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The Instant Pot Ranch Pot Roast is a savory, effortlessly prepared meal that combines the rich, comforting flavors of traditional pot roast with the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, all tenderly cooked in a fraction of the usual time.
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Quick and Easy Instant Pot Ranch Pot Roast
The Instant Pot Ranch Pot Roast is a modern twist on a classic comfort food, marrying the traditional flavors of a hearty pot roast with the zesty, tangy taste of ranch seasoning. This dish is a perfect example of how modern cooking appliances like the Instant Pot can transform time-consuming recipes into accessible, easy-to-make meals without sacrificing flavor or quality. By using the Instant Pot, the cooking process is significantly expedited, allowing for a tender, fall-apart roast in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven or slow cooker. The use of ranch seasoning adds an unmistakable layer of flavor, infusing the meat and vegetables with a savory, slightly herbaceous profile that’s both familiar and delightfully unique.
What sets the Instant Pot Ranch Pot Roast apart is not just the convenience and speed it offers, but also its versatility and ability to infuse deep flavors into the meat. The cooking method, involving high-pressure steam, ensures that the rich flavors of the ranch seasoning, along with any added aromatics like garlic, onions, and herbs, are thoroughly absorbed into the roast. This technique not only tenderizes tougher cuts of meat like chuck roast but also locks in moisture, ensuring a juicy and flavorful outcome every time. This dish, often accompanied by vegetables like carrots and potatoes that cook alongside the meat, becomes a complete, well-rounded meal. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion calling for a satisfying and comforting meal, the Instant Pot Ranch Pot Roast stands out as a testament to the fusion of traditional cooking with modern convenience.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Pot Roast
Creating a delicious Instant Pot ranch pot roast can be a rewarding culinary experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of this dish:
Select the Right Cut of Meat: Choose a cut like chuck roast, which is well-marbled with fat. This ensures a tender and flavorful pot roast after cooking.
Sear the Meat First: Use the sauté function of your Instant Pot to sear the meat on all sides before pressure cooking. This step adds a depth of flavor to the pot roast.
Use Quality Ranch Seasoning: Opt for a good quality ranch seasoning mix or make your own for a more authentic and controlled flavor.
Deglaze the Pot: After searing the meat, deglaze the pot with a bit of broth or wine to lift all the flavorful bits off the bottom. This prevents the “burn” warning and adds more flavor to the dish.
Add Aromatics: Include ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs to enhance the overall flavor of the pot roast.
Control Liquid Levels: Too much liquid can dilute flavors and create a watery gravy. Just enough to cover the bottom of the pot is usually sufficient for creating steam and pressure.
Layer Ingredients Properly: Place tougher vegetables like carrots and potatoes under or around the meat as they take longer to cook. More delicate vegetables can be added after the meat is cooked.
Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your roast. Generally, it takes about 20 minutes per pound of meat.
Natural Pressure Release: Allow for natural pressure release (NPR) for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This helps in retaining the juices inside the meat, making it more tender.
Thicken the Gravy: After removing the roast and vegetables, use the sauté function to simmer and reduce the cooking liquid. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.
Rest the Meat: Let the pot roast rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps in retaining the moisture within the meat.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your twist with different herbs, spices, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a unique flavor profile.
Save Leftovers: Pot roast can taste even better the next day, as flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Clean Instant Pot Properly: Ensure to clean the silicone ring and the pot properly after use to avoid lingering smells and flavors.
FAQs
Chuck roast is ideal for a ranch pot roast. It’s well-marbled with fat, which melts during cooking, making the roast tender and flavorful.
If you get a “burn” warning, release the pressure and check the pot. Usually, this happens if there’s not enough liquid or if something is stuck to the bottom. Deglazing the pot after searing the meat can help prevent this.
After removing the meat and vegetables, turn on the sauté function and simmer the liquid to reduce it. For a thicker gravy, mix in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water).
It’s best to thaw the roast completely before cooking for even cooking and accurate timing. However, you can cook a frozen roast in the Instant Pot, but it will require more cooking time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Yes, allowing the meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing helps it retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful.
Yes, cooking the pot roast on high pressure is the standard method in an Instant Pot. It ensures the meat becomes tender and fully cooked.
Other delicious Instant Pot Recipe
An Instant Pot ranch pot roast can be a delicious and comforting meal, and there are several items you can enjoy with it to make a complete and satisfying dish. Here’s a list of accompaniments that pair well with a ranch pot roast:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the rich flavors of the pot roast.
Steamed Vegetables: Choose from carrots, green beans, broccoli, or a mix of your favorite vegetables, steamed to perfection.
Fresh Garden Salad: A light and fresh salad with a mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing can balance the heaviness of the pot roast.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, roasted until caramelized, make a hearty and flavorful side.
Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread: Serve warm dinner rolls or slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy from the pot roast.
Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower seasoned with garlic and herbs.
Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of white rice, brown rice, or quinoa can be a great base for the pot roast and its gravy.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet and buttery corn on the cob is a summery addition that pairs well with the savory flavors of the roast.
Baked Potatoes: Serve whole baked potatoes with the pot roast, and offer toppings like sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese.
Macaroni and Cheese: For a comforting and indulgent side, creamy mac and cheese can be a hit, especially with kids.
Glazed Carrots: Carrots glazed in a little butter and honey can be a sweet and savory side that complements the ranch flavors.
Green Bean Almondine: Green beans sautéed with almonds and a touch of lemon juice offer a crunchy and flavorful side.
Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw can add a refreshing contrast to the rich pot roast.
Polenta: Creamy polenta is a comforting and hearty side that goes well with the textures and flavors of a pot roast.
Try these Instant Pot favorites:
For another delicious pot roast recipe, check out my Perfect Tender Pot Roast Recipe.
Instant Pot Ranch Pot Roast Recipe
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Instant Pot Ranch Pot Roast
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Turn instant pot to sautee setting.
- Add oil, heat until shimmery.
- Add pot roast, let brown on each side (about 6 minutes per side).
- Remove pot roast, set aside.
- Add celery, carrots to pan.
- Cook until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes on sautee.
- Deglaze with stock.
- Add roast back into pan.
- Add ranch dressing packet to season.
- Add lid to instant pot, set to seal.
- Cook on meat with high pressure for 38 minutes, and let naturally release.
- Remove pot roast from pan.
- Set instant pot to sautee and reduce sauce to a thick gravy.
- Pour gravy over roast and serve immediately.
