Introduction

This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is a comforting and savory dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of beef are cooked with caramelized onions and rich beef broth to create a flavorful meal that’s ready in just over an hour.

A white plate holds a serving of mashed potatoes with a smooth and creamy texture, topped with brown shredded meat covered in glossy brown gravy that spreads over the mashed potatoes. To the top right side of the plate, there is a neat pile of bright green steamed green beans with a fresh look. A metal fork rests on the right edge of the plate, touching the mashed potatoes with gravy. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface with a beige knitted cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast (cut into 10 chunks)
3 tablespoons steak seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 large white or yellow onions (sliced)
1 ½ cups reduced-sodium beef broth (divided)
1 tablespoon Better Than Beef Bouillon
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chuck roast pieces in the Instant Pot inner pot.
Step 2: Sprinkle the steak seasoning and kosher salt evenly over the meat.
Step 3: Pour in 1 ¼ cups of the beef broth over the meat.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic on top of the meat.
Step 5: Layer the sliced onions on top of the garlic.
Step 6: Add the Better Than Beef Bouillon and the bay leaf to the pot.
Step 7: Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, making sure the pressure release valve is set to sealing.
Step 8: Press the manual high-pressure button and adjust the cooking time to 60 minutes.
Step 9: When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 25 minutes.
Step 10: Unlock and remove the lid carefully.
Step 11: Remove the meat pieces and shred them using two forks.
Step 12: Take out and discard the bay leaf.
Step 13: In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup of beef broth with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth.
Step 14: Press the sauté function on the Instant Pot.
Step 15: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring regularly, for about 2 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
Step 16: Serve the rich onion gravy over the shredded pot roast and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brown the chuck roast pieces in the Instant Pot on sauté mode before adding other ingredients.
Use yellow onions for a sweeter flavor, or mix with red onions for a different twist.
Substitute Better Than Beef Bouillon with beef broth concentrate or beef base if you prefer.
Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage

Store leftover pot roast and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a meal with three parts: mashed potatoes at the bottom left, smooth and creamy with a pale yellow color; on top of the mashed potatoes is a layer of pulled pork covered with brown gravy, showing some shredded texture and glistening sauce; to the upper right side of the plate, there is a pile of green beans, fresh and bright green, slightly shiny. A silver fork rests to the right edge of the plate, all set on a white marbled surface with a cream knitted cloth to the upper left. In the upper right corner, part of another white bowl filled with more pulled pork is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, although chuck roast is ideal for tenderness and flavor. You can also use brisket or round roast, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to use a pressure cooker for this recipe?

No, but using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time and helps tenderize the meat faster compared to slow cooking or oven roasting.