Your New Favorite Comfort Food: Hearty Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast
Hey there! Are you ready to dive into the cozy world of comfort food? There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty pot roast, especially when it’s infused with delicious French onion flavors. I absolutely love making this dish in my Instant Pot. It’s quick, easy, and the result is so tender and flavorful that it feels like a warm hug in a bowl! I promise, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a go-to for those chilly nights or family gatherings.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this pot roast delicious, but it has some great health benefits too! Beef chuck roast is a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and overall health. The baby potatoes provide potassium and fiber, making this meal not only filling but nutritious as well. Plus, you can sneak in all those onions, which are rich in antioxidants and can support heart health!
Fun Variations to Make
- Swap the Potatoes: Don’t have baby potatoes? Feel free to use sweet potatoes, carrots, or even parsnips instead. They add a lovely sweetness to the dish!
- Herbs for Days: If you’re a fan of herb flavors, toss in some rosemary or sage along with the thyme for a unique twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: Skip the white wine and use a gluten-free beef broth to keep this dish friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for a chunky portobello mushroom roast. You can use the same broth and seasonings to create a delicious meatless version!
Easy Hearty Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast
Ingredients List
- 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 4 medium-sized yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Let’s start by slicing those onions and mincing the garlic. If your baby potatoes are on the larger side, wash and cut them in half for even cooking.
- Sear the Roast: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once it’s hot, season your beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned, then take it out and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In that same pot, toss in the sliced onions and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or so until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Now, pour in the dry white wine (if you’re using it) and scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce a bit.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Place the beef roast back into the pot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, baby potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Give it a gentle stir to ensure the roast is submerged.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 60 minutes. Double-check that the valve is set to “sealing,” and let it do its magic.
- Natural Release: After the cooking time is up, allow it to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes. Then, switch the valve to “venting” to release any remaining steam carefully.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you like a thicker sauce, take out the roast and veggies. Set the pot back to “Sauté” mode and mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this mixture into the simmering broth until it thickens up nicely.
- Serve: Slice the pot roast and serve it on a plate with the potatoes and onions. Drizzle that thickened gravy over the top, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra thyme.
- Enjoy: Grab a fork, dig in, and savor this cozy, comforting meal!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Want your roast to have even more flavor? Let it marinate in your seasonings overnight if time allows.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- If you plan to freeze leftovers, slice the roast before freezing for easy meal prep later.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need:
- Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for stirring
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry (optional)
- Mixing bowl for prepping ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this pot roast without wine? Yes! You can just use extra beef broth instead of wine.
- How do I know when the roast is done? The beef should be tender and easily shredded with a fork when it’s done!
- Can I skip the browning step? While you can skip it, browning adds a ton of flavor, so I recommend not skipping it if you can help it.
- What can I serve alongside this dish? A fresh salad, crusty bread, or even some steamed veggies would pair wonderfully!
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Absolutely! Just substitute the roast with a hearty portobello mushroom or jackfruit and follow the same steps.
So, are you ready to make this comforting French onion pot roast? Trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you! I would love to hear your thoughts and how it turned out. Don’t forget to snap a photo and pin it to your favorite Pinterest board for later. Happy cooking!
