Tender Instant Pot Roast Beef with Hearty Vegetables & Gravy: An Easy Weeknight Comfort Meal

Prepare to experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and unbelievably tender Instant Pot Roast Beef recipe. Imagine succulent beef that falls apart with just a fork, accompanied by perfectly cooked, hearty vegetables, all bathed in a rich, homemade gravy. This recipe transforms a classic Sunday dinner into a quick weeknight marvel, delivering melt-in-your-mouth results in a fraction of the time traditionally required. It’s the perfect solution for busy families craving a wholesome and satisfying meal without the long wait, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to take all day.

Why This Instant Pot Roast Beef Recipe Is a Game-Changer

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Our Instant Pot Roast Beef recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary revelation for anyone seeking an impressive roast dinner without the extensive cooking time. This method slashes the traditional hours of slow roasting down to roughly 1 hour in your pressure cooker, making it incredibly convenient for busy evenings or when you need a hearty meal in a hurry. The secret to its success lies in the Instant Pot’s ability to create a high-pressure environment, which efficiently breaks down tough meat fibers, resulting in beef that is incredibly tender and literally “melt-in-your-mouth” soft. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can achieve such fall-apart perfection!

Beyond its speed, this Instant Pot roast beef recipe stands out because it delivers a complete, well-rounded meal in one pot. You’ll find perfectly cooked carrots and potatoes nestled alongside the beef, absorbing all the delicious savory flavors of the broth and seasonings. This means less cleanup and a balanced dinner ready to serve with minimal fuss. The vegetables are cooked just right – tender but not mushy – complementing the succulent beef beautifully. Plus, we provide a quick and simple tip for transforming the flavorful pan juices into a luscious, easy beef gravy – the perfect finishing touch to pour generously over your tender roast and vegetables, adding an extra layer of richness and comfort.

While traditional slow-roasted beef recipes certainly have their charm and are beloved for their deep flavors, this Instant Pot version is ideal for those days when you simply didn’t have time to set up your slow cooker in the morning. The pressure cooker accelerates the flavor development and tenderization process, giving you that long-simmered taste in a fraction of the time. If you prefer the classic all-day cooking method, however, our crockpot roast beef recipe remains a wildly popular choice among our readers for its deeply rich flavors developed over hours. But for unparalleled tenderness and speed, the Instant Pot reigns supreme as a true weeknight hero.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pot Roast

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Crafting an amazing Instant Pot Roast Beef starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the deep, savory flavors that define this comforting dish. From the robust beef to the aromatic herbs and crisp vegetables, quality ingredients ensure a truly memorable meal. For precise measurements and a comprehensive list of all ingredients and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate your roast beef from simply good to absolutely extraordinary. Don’t underestimate the impact of vibrant produce and a well-seasoned cut of beef on the final flavor profile.

Ingredient Breakdown & Smart Substitutions

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Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

BEEF – For this Instant Pot Roast Beef recipe, we highly recommend a sirloin tip roast. This cut is wonderfully lean, which means you won’t spend time trimming off excess fat, yet it boasts enough marbling to infuse the dish with plenty of flavor and ensure a tender result. You might also find sirloin tip labeled as “round tip” in your local butcher shop or grocery store. Its lean nature also means it benefits greatly from the pressure cooking method, which helps to tenderize it efficiently and quickly, yielding a juicy and flavorful roast.

If a sirloin tip roast isn’t available, or if you prefer an alternative, you can certainly substitute with a round roast or a classic chuck roast, similar to what we use in our popular crockpot roast beef recipe. Chuck roast is particularly excellent for pot roasts due to its higher fat content and connective tissue, which break down beautifully under pressure, contributing to an incredibly rich flavor and fall-apart texture. Keep in mind that for this recipe, we specifically used a 1 ¾ pound sirloin tip roast. If your cut of beef is significantly larger, you will need to adjust the pressure cooking time accordingly to achieve that desirable fall-apart tenderness. A larger roast (e.g., 2.5-3 pounds) might require an additional 10-20 minutes of high-pressure cooking time, followed by a full natural release.

Hearty Vegetables for a Complete Meal

VEGETABLES – No roast beef is complete without its traditional accompaniment of hearty vegetables. Our recipe features a delicious trio of onions, carrots, and baby potatoes. These vegetables not only add vibrant color and essential nutrients but also absorb the rich flavors of the beef broth and seasonings, becoming tender and incredibly delicious as they cook alongside the beef.

• Onions: Sautéing the chopped onions first creates a foundational layer of aromatic sweetness and depth that permeates the entire dish. Don’t skip this step, as it builds significant flavor.
• Carrots: You can use either chopped carrots (cut into 1-inch pieces) or baby carrots, depending on your preference and what’s available. If using larger carrots, ensure they are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the potatoes and don’t end up too firm or too mushy.
• Baby Potatoes: We prefer baby red potatoes or quartered Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape exceptionally well during pressure cooking. If using larger potatoes, such as Russet or regular Yukon gold, ensure they are cut into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch chunks to ensure they cook through within the pressure cooking time.

For those who prefer, you can certainly omit the vegetables from the Instant Pot during the beef’s cooking and instead serve this tender roast beef over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, with roasted vegetables prepared separately on the side. This offers flexibility based on your preference for vegetable texture and presentation.

Crafting the Perfect Beef Gravy

GRAVY – A rich, savory gravy is often considered the crowning glory of any roast beef dinner, and this recipe makes it effortlessly. The beauty of preparing this meal in your Instant Pot is that you can easily make a delectable gravy directly from the flavorful pan juices left in the pot after the beef and vegetables are cooked. This ensures every last drop of deliciousness is utilized, creating a gravy that is deeply integrated with the flavors of the roast.

To create your easy beef gravy:

1. After removing the cooked roast beef and vegetables from the Instant Pot, you’ll be left with a concentrated, flavorful liquid at the bottom of the pot.
2. In a small bowl, prepare a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with about ½ cup of the hot pan juices until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
3. Add this cornstarch slurry to the remaining juices in the Instant Pot.
4. Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously.
5. Continue to cook and stir until the gravy becomes bubbly and thickens to your desired consistency. This process usually takes only a few minutes. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water to thin it out.

This quick method results in a silky-smooth, intensely flavored gravy that beautifully complements the tender beef and vegetables, adding an extra layer of comfort and savory goodness to your meal.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Roast Beef

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These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious Instant Pot Roast Beef. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

1. Prepare for Sautéing and Browning

   Begin by pouring half of the olive oil into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Select the “Sauté” function (normal or medium setting) and allow it to heat up until the oil is shimmering. This is a crucial first step for effectively browning the beef.

2. Season the Roast Beef

   In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining half of the olive oil with the garlic salt and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to create a fragrant wet rub. This mixture will not only add incredible flavor to the beef but also help create a beautiful crust when seared.

3. Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

   Generously rub the oil and seasoning mixture all over your sirloin tip roast, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Carefully place the prepared roast into the hot oil in the Instant Pot. Brown the roast well on all sides, turning it periodically with tongs. This step, known as searing, is absolutely vital for developing a deep, rich flavor and a beautiful golden-brown crust on the meat through the Maillard reaction. Once nicely browned, remove the roast from the pot and set it aside on a clean plate. Don’t skip this step – it adds immense depth of flavor!

   
   
   

4. Sauté Aromatics to Build the Flavor Base

   With the Instant Pot still on the “Sauté” function, add the minced garlic to the flavorful juices and oil remaining in the pot. Sauté for about one to two minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Next, add the chopped onion and continue to cook for another two minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. These aromatics form the delicious, savory base for your roast’s cooking liquid.

   

5. Add Liquids and Essential Seasonings

   Pour in the beef broth and low-sodium soy sauce. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs. Immediately, deglaze the bottom of the pot by using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits that may be stuck. These caramelized bits contain concentrated flavor that will deeply enrich your final dish. The soy sauce adds a touch of umami and depth without making the dish taste like soy sauce, while fresh rosemary provides an earthy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with beef.

   
   
   

6. Place the Trivet or Rack

   Carefully insert the metal trivet or rack into the Instant Pot, resting it above the liquid. This helps to keep the roast slightly elevated from the bottom, promoting more even cooking and allowing the vegetables to cook alongside it without becoming overly soft or submerged.

7. Add Roast and Vegetables

   Carefully place the previously browned roast on top of the rack. Arrange the potatoes and carrots around the roast on the rack, or if there’s enough liquid, directly in the liquid below the rack. Ensure they are partially submerged to cook tenderly and absorb flavors. Finally, nestle the two bay leaves into the liquid. The bay leaves will release a subtle, aromatic flavor during the pressure cooking process, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

   

8. Pressure Cook for Ultimate Tenderness

   Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Make sure the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure. This means letting the pressure dissipate on its own, which can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the volume of food inside. A natural release is crucial for ensuring the beef remains incredibly tender and juicy, preventing it from becoming tough due to a sudden temperature change. Once the pin drops, you can safely open the lid.

   EXPERT TIP: Crafting the Perfect Gravy from Pan Juices – After removing the tender roast and vegetables from the Instant Pot, you can effortlessly transform the flavorful pan juices into a rich, homemade gravy. Simply create a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with about ½ cup of the hot pot juices until smooth and lump-free. Add this cornstarch slurry back into the remaining juices in the pot. Switch the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes bubbly and thickens to your desired gravy consistency. This savory gravy is perfect for drizzling generously over every slice of beef and spoonful of vegetables, completing your comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success

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To help you master this Instant Pot Roast Beef recipe and ensure perfect results every time, here are answers to some common questions and a few expert tips.

Delicious Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Roast

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This Instant Pot Roast Beef, complete with its tender carrots and potatoes, truly serves as a wholesome and satisfying meal all on its own. The rich, savory flavors of the beef and gravy soak into the vegetables, creating a harmonious and comforting dish that requires no extra sides. However, there are many delightful ways to enhance your dining experience or tailor it to your personal preferences and occasion.

• Classic Accompaniments: If you chose to omit the vegetables during the initial cooking, consider serving the tender roast beef over a cloud of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. You could also prepare additional roasted vegetables like crisp asparagus, vibrant green beans, or sweet roasted Brussels sprouts on the side for added variety and texture.
• Bread for Sopping: A generous chunk of crusty bread or warm, fluffy dinner rolls are the perfect companions for soaking up every last drop of the luscious, savory gravy. A slice of homemade garlic bread would also be an excellent choice to add another layer of complementary flavor.
• Freshness on the Side: To beautifully balance the richness of the roast, a light and refreshing green salad with a bright vinaigrette dressing makes a wonderful counterpoint, adding a refreshing crunch.
• Beverage Pairings: For adult diners, a robust red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or a Pinot Noir would beautifully complement the hearty beef. Non-alcoholic options like unsweetened iced tea, sparkling cider, or even a classic ginger ale also pair well with the comforting flavors of pot roast.

If you’re looking to explore other slow-cooked roast options that offer a different flavor profile, our Amish pot roast recipe, typically prepared in a Dutch oven, is another fan favorite, renowned for its incredible depth of flavor and ease of preparation.

Discover More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes

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The Instant Pot is an incredibly versatile kitchen appliance that can simplify countless recipes and bring amazing, flavorful meals to your table in record time. If you loved the ease, speed, and tender results of this Instant Pot Roast Beef, you’ll definitely want to explore more pressure cooker wonders. Here are some of our other highly recommended Instant Pot recipes that are sure to become new family favorites:

• Instant Pot Ribs: Achieve fall-off-the-bone tender ribs in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
• Instant Pot Chili: A hearty, deeply flavorful chili that’s perfect for a cozy meal, ready much faster than stovetop versions.
• Instant Pot Beef Stew: Enjoy comforting stew with tender beef and vegetables, rich with savory broth, cooked to perfection in minutes.
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Effortlessly create delicious, tender pulled pork, ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
• Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff: A creamy and satisfying classic dish made incredibly simple and quick in the pressure cooker.
• Instant Pot Oxtail: Experience tender, rich oxtail stew that’s surprisingly easy to make, delivering incredible depth of flavor.

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