Did you forget to thaw out meat for dinner? It’s happened to the best of us!
If you have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, this is a simple (and super filling) recipe you can throw together that your family will love. It’s quickly become a weekly staple in our household.
So without any further introduction, let’s dive into this instant pot roast recipe the entire family will enjoy! No matter the season, this hearty dinner makes a delicious meal for days to come (yes, it stores great for leftovers).
Why Make Instant Pot Roast?
Making roast at home allows you to control the ingredients and ensure a nutritious meal for your family. Packed with protein from the pork shoulder or beef roast and loaded with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this stew is a perfectly balanced option for dinner. Using broth as the base (instead of a cream base) keeps it relatively low in fat while providing really great hydration, especially during colder months. That being said, we eat this year-round, and it’s always delicious.
How Can I Customize My Roast?
One of the best things about making roast is how customizable it is. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what’s on hand or in season. Bell peppers, green beans, or even mushrooms can be excellent additions.
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch or use a flour-based roux instead. For those who like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Think of this recipe as the foundation for whatever else you want to build on!
Instant Pot Roast Recipe:
INGREDIENTS:
- 3-4 lbs of pork shoulder or beef chuck roast (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups of broth (you can add more if you like it more brothy)
- 1/4 cup of coconut aminos
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 celery ribs, chopped
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 4 medium yellow potatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- herbs of choice (I love thyme and parsley)
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Place all of the ingredients in an instant pot or pressure cooker.
2. Press the meat/stew button and cook for 1 hour 45 minutes or 22 minutes per pound you are using. Make sure to close the lid and seal the steam valve.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
4. Open the lid of the instant pot or pressure cooker and check the tenderness of the meat. It should be fork-tender, and easily shredded apart.
5. If desired, you can thicken the broth by creating a slurry with cornstarch. In a small jar, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a little bit of water until it forms a smooth paste. Stir the slurry into the broth in the pot and select the sauté function. Cook for a few minutes until the broth thickens.
6. Serve the roast hot, garnished with fresh herbs of your choice, such as more thyme and parsley. Enjoy!roas
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, roast is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day. Store your stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, you can use the microwave or gently warm it on the stovetop. If the roast has thickened too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Common Instant Pot Roast Issues
Even with a straightforward recipe, you might encounter a few hiccups. If your stew is too salty, add a raw potato to absorb some of the excess salt, then remove it before serving. For a roast that’s too thin, besides the cornstarch slurry, you can also let it simmer with the lid off to reduce the liquid. Lastly, if the meat isn’t as tender as you’d like, it might need more cooking time – give it a bit longer and check again.
Curious To Find More Easy Homemade Recipes?
Once you start making healthy homemade recipes, I promise, there’s no going back. If you’re looking to start making the switch to more whole foods and meals at home, I want to help! My recipe book, Staples Made Simple, will give you a complete guide on how to make everyday recipes that are good for the body and the soul.
Have you ever made stew in the CrockPot before? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts: