Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there’s just something incredibly comforting about the smell of onions slowly caramelizing in the kitchen. That sweet, savory aroma reminds me of cold evenings when you just want to cozy up with something hearty and warm. Now, pair that with a beautifully tender pot roast—sounds like a dream, right? Well, let me introduce you to this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast recipe. It’s packed with flavor, doesn’t require hours of slaving over the stove, and the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting.

You’ll get tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with the rich flavors of French onion soup, and let’s not forget that savory gravy! This is a dish that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds, and the best part? It’s so easy to put together, it almost feels like cheating. So, grab your Instant Pot, and let’s get started.

this RECIPE

The story behind this French onion pot roast

I’ll never forget the first time I tried this twist on classic pot roast. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I was feeling nostalgic for my grandma’s cooking. She always made the most delicious French onion soup, so I figured, why not combine that flavor with a good ol’ pot roast? I threw a few ideas together, and what came out of the Instant Pot was magic—a French onion-inspired roast that practically fell apart as soon as you touched it with a fork. The onions added that signature sweetness, while the beef stayed so juicy and tender, I could barely wait to dig in. It’s been a favorite ever since, especially when I need something impressive yet easy to whip up.

French onion meets pot roast: a classic combination

If you’re a fan of French onion soup, you already know where we’re going with this recipe. The tradition of French onion soup dates back to Roman times but truly gained popularity in 18th-century France. The caramelized onions, rich broth, and hint of garlic are comforting yet gourmet, making them the perfect base for this dish. With the help of the Instant Pot, we’re able to speed up the cooking process while still maintaining all that rich, slow-cooked flavor. Think of it as French onion soup, but heartier, with chunks of tender beef in every bite.

Key ingredients: building bold flavors

This recipe doesn’t call for a ton of ingredients, but every component plays a role in delivering that deep, savory flavor.

• Beef chuck roast: The star of the show. Chuck roast is perfect for slow-cooking (or pressure cooking, in our case) because it becomes incredibly tender. If you don’t have chuck roast on hand, brisket or even beef stew meat can work in a pinch.
• Steak seasoning: Adds a layer of savory seasoning that gives the beef a nice punch. You can also use your favorite all-purpose beef rub if you prefer.
• Onions: The key to that classic French onion flavor. White or yellow onions work best here, and don’t skimp on them—they add sweetness and richness to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds depth to the flavor. You can substitute garlic powder if you’re out of fresh garlic, though fresh gives the best results.
• Better Than Beef Bouillon: This gives the broth a concentrated beefy flavor without the need for tons of additional seasoning. If you don’t have this, you can use regular beef bouillon cubes or granules.
• Cornstarch: Our go-to for thickening the gravy. If you prefer a different thickener, flour works too, though the cornstarch gives it a smoother texture.

Essential kitchen tools for this recipe

Your Instant Pot is going to be your best friend here, but there are a few other tools that’ll make the process smoother:

• Instant Pot: This recipe is tailored for the Instant Pot, but a similar electric pressure cooker will work. The key is its ability to cook under high pressure, cutting down the time significantly compared to traditional methods.
• Tongs: These will help you easily handle the beef chunks when it’s time to shred the meat.
• Sharp knife: You’ll need this to slice your onions. The thinner the slices, the better they’ll caramelize in the pot.
• Whisk: For mixing the cornstarch slurry at the end. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch.

Step-by-step: making the perfect French onion pot roast

Let’s break down the process so you can feel confident every step of the way. Trust me, this one’s easier than you think!

