There’s something truly magical about the smell of caramelized onions and tender beef wafting through the kitchen on a cold winter day. This French Onion Pot Roast Instant Pot recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug – comforting, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Growing up in an Italian household with French influences, my nonna would simmer hearty roasts for hours, filling the home with rich, warming aromas. Today, with the convenience of the Instant Pot, we can recreate that deep, slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time without sacrificing quality or taste.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus natural pressure release)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Cuisine: French-American Comfort Food
• Season: Winter
• Focus Keyword: french onion pot roast instant pot

Ingredients

For the Roast

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, halved and sliced thick
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves (not ground)
• 1 tablespoon dehydrated onions
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup brandy or sherry (optional)
• 3 pounds boneless chuck roast, cut into 3 equal chunks
• 1 (10 oz) can condensed French onion soup, or 1 (1 oz) packet onion soup mix with 1 cup water
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 heaping teaspoon beef bouillon (such as Better Than Bouillon)

For the Gravy

• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Slice the onions thickly. Mince the garlic and measure all other ingredients to have them ready before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Once hot, add olive oil and butter. When melted, add sliced onions and the bay leaf. Let the onions sit for a few minutes before stirring, then stir occasionally for 7 to 10 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent.

Step 3: Add Flavor Base

Add the minced garlic and stir for about 45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the thyme leaves, dehydrated onions, Worcestershire sauce, and brandy or sherry if using. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Meat and Liquids

Place the chunks of chuck roast directly on top of the onions. Pour the French onion soup (or soup mix plus water) over the meat. Do not stir. Dissolve the bouillon in the beef broth and pour it over the meat.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Cancel the Sauté setting. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual button and set the timer to 60 minutes on High Pressure. Allow the pot to come to pressure (about 10 minutes), then begin cooking.

Step 6: Natural Pressure Release

When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 15 minutes for natural pressure release. Afterward, release any remaining pressure manually.

Step 7: Shred and Set Aside

Carefully open the lid. Skim any fat from the top of the liquid and remove the bay leaf. Transfer the roast to a platter and shred with two forks or cut into chunks.

Step 8: Make the Gravy

Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté. When the liquid begins to simmer, stir in the slurry. Stir constantly until the gravy thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 9: Serve

Return the shredded beef to the gravy and stir to coat. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice for a satisfying, complete meal.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Winter

Rich, hearty, and loaded with slow-cooked flavor, this French onion pot roast is the definition of comfort food. The onions melt into the beefy gravy, creating a luxurious sauce that clings to everything it touches. Paired with starchy sides and a crisp salad, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.

This dish is particularly well-suited for winter due to:

• Long cooking time, perfect for cold evenings
• Comforting, nostalgic flavors
• Use of hearty ingredients like beef and onions
• Ideal for batch cooking and leftovers

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes – The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that savory onion gravy
• Buttered egg noodles – A rustic, satisfying side
• Crusty artisan bread – Ideal for dipping
• Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts – For a touch of brightness

Tips and Variations

• Skip the alcohol: The brandy or sherry adds depth, but the dish is delicious without it. Just increase the broth slightly.
• Extra vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms or chunks of carrot during the sauté step.
• Make ahead: The flavors deepen over time, so it’s excellent made a day in advance.
• Storage: Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Additional Resources

Explore more on these helpful topics and links:

• How to Make the Best Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Cooking Guide
• Pairing Wine with Beef Dishes
• The History of French Onion Soup

Conclusion

This French Onion Pot Roast made in the Instant Pot brings together the best of French and American culinary traditions. It’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Once you try it, it may just become your go-to roast recipe every winter.

Tried this recipe? Share your experience or your own twist in the comments. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.