The versatility and convenience of an Instant Pot make it an invaluable tool in the modern kitchen, especially for busy individuals or families looking to whip up delicious meals with minimal effort. Among the myriad of dishes you can prepare, a Frozen Pot Roast stands out for its simplicity and rich flavors. This recipe is designed to help you cook a tender, juicy pot roast from frozen, showcasing how quick and easy meal prep can be with the right tools. Here's how you can make this comforting classic, without the hours of thawing or slow cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen pot roast (approximately 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Flour or cornstarch for gravy
Preparation
- Heat Up: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once hot, add the olive oil. This step helps in giving the roast a nice sear even when it's frozen.
- Season and Sear: Season the frozen roast with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme and rosemary. Place it in the Instant Pot. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes or until browned. This step will lock in the flavors.
- Sauté Vegetables: Remove the roast and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add garlic, cook for an additional minute.
- Layer Ingredients: Return the roast to the pot. Add carrots and potatoes around it.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle the remaining thyme and rosemary over the roast and vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook setting for about 70 minutes for a 3-pound roast or 90 minutes for a 4-pound roast. Natural release for at least 10 minutes followed by quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for medium doneness or according to your preference.
- Gravy: If you'd like a thicker gravy, remove the roast and vegetables. Mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add to the juices in the pot, set to Sauté, and stir until thickened.
Serving Suggestions
The Instant Pot Frozen Pot Roast can be served in several delightful ways:
- Traditional Plating: Simply slice the roast and serve with the vegetables and gravy. This is great with a side of green beans or a salad.
- Pot Roast Sandwich: Shred the meat and pile it onto rolls with a bit of gravy, topped with horseradish sauce.
- Soup Transformation: Break down the leftovers into a pot roast soup by adding more broth and seasoning to taste.
Notes
👨🍳 Note: If you're using an older Instant Pot, ensure your valve is set to "sealing" as older models might not automatically do this.
🍴 Note: For even cooking, flip the roast halfway through if possible. This can be challenging with a larger cut but is highly beneficial for the flavor and texture.
In crafting this meal with your Instant Pot, you’ve harnessed the power of pressure cooking to create a savory, succulent pot roast that requires almost no forethought beyond gathering the ingredients. This method proves that with the right kitchen gadget, even the most time-consuming dishes can be prepared with ease and speed, delivering mouthwatering results every time.
Can I use a chuck roast or other cuts for this recipe?
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Yes, a chuck roast works wonderfully for this recipe as it becomes tender when pressure cooked. Other tougher cuts like blade roast or brisket can also be used. The key is to ensure the meat is cooked for the appropriate time to achieve tenderness.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
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Water can be used in place of beef broth, though the flavor might be less rich. You can enhance it with bouillon cubes, soy sauce, or more Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
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Absolutely, this dish reheats wonderfully. Prepare it in advance, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in the Instant Pot on Sauté or in the oven when ready to serve.
Related Terms:
- frozen pot roast in instant pot recipe
