Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting meal that tastes like a labor of love but comes together with ease, you need this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast in your life! It’s loaded with melt-in-your-mouth beef, caramelized onions, and a deeply savory gravy—delivering all the soul-warming flavors of classic French onion soup, but with hearty, satisfying pot roast vibes. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish is an all-time favorite in my house!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple yet powerful lineup behind this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast. Each ingredient brings a special touch—building deep flavor, beautiful color, and a luscious texture you just can’t fake. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Boneless Beef Chuck Roast (3 lbs, cut into chunks): Perfectly marbled, this cut becomes unbelievably tender and soaks up all the flavors of the broth and onions.
• Steak Seasoning (3 tablespoons): Adds robust savory flavor right from the start—use your favorite blend, or even Montreal Steak Seasoning for extra punch.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Makes all the flavors pop without ever being too salty.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): For deep, aromatic flavor that mingles with the onions and broth beautifully.
• White or Yellow Onions (2 large, sliced): The star of the show! They cook down to sweet, golden perfection and infuse the whole dish with classic French onion magic.
• Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth (1½ cups, divided): Forms the base of the gravy, balancing out the richness so each bite is saucy and satisfying.
• Better Than Beef Bouillon (1 tablespoon): This concentrated beefy goodness brings a savory depth that’s hard to replicate with just broth.
• Bay Leaf (1): Adds a subtle earthy note that lifts the entire pot roast.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Whisked in at the end to create a silky, glossy gravy you’ll want to spoon over everything.

Variations

One of the best things about the Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is how easy it is to tweak and make it entirely your own! Don’t hesitate to swap in ingredients, adapt for dietary needs, or play with flavors to suit your family’s tastes.

• Mushroom Magic: Add a handful of sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra earthiness and even more umami.
• Cheesy French Onion Twist: Serve the pot roast and onions over thick slices of toasted baguette, topped with a sprinkling of Gruyère or Swiss cheese, broiled until bubbly—just like the classic soup, but heartier!
• Lower Carb: Skip the cornstarch slurry and spoon the beef and onions over cauliflower mash for a comforting, low-carb dinner.
• Gluten-Free: The recipe as written is gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and bouillon to be sure.

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Step 1: Layer in the Beef and Seasonings

Add your chunks of boneless beef chuck roast directly into the Instant Pot. Sprinkle generously with steak seasoning and kosher salt. This step does double duty: It evenly coats the beef in flavorful spices while laying the groundwork for an insanely aromatic gravy.

Step 2: Build Up the French Onion Layers

Pour in 1¼ cups of beef broth over the beef. Add the minced garlic on top for a garlicky base layer. Then pile on the sliced onions—don’t be shy; they’ll melt down as they cook! Dot with Better Than Beef Bouillon and tuck in a bay leaf for depth and subtle herbal undertones.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection

Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure release valve is set to “sealing.” Select “Manual” (high pressure) and set for 60 minutes. Walk away and let the Instant Pot work its magic—during this time, the beef turns perfectly tender and the onions become beautifully caramelized.

Step 4: Natural Release & Shred the Beef

Once the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 25 minutes. This slow release ensures the meat stays juicy! Remove the lid, fish out the bay leaf, then transfer the beef to a cutting board and shred it using two forks. The aroma at this stage is unreal!

Step 5: Make the Silky Onion Gravy

Mix the remaining ¼ cup beef broth with the cornstarch until smooth. With the Instant Pot on “Sauté,” stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy is thickened and glossy. Return the shredded beef to the pot, letting it soak in the luscious sauce.

How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Garnishes

This dish practically begs for a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving—they add a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. If you really want to drive home the French onion theme, don’t hesitate to shower your pot roast with a bit of grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese while the meat is still piping hot.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are a dreamy classic with Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast, soaking up every drop of that savory onion gravy. You can’t go wrong with buttered egg noodles, creamy polenta, or even a thick hunk of toasted rustic bread. A crisp side salad or simply steamed green beans help balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping presentation, serve the pot roast family-style in a wide, shallow bowl with onions draped over the meat and extra gravy pooled at the bottom. If you’re feeling playful, pile the beef onto toasted baguette slices, top with cheese, and broil to create “French onion pot roast melts.” Or try individual ramekins for an upscale dinner-party vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast stores beautifully. Simply transfer cooled leftovers (meat, onions, and gravy together) into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next-day meal even more delicious!

Freezing

This pot roast freezes like a dream. Divide cooled leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers (label with the date!) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of extra beef broth if needed. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to distribute the heat and keep the beef juicy. For a “fresh from the pot” finish, a quick sauté in your Instant Pot works, too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t wait for you to cozy up with a big plate of this Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast. It’s hearty, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress anyone who walks through your door—no special occasion required. Get your Instant Pot ready, grab some onions, and treat yourself to this warm, homey classic tonight!

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