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Instant Pot Traditional Pot Roast

Fall-apart tender chuck roast with a rich cocoa-spiked broth, thick-cut bacon, and perfectly cooked vegetables — all in one pot.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 18 minutes
Natural Release 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 –4 lbs. chuck roast trimmed
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 c. organic beef broth divided
  • 2 T. tomato paste
  • 1 T. Italian seasoning
  • 1 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 8 oz. thick-cut bacon diced
  • 1½ t. garlic powder
  • ½ small red onion diced
  • 3 large carrots diced
  • 1 lb. multi-colored fingerling potatoes halved
  • 1 lb. green beans trimmed
  • 3 T. fresh parsley leaves chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Instant Pot Minimum 6 Qt

Method
 

Sear the Roast:
  1. Add olive oil to the Instant Pot inner pot and select the Sauté function on the “More” (high) setting.
  2. Once hot, season the chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Add to the pot and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown on all sides. Remove from the Instant Pot and transfer to a platter. Set aside. Time-Saving Tip: Prep your onion, carrots, potatoes, and green beans while the roast cooks.
Build the Broth:
  1. With the sauté function still on, add the diced bacon to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2–3 minutes until it begins to render.
  2. Deglaze the pot by adding the beef broth and scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom with a rubber spatula — this is crucial for both flavor and preventing a burn notice. Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, cocoa powder, and garlic powder. Stir to combine. Press Cancel to turn off the sauté function.
Pressure Cook the Roast:
  1. Return the seared roast to the Instant Pot. Add the lid and lock into place. Set the vent to Sealing. Select Manual/Pressure Cook on High and set the timer to 60 minutes.
  2. When cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Add the Vegetables:
  1. Place the diced onion, carrots, fingerling potatoes, and green beans on top of the roast. Replace the lid and lock into place. Set the vent to Sealing and select Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 3 minutes.
  2. When cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  3. Carefully remove the lid. Transfer the roast and vegetables to a large serving platter. Spoon broth generously over everything, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy!