Description
This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast recipe offers a modern twist on a classic comfort food. It features tender, fork-pulling beef infused with the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup, all prepared in a fraction of the traditional time. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it delivers deep flavor and hearty satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 to 4 lb chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry, optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil and sear the chuck roast for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the pot, followed by the sliced onions. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until they are soft and golden. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pot with Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, scraping up all the brown bits from the bottom. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Return the seared roast to the pot, nestling it into the onion mixture. Lock the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes. Allow a natural release for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the roast and shred it using two forks. For a thicker sauce, set the Instant Pot to “Sauté,” add the cornstarch slurry, and stir until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Spoon the onion gravy over the shredded beef and garnish with parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a well-marbled chuck roast for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Caramelize the onions slowly without rushing to build the base of the French onion flavor.
- Thoroughly deglaze the pot by scraping up all the browned bits (fond) for maximum flavor.
- Allow a natural release for the meat after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Consider variations like adding mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, or topping with cheese and broiling for a gourmet twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure Cooked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg