If you’re craving a delicious, hearty pot roast but don’t have the time for hours of slow cooking, this easy pressure cooker recipe is exactly what you need. Not only does it cook quickly, but the roast holds its shape perfectly—no more fall-apart meat that’s hard to manage. The gravy comes out wonderfully rich, making it a perfect addition to mashed potatoes or any side of your choice. It’s the kind of comforting dinner that’s sure to become a go-to recipe when time is tight.
Pressure cooker pot roast is the solution for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the long wait. The beef cooks to perfection in under an hour, leaving you with tender, flavorful meat and a savory gravy that can elevate any dinner. This simple recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, ensuring a delicious dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Simple Pressure Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
- 1 (4-6 lbs) beef roast (1.8-2.7 kg), such as chuck or bottom round
- 1 package dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (substitute with regular if necessary) (5 grams)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (1 liter) (or beef bouillon and water as substitute)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (15 grams)
- 1/2 cup hot water (120 milliliters)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Simple Pressure Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
- Trim the Fat: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the roast.
- Prepare the Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Season the Beef: Rub the seasoning mixture over all sides of the beef.
- Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Place the seasoned beef in the pressure cooker. Add the dry onion soup mix, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, and beef broth.
- Cook the Roast: Lock the lid in place and set the cooker to high pressure (15 pounds or 103 kPa) for 50-60 minutes.
- Check the Roast: Once the cooking time is up, remove the pot from heat and allow the pressure to return to normal naturally. Open the lid and use a meat thermometer to check that the roast is tender and has reached at least 140°F (60°C) in the center. If not, lock the lid back on and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes at 15 lbs.
- Let the Meat Rest: Remove the roast from the cooker and set it aside to rest.
- Prepare the Gravy: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of hot water.
- Bring Liquid to a Boil: Bring the cooking liquid from the pressure cooker to a boil over medium heat.
- Make the Gravy: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture while constantly stirring or using an immersion blender. Reduce the heat and simmer, continuing to whisk or stir until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
This easy pressure cooker pot roast with rich gravy is the perfect solution for busy nights when you still want a comforting, flavorful meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty pot roast that rivals slow-cooked versions, all within a fraction of the time. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or any of your favorite sides for a satisfying and delicious dinner that’s sure to please.
