Description
Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast combines tender, juicy beef chuck with rich caramelized onions and a flavorful broth infused with classic French onion ingredients. This pressure cooker recipe is a fast and easy way to create a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth main dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 3–3½ lb beef chuck roast
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
Optional Gravy Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnish
- fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Generously season the beef chuck roast with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides to enhance its natural flavor.
- Sear the Roast: Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function on high heat. Add olive oil and once hot, sear the roast on all sides until it develops a deep brown crust. Remove the roast and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot and sauté for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and lightly caramelized, which builds the deep onion flavor base.
- Add Aromatics and Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and thyme leaves to the onions, combining well for enhanced aroma and richness.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the beef broth and the optional dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits, which adds depth to the broth.
- Return Roast and Set for Pressure Cooking: Place the seared roast back into the Instant Pot, spoon the onion mixture on top, secure the lid, and set the valve to Sealing.
- Pressure Cook: Cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes to achieve tender, fall-apart beef.
- Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove Roast: Take out the roast and shred or slice as desired for serving.
- Optional Gravy Preparation: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode again. Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, stir it into the cooking liquid and simmer until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Plate the roast topped with the rich onion gravy and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling and tenderness after pressure cooking.
- For a more intense onion flavor, sauté onions longer to deepen caramelization.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Leftovers develop more flavor and are great reheated the next day.
- This dish freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: French-American
