corner, there is a clear glass measuring cup filled with water. Everything is neatly placed and well-lit, giving a fresh and clean look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe comes from its simple, well-chosen ingredients that build layers of taste and texture. Each component brings something special—whether it’s the sweetness of caramelized onions or the aromatic herbs that elevate the broth.

Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking and becomes tender and juicy in the Instant Pot.
Olive oil: Used for browning the meat and caramelizing the onions, adding essential richness.
Yellow onions, thinly sliced: The star ingredient that infuses the dish with natural sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Adds a subtle punch of flavor that complements the onions beautifully.
Beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that keeps the roast moist and creates a luscious gravy.
Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a tangy, savory layer that enhances the overall umami.
Thyme: Fresh or dried, it brings an earthy herbal note that ties the dish together.
Bay leaf: Adds aromatic complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight every ingredient.

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Roast

Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Carefully brown the beef chuck roast on all sides to lock in juices and develop a beautiful crust. This step adds a rich, roasted flavor that will take your pot roast to the next level. Once browned, remove the roast and set it aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Next, add the thinly sliced yellow onions to the pot. Stir often and cook until they become soft and gently caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness. This step is crucial because those golden onions are the heart of the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe, carrying the essence of classic French onion soup.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Briefly stir in the minced garlic until fragrant—just a quick stir to avoid burning. Then pour in the beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and the bay leaf. The broth and seasonings start building that savory, comforting base that will infuse the roast with outstanding flavor.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Roast

Return the browned roast to the Instant Pot, nestling it in among the onions and broth. Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to cook at HIGH pressure for 60 minutes. This pressure-cooking technique allows the beef to become incredibly tender in a fraction of the usual time without losing any flavor.

Step 5: Release and Serve

Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes to let the meat juices redistribute beautifully. Then, perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure. Remove the roast, slice or shred it as you prefer, and serve it smothered with the luscious onions and rich gravy that remain in the pot.

How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The best way to garnish your pot roast is with fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of green and subtle herbal brightness. A few caramelized onion rings on top make it look as stunning as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of the flavorful gravy. For some added texture, serve it alongside crusty bread—perfect for mopping up those rich onion juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pot roast open-faced on toasted baguette slices topped with melted Gruyère cheese to echo the French onion soup roots. Another great idea is to pile the shredded beef on soft dinner rolls for indulgent sliders that will disappear fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for easy next-day meals or a quick dinner solution.

Freezing

You can freeze extra portions of the pot roast along with its juices. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pot roast gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth to keep the meat moist and reheat until steaming hot. Using the Sauté function on your Instant Pot also works well to revive the flavors and warmth.

FAQs

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

While beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful under pressure, you can use other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or rump roast, but cook times may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before pressure cooking?

Browning is not mandatory but highly recommended as it adds a depth of flavor and a rich color to the final dish that you can’t get otherwise.

Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make a similar French onion pot roast on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, but it will take much longer to achieve the same tenderness and flavor intensity.

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

Use the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot to reduce the liquid by boiling it down, or mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce to thicken quickly.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients naturally comply with a gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe enough—it’s a flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly simple meal to prepare. Once you taste that perfect balance of tender beef and rich caramelized onion sauce, you’ll see why this recipe quickly becomes a staple for busy weeknights and special dinners alike. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to pot roast recipe!