Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

If you’re craving savory, melt-in-your-mouth comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor, look no further than this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast. The magic of caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, and ultra-tender beef comes together in one glorious pressure-cooked dish. Even better, the Instant Pot makes this a weeknight-friendly recipe—no oven, no endless simmering, just rich, swoon-worthy French onion flavor in a fraction of the time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast comes together with just a handful of real, hearty ingredients. The beauty here is in the simplicity—each addition is essential, working its magic for rich flavor, tender texture, and a stunningly savory gravy.

• Beef Chuck Roast (3 lbs, cut into 10 chunks): Chuck roast brings just the right marbling for shreddable, juicy results; cutting it helps everything cook evenly.
• Steak Seasoning (3 tbsp): Adds instant savoriness and crusty, well-rounded flavor—Montreal is a classic, but use your favorite blend.
• Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Highlights the natural beefiness (skip if your steak seasoning is very salty).
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic takes the onions and beef to a new depth of flavor.
• White or Yellow Onions (2 large, sliced): They break down and practically melt into the gravy, delivering that signature “French onion” vibe.
• Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth (1 1/2 cups, divided): Provides moisture and builds the base for a flavorful sauce—use low-sodium so the final dish isn’t overly salty.
• Better Than Beef Bouillon (1 tbsp): Concentrated umami magic! It intensifies the depth and body of the sauce.
• Bay Leaf (1): Adds subtle, aromatic complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Blended with broth at the end, it creates a rich, silky gravy to spoon over the finished roast.

Variations

Love to riff on recipes? The Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast welcomes a little creative license. Whether you’re working with what’s in your pantry, cooking for dietary preferences, or feeling adventurous, here are a few easy ways to customize.

• Swap the Cut: Try arm roast or rump roast if chuck isn’t available—they both become tender and flavorful in the Instant Pot.
• Add Veggies: Toss in a handful of halved baby potatoes or thick-cut carrots on top of the onions before sealing for a built-in side dish.
• Go Gluten-Free: Ensure your broth and steak seasoning are certified gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.
• Make It Dairy-Free (or Not!): For a true French onion experience, add a sprinkle of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese before serving—leave it off for a dairy-free meal.

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Step 1: Layer in the Ingredients

Begin by arranging the beef chuck roast chunks in the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. Sprinkle the steak seasoning and kosher salt evenly over the meat, then pour in 1 1/4 cups of beef broth. Top with minced garlic, followed by a generous layer of sliced onions—the more, the merrier! Spoon the Better Than Beef Bouillon on top and nestle in the bay leaf.

Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Lock the Instant Pot lid, making sure the steam release valve is set to “Sealing.” Select Manual or Pressure Cook, set to High Pressure, and adjust the timer to 60 minutes. As the pot heats up, get ready for the biscuity, savory aroma that fills your kitchen. Once the cook time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for a full 25 minutes—this is key for juicy, tender beef.

Step 3: Shred & Sauce

After the lid unlocks, transfer the beef to a bowl and gently shred it with two forks—it should basically fall apart! Discard the bay leaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of beef broth with the cornstarch until smooth, then stir it into the hot oniony cooking liquid. Turn on Sauté mode, cooking for about 2 minutes and stirring, until the sauce thickens into luscious gravy.

Step 4: Serve & Savor

To finish your Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast, pile the shredded beef onto a serving platter or individual plates, then ladle that golden-brown onion gravy over the top. Serve piping hot, and don’t be shy about mopping up every drop with a hunk of bread!

How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a vibrant, herby freshness that brightens up the rich, savory pot roast. For the ultimate homage to classic French onion soup, try topping each serving with a shower of freshly grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, letting it melt dreamily over the hot beef and onions. It’s pure magic!

Side Dishes

Serve your Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, pillowy egg noodles, or even simple steamed rice—all perfect for soaking up every drop of the onion-packed gravy. A big green salad or roasted green beans provides a fresh contrast, while a crusty baguette lets you channel French bistro vibes and swipe up every last bit of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

This pot roast is as at home at a cozy Sunday dinner as it is on a party buffet. Try piling the shredded beef onto toasted rolls with melted Swiss for irresistible French Onion Pot Roast sandwiches, or ladle it over creamy polenta for a rustic spin. For a family-style feast, present the beef and onions on a platter, surrounded by potatoes and carrots, with the gravy offered in a pitcher for dramatic effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast keeps beautifully! Once cooled, store the shredded beef and onion gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, making second-day servings even more delectable.

Freezing

This pot roast is freezer-friendly and perfect for future comfort cravings. Place cooled meat and gravy together in a heavy-duty freezer bag or container, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. If you’re using the microwave, cover and use short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure everything heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When you’re looking for hearty, crave-worthy comfort that’s as easy as it is impressive, Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is your answer. I hope it brings as much coziness and joy to your table as it does to mine—don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds! Give it a try, and let the warm, savory aroma fill your kitchen and your heart.

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