Description
Succulent French onion pot roast delivers classic comfort with modern Instant Pot convenience, melding rich caramelized onions and tender beef into one irresistible meal. Hearty flavors and simple preparation make this dish perfect for satisfying weeknight dinner cravings you’ll absolutely love.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 3.4 pounds (1.5 kilograms) beef chuck roast
Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (or additional broth)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare for searing by heating olive oil in the Instant Pot using Saute mode at high temperature. Season the roast generously with salt and pepper, then create a rich golden crust by searing each side for 4-5 minutes until deep brown.
- Transfer the seared meat to a temporary plate. Add sliced onions to the pot, stirring periodically and allowing them to caramelize into a deep golden color over 10-15 minutes. Introduce minced garlic during the final minute to release its aromatic essence.
- Deglaze the pot by pouring wine or broth, carefully scraping accumulated browned bits from the bottom to capture maximum flavor complexity.
- Reassemble the roast into the pot, surrounding it with beef broth, thyme sprigs, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Secure the lid and initiate high-pressure cooking for precisely 60 minutes.
- After cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, permitting the meat to rest and absorb additional moisture. Carefully manage any remaining pressure release.
- Extract bay leaves and gently shred the tender roast using two forks. Elevate the dish by garnishing with melted Gruyere cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a luxurious presentation.
Notes
- Searing Secrets: Pat the meat dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor.
- Onion Optimization: Slice onions uniformly to guarantee even caramelization and prevent burning during the long cooking process.
- Cheese Enhancement: Broil the finished roast with Gruyere cheese for an extra crispy, golden top that adds restaurant-quality presentation.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and use a plant-based roast alternative to create a delicious vegetarian version of this comfort dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg