Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

Imagine coming home to rich, savory aromas—tender shredded beef melting into a velvet blanket of sweet onions and deeply flavorful gravy. That’s exactly what awaits you with this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast, a fuss-free dinner hero that brings all the soul of classic French onion soup together with melt-in-your-mouth pot roast, in a fraction of the time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast proves you don’t need much to make magic happen. Every element here is essential for building that signature depth of flavor and creating luscious, fork-tender beef in the heartiest onion gravy imaginable.

• Boneless Beef Chuck Roast (3 pounds, cut into 10 chunks): The ideal cut for shredding and soaking up all those savory juices—arm or rump roast also work beautifully if you want to swap.
• Steak Seasoning (3 tablespoons): Brings bold spice and herby punch to the dish; Montreal steak seasoning is my personal favorite.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Heightens the aromatics and draws out even more natural beefy flavor—omit if your steak seasoning is already very salty.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds that irresistible savory backbone we just can’t skip in a comfort meal.
• White or Yellow Onions (2 large, sliced): The onions are the heart of this recipe, melting down into sheer silkiness and lending their signature sweetness.
• Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth (1 ½ cups, divided): Provides all the savory moisture needed for pressure-cooking and makes the luscious gravy at the end.
• Better Than Beef Bouillon (1 tablespoon): Gives an extra concentrated meaty boost that makes regular broth taste gourmet.
• Bay Leaf (1): A subtle touch that rounds everything out and adds a whisper of herbal complexity.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Whisks into that broth at the end, transforming it into a glossy, craveable gravy you’ll want to spoon on everything.

Variations

The beauty of Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is how easy it is to customize—whether you’ve got dietary restrictions or a creative streak, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. Feel free to play with seasonings, swaps, and tweaks to make it uniquely yours!

• Gluten-Free Upgrade: Use your gluten-free steak seasoning and bouillon—or make sure all labels are GF—for a celiac-friendly dinner that’s just as cozy.
• Add Veggies: Tuck in a handful of thick-sliced carrots or parsnips above the onions for extra sweetness and color.
• Cheesy French Onion Twist: Melt Gruyère or Swiss over servings before bringing to the table for a true French onion soup experience.
• Swap the Beef: Try with pork shoulder for an unexpected but deliciously succulent alternative if beef isn’t your thing.

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Step 1: Layer and Season the Meat

Start by cutting your chuck roast into hearty chunks—about ten pieces is perfect. Add them straight to the Instant Pot’s inner pot, then generously sprinkle with steak seasoning and a touch of kosher salt. This first step ensures every morsel is packed with flavor, right from the start.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Pour in 1¼ cups of beef broth so the meat can tenderize and steam under pressure. Scatter your minced garlic directly over the roast, then carefully lay the sliced onions on top. Dot with Better Than Beef Bouillon and nestle in the bay leaf—these little touches are what create that signature French onion magic.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Until Meltingly Tender

Seal the Instant Pot lid and be sure the pressure valve is set to “sealing.” Set to manual high pressure for 60 minutes. Let the pot work its magic—the beef will become unbelievably tender, while the onions mellow and sweeten, infusing the entire dish.

Step 4: Natural Release and Shred

Once cooking is finished, let the pressure release naturally for 25 minutes. This resting period keeps the meat juicy. Carefully unlock the lid, discard the bay leaf, and transfer the meat to a plate or bowl. Use two forks to shred it into bite-size perfection.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the remaining ¼ cup beef broth with the cornstarch until smooth, then press “sauté” on your Instant Pot. Stir the slurry into the oniony broth and simmer gently while whisking for about 2 minutes, until you have a dreamy, thickened gravy to pour over the beef.

How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Garnishes

I love to shower the finished roast with a little chopped fresh thyme or parsley—both add gorgeous color and a pop of freshness to contrast the deep, savory flavors. For a “wow” factor, a few fried onion strings or a sprinkle of grated Gruyère cheese makes every plate a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Creamy mashed potatoes and crusty, buttery bread are absolute classics with Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast—the potatoes soak up every drop of gravy, and the bread is perfect for scooping. Roasted green beans or a crisp salad add a welcome burst of texture and brightness to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the shredded beef and onions onto toasted baguette slices for open-faced sandwiches, or make mini sliders topped with melted Swiss. For dinner parties, spoon the pot roast into individual ramekins, top with cheese, and broil for a French onion pot pie twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast (meat and sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying for quick lunches or next-day dinners!

Freezing

This pot roast freezes beautifully. Portion cooled meat and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. For best results, heat slowly and stir occasionally until everything is piping hot and luscious again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving big comfort with minimal effort, this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast belongs on your table. I hope you’ll try it soon—every spoonful is brimming with cozy flavor and family-pleasing magic. Don’t be surprised if it becomes the most-requested meal in your house!

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