Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that can be made with minimal effort, this Instant Pot chuck roast recipe is for you. The well-marbled chuck roast becomes incredibly tender, and paired with vegetables like carrots and potatoes, it makes for a perfect family dinner. The addition of red wine and fresh herbs enhances the flavor, making every bite memorable.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 3-5 pound chuck roast, well-marbled
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or to taste)
– 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
– 1 teaspoon granulated onion powder
– 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
– 2 large yellow/brown onions, peeled and halved
– 6-8 large carrots, unpeeled and cut into large pieces
– 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes (optional)
– ½ cup red wine or Cabernet (optional)
– ¾ cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon premium fish sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
– 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 3 sprigs fresh thyme
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 54 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
This Instant Pot chuck roast is not only a time-saver but also a delightful dish that will leave your family asking for more. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chuck Roast
Trim connective tissues from the chuck roast. Rub the kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and granulated onion powder into the meat. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
Cut the onions in half and the carrots into large pieces, ideally in thirds.
Step 3: Heat the Instant Pot
Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and allow it to heat fully.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (and butter if you choose to use it). Add the halved onions to the pot and brown them on both sides. Remove the onions and set them aside.
Step 5: Sauté the Carrots
Add the carrots to the pot and sauté until lightly browned, about 2-5 minutes. Remove the carrots and set them aside with the onions.
Step 6: Prepare for Searing the Roast
If needed, add a little more olive oil to the pot.
Step 7: Sear the Chuck Roast
Place the chuck roast in the pot and sear it for about a minute on all sides until nicely browned. Remove the roast and set it aside.
Step 8: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Step 9: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the red wine and deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.
Step 10: Combine Ingredients
Return the chuck roast to the pot and add the beef broth, fish sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 11: Add Herbs
Place the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs into the liquid. If using dried herbs, add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary.
Step 12: Pressure Cook the Roast
Lock the lid and close the pressure valve. Cook on high pressure for 50 minutes.
Step 13: Release Pressure
After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
Step 14: Check Roasting Tenderness
Open the lid. If the roast is fork-tender, remove it to a plate and cover it to keep warm.
Step 15: Add Vegetables
Add the potatoes (if using) and the reserved onions and carrots to the pot.
Step 16: Pressure Cook Vegetables
Lock the lid and close the pressure valve. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
Step 17: Release Pressure Again
After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
Step 18: Serve the Dish
Remove the lid, transfer the vegetables to a serving platter with the roast, and serve.
Step 19: Thicken Gravy (if desired)
For a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté, bring the cooking liquid to a boil, and stir in the slurry until the desired thickness is achieved.
Notes
Cooking Time Variations
Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chuck roast; larger pieces may require additional time.
Seasoning Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
Vegetable Variations
Other vegetables, such as celery or parsnips, can be used based on availability or preference.
Wine Alternatives
If avoiding alcohol, you can substitute the red wine with more beef broth or grape juice for flavor.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Cook techniques
Trimming the Chuck Roast
Trimming the connective tissues from the chuck roast can help reduce toughness and ensure a more tender final product.
Seasoning the Meat
Rubbing the meat with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and onion powder enhances its flavor and creates a delicious crust when seared.
Searing for Flavor
Searing the chuck roast, onions, and carrots adds depth to the dish by developing rich flavors through the Maillard reaction.
Deglazing the Pot
Pouring red wine into the pot after sautéing allows you to scrape up flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, which can enrich the final sauce.
Using Fresh Herbs
Fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the dish with aromatic flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the meat and vegetables.
Pressure Cooking
Cooking under high pressure cuts down on cooking time significantly while retaining moisture and flavor in the chuck roast.
Natural Pressure Release
Allowing a natural pressure release helps the meat to finish cooking gently, leading to a more tender result.
Thickening the Gravy
Creating a cornstarch slurry and adding it to the cooking liquid helps achieve a thicker, more visually appealing gravy.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of meat?
While chuck roast is ideal for this recipe, other cuts like brisket or round can be used, but may require different cooking times.
Can I omit the wine?
Yes, you can skip the wine and substitute it with additional beef broth or water if preferred.
What if my roast isn’t fork-tender?
If it’s not fork-tender after the initial cooking time, you can lock the lid back on and cook it under high pressure for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot chuck roast recipe offers a delicious, tender meal packed with hearty vegetables and rich flavors. The combination of spices, fresh herbs, and broth creates a savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy gathering. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can achieve a fall-apart tender roast in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Classic Roast Beef Sandwiches
Shred the leftover roast and serve it on toasted bread with horseradish sauce and pickles for a classic deli-style sandwich.
Beef and Vegetable Soup
Use leftover roast and vegetables to create a comforting beef and vegetable soup. Add extra broth and some fresh herbs for additional flavor.
Hearty Beef Stew
Cut the roast into cubes and combine it with additional potatoes, peas, and a thicker gravy for a hearty beef stew.
Beef Tacos
Shred the remaining roast and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a refreshing twist.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Combine diced chuck roast with rice, tomatoes, and spices, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until heated through.
Beef Pizza Topping
Shred the beef and use it as a topping on homemade or store-bought pizza along with your favorite toppings for a unique flavor combination.