1. Prepping the beef: Start by cutting your chuck roast into roughly 10 chunks. This helps the meat cook evenly and become super tender. Toss the beef into the Instant Pot, then sprinkle it with your steak seasoning and kosher salt. (I’ve forgotten the salt before—definitely don’t skip this step!)
2. Building flavor with onions and garlic: Mince the garlic and toss it on top of the beef. Then, layer your thinly sliced onions on top. I like to really pile them on because they cook down so much and give that rich onion flavor we’re after.
3. Adding broth and bouillon: Pour in 1 ¼ cups of beef broth and stir in the Better Than Beef Bouillon. It dissolves nicely as it cooks, but be sure to mix it a bit so it doesn’t just sit in one spot. Pop in a bay leaf for an extra layer of flavor, then close and lock the Instant Pot lid.
4. Pressure cook magic: Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure and cook for 60 minutes. Once it’s done, let the pressure release naturally for 25 minutes. (Pro tip: Don’t rush the natural release. It really helps keep the beef tender!)
5. Making the gravy: After removing the meat and bay leaf, switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Stir together the remaining ¼ cup of beef broth with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes until the gravy thickens up. Once it’s nice and silky, you’re ready to go!
6. Shredding the beef: Use your tongs or two forks to shred the beef. It should practically fall apart at this point. Serve the shredded beef with a generous helping of that onion gravy on top.

Variations and adaptations: make it your own!

I love playing around with recipes, and this one is no exception. Here are a few variations I’ve tried that you might like too:

• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your steak seasoning and bouillon to make sure there’s no hidden gluten.
• Low-carb: Since we’re not using any flour, this is already pretty low in carbs. Pair it with some mashed cauliflower for a complete low-carb meal.
• Add veggies: Want to bulk it up a bit? Throw in some carrots or mushrooms along with the onions. They’ll absorb all the wonderful flavors and add extra texture.
• Herb twist: Try adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the pot before cooking. It gives the dish a slightly different depth of flavor.
• Different proteins: If you’re out of beef, this also works really well with lamb or even chicken thighs.

Serving suggestions: how to plate this beauty

When serving this French onion pot roast, I like to spoon the beef and gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks into the potatoes, making each bite a little bit of heaven. You could also serve it over rice, polenta, or even egg noodles. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

For a side dish, roasted vegetables or a simple green salad would complement the rich flavors perfectly. You could even go the classic route and whip up some crusty bread to soak up that delicious gravy!

Pair it with the perfect beverages

When it comes to pairing this dish with a drink, you want something that balances out the richness. A sparkling water with a twist of lemon works wonders to cleanse the palate. Or, if you’re in the mood for something warm, a nice herbal tea—like chamomile or mint—could be a soothing option after a rich meal. I’ve also paired this with a crisp, cold apple cider, and the subtle sweetness complements the savory beef perfectly.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish actually gets better the next day. Store any remaining beef and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to loosen up the gravy, and warm it in a skillet over medium heat. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat it in short bursts and stir between to make sure it heats evenly.

If you’re thinking about freezing, go for it! Just pack it into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Scaling the recipe

If you need to adjust the serving size, this recipe is super forgiving. You can easily halve the ingredients for a smaller batch or double them if you’re feeding a crowd. Just be aware that if you’re doubling, you might need to adjust the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes since the Instant Pot will take longer to come up to pressure with more ingredients.

Final thoughts: give it a try!

I can’t recommend this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast enough. It’s flavorful, hearty, and so much easier than you’d expect. Plus, the Instant Pot means you get all the flavor of a slow-cooked dish in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out, and don’t be afraid to make it your own—I’d love to hear how it turns out!

FAQ

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While chuck roast is ideal for this recipe, brisket or even beef stew meat can work too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

2. Do I need to sear the beef first?
Nope, searing isn’t necessary in this recipe. The Instant Pot does a great job of locking in flavor without that extra step.

3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Just cook it on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, following the same instructions.

4. What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy?
Flour works as a substitute for cornstarch. Just mix 2 tablespoons of flour with the remaining broth to make a slurry.

5. Can I add potatoes or carrots to the pot?
Definitely! Adding potatoes and carrots will make it a full one-pot meal. Just toss them in along with the onions, and they’ll cook beautifully.

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