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Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe


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4.2 from 67 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A rich and savory pot roast inspired by French onion soup, made quickly and easily in the Instant Pot. Tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection with caramelized yellow onions, garlic, beef broth, and aromatic herbs, delivering deep, comforting flavors in a fraction of the usual cooking time.


Ingredients

Beef and Seasoning

  • 3 to 4 lb beef chuck roast
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Herbs

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Brown Roast: Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper. Brown the roast on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms. Remove the roast and set aside.
  2. Caramelize Onions: Add the thinly sliced yellow onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until the onions soften and develop a light caramel color, enhancing their natural sweetness.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Create Cooking Liquid: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate the browned bits. Add fresh or dried thyme and the bay leaf, stirring to combine all flavors.
  5. Pressure Cook: Return the browned roast to the Instant Pot, nestling it into the onion mixture. Seal the lid and set the pot to cook on HIGH pressure for 60 minutes.
  6. Release Pressure: Once cooking completes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes to let the meat relax. Then carefully perform a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.
  7. Serve: Remove the roast and slice or shred as desired. Serve topped with the luscious caramelized onions and gravy from the pot. Optionally, use the Sauté mode to thicken the sauce before serving. Pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Notes

  • Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
  • For a thicker gravy, after removing the roast, switch the Instant Pot to Sauté and cook the sauce until reduced to your desired consistency.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free; ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free if needed.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: French-Inspired