Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast and Gravy

Do you need an easy Instant Pot pot roast and gravy recipe?

Doesn’t everybody?!

I use this recipe to take to people after surgery, a death in the family, or when a new baby comes. The day I found it we had suffered a sudden death in the church my husband was the pastor of at the time. I needed a recipe that I could get done in a few hour’s time. There was no time for a slow cooker and the Instant Pot was not an option then.

Everyone that tastes it raves about it. A flavorful roast that is easy to prepare takes the guesswork out of dinner.

How to Prepare Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast and Gravy

The prep for this roast is effortless to do. I always cook it thawed. Consequently, I do not have instructions for starting with a frozen roast.

In the pictures below, you will see that I used fresh garlic with a garlic press. Crushed garlic from a jar works just as well with less mess. My most recent discovery that pretty much changed my life is frozen crushed garlic from Trader Joe’s. It is my new favorite thing in the kitchen.

crushed garlic for easy meal prep

Cooking Instructions

Once your roast is thawed push the Saute button on your Instant Pot. After it is heated follow the instructions below to make this easy Instant Pot pot roast and gravy.

  1. Add 1-2 TBSP olive oil to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
  2. Sear the roast on both sides for about 4-5 minutes each. The roast should come up quickly. If the roast sticks, it probably needs a little longer for a good sear.
  3. Once the browning is complete, turn the Instant Pot off.
pot roast in the instant pot
  1. Place the side with the most fat facing up. This method allows all of the juices to flow down and baste the meat while it cooks.
  2. Salt and pepper the top side generously. Sprinkle with thyme and add about three crushed garlic cloves to the top of the meat.
easy instant pot pot roast and gravy
  1. Add 1 cup beef broth to the pot with a 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Now add any cleaned, chopped veggies if you want to add them. I make it with veggies and without. As can be seen in the pictures, I had carrots on hand. That is all I added to the pot.
  3. Turn the Instant Pot to manual and press the + button to 60 minutes for a 3 lb roast and 70 for a 4 lb roast.
  4. Once Instant Pot beeps that it is done, allow it to release the pressure naturally for 15-20 minutes.
  5. When the 15-20 minutes are up, turn the pressure valve to release any leftover pressure. Be careful because the steam will be scalding.
easy instant pot pot roast and gravy

How to Make Gravy in the Instant Pot

Gravy is my love language. Gravy, made in the Instant Pot, takes it to a whole new level. I love the simplicity of using one pot for everything.

  1. Once meat and veggies are done, remove them from the Instant Pot, leaving the juices behind. Cover them to keep warm until ready to serve.
  2. Leave the Instant Pot on the Warm setting for this next part. It will still be plenty warm. You can always turn it to the saute setting if needed later.
  3. Mix 2 TBSP cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water and stir until combined. Do this 2-3 times and mix it all up in the same bowl.
  4. While stirring, the leftover juices slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture, continuing to stir. Add a little at a time and see how it goes. You may not need all of it.
  5. The gravy should thicken and coat the back of a spoon. You can also run a spoon across the bottom of the pot. When you see the trail of the spoon left behind, it is thick enough.
  6. Let the gravy bubble and cook for about 5 minutes to incorporate the mixture.
  7. Add salt and pepper to taste if needed.

If you do not own an Instant Pot this is the perfect time to buy one! I bought my Instant Pot during Black Friday 4 years ago. Best decision ever! Don’t be scared of it. I have great tips on how to use it.

Savvy tips for cooking, organizing and cleaning

Here’s a savvy tip for you. Use leftover roast from your easy instant pot pot roast and gravy to make roast beef sandwiches the next day! A small amount of salt and pepper on the sandwich will bring out the flavorful!

Be sure to check out my related post on a great Instant Pot Chicken Soup to make this winter!

Print Recipe
Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast and Gravy
This Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast and Gravy is delicious and simple to prepare. Perfect for getting dinner on the table fast. I love feeding my kids a nutritious meal after a long sports practice. This always satisfies all the hungry bellies around my table.
Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast and Gravy
Course Main Dish
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 60-70 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Course Main Dish
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 60-70 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast and Gravy
Instructions
  1. Add 1-2 TBSP olive oil to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Sear the roast on both sides. About 4-5 minutes on each side. The roast should come up easily. If the roast sticks it probably needs a little longer for a good sear. Once the browning is finished turn the Instant Pot off. Place the side with the most fat facing up. This allows all of the juices to flow down and baste the meat while it cooks. Salt and pepper the top side generously. Sprinkle with thyme and add about 3 crushed garlic cloves to the top of the meat. Add 1 Cup beef broth to the pot with a 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce. Now add any cleaned, chopped veggies if you want to add them. I make it with veggies and without. As can be seen in the pictures, I had carrots on hand. That is all I added, but you can do whatever works best for your family. Turn the Instant Pot to manual and press the + button to 60 minutes for a 3 lb roast and 70 for a 4 lb roast. Once Instant Pot beeps that it is done allow it to release the pressure naturally for 15-20 minutes. When the 15-20 minutes are up turn the pressure valve to release any leftover pressure. Be careful because the steam will be very hot.
  2. For the Gravy: Once meat and veggies are cooked remove them from the Instant Pot leaving the juices behind. Cover them to keep warm until ready to serve. Leave the Instant Pot on the Warm setting for this next part. It will still be plenty warm. You can always turn it to the saute setting if needed later. Mix 2 TBSP cornstarch with 1/4 Cup cold water and stir until combined. Do this 2-3 times and mix it all up in the same bowl. While stirring the leftover juices slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture continuing to stir. Add a little at a time and see how it goes. You may not need all of it. The gravy should thicken and coat the back of a spoon. You can also run a spoon across the bottom of the pot. When you see the trail of the spoon left behind it is thick enough. Let the gravy to bubble and cook for about 5 minutes to incorporate the mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste if needed.