Instant Pot Braised Beef with Root Vegetables
Hearty beef braised with carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs in the Instant Pot for a comforting, tender main dish. This american-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 leaf bay leaf
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil until shimmering.
- Step 2: Brown the beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 cups beef broth, scraping browned bits from the bottom.
- Step 5: Return beef to the pot along with 3 peeled and chopped carrots, 3 yellow potatoes cut into chunks, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf.
- Step 6: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes before opening.
- Step 7: Remove bay leaf, stir gently, and serve the tender braised beef and vegetables with the rich cooking liquid spooned over.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Instant Pot Braised Beef with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Instant Pot Braised Beef with Root Vegetables?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Braised Beef with Root Vegetables?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Instant Pot Braised Beef with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Instant Pot Braised Beef with Root Vegetables?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.