Name: Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast (AIP, Paleo) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ~2 lb beef chuck roast, room temperature; 1.5 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste); 3 TBSP olive oil, divided; 2 TBSP nomato sauce; ¼ cup coconut aminos; 3 cups carrots, chopped into 2-inch pieces; 4 large shallots, roughly chopped; 6 cloves garlic, sliced; 4 medium-sized Japanese sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 cups beef bone broth (AIP compliant); 2 bay leaves; 6 sprigs of fresh thyme; 1 TBSP tapioca or arrowroot starch; 2 TBSP cold water

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that fits perfectly within an AIP and Paleo lifestyle, look no further than this Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast (AIP, Paleo) Recipe. It’s a wonderful marriage of tender, juicy beef chuck roast simmered alongside sweet, vibrant vegetables all infused with fragrant herbs and a rich, flavorful gravy. This dish brings together the convenience of modern pressure cooking with the wholesome, nourishing ingredients that make your dinner feel truly special. Plus, the Instant Pot locks in all those savory flavors while saving you time, so you get a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast without the usual hours of slow cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a shiny metal pot, there is one large thick piece of dark brown raw meat placed in the center. Surrounding the meat are thick chunks of pale cream-colored root vegetables and bright orange carrot pieces. On top of the meat and vegetables, there are two green bay leaves and a small sprig of green rosemary, adding fresh color. The inside of the pot is reflective and has a slightly warm tint from cooking. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to crafting a pot roast that’s bursting with flavor and just the right texture. Each one plays a key role: from the rich beef chuck roast that forms the hearty base to the sweet potatoes and carrots adding natural sweetness and vibrant color, and the herbs and coconut aminos building layers of depth in the gravy.

~2 lb beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors around it.
3 TBSP olive oil, divided: Used for searing and sautéing, it adds a subtle richness and helps build flavor in each step.
3 cups carrots, chopped into 2-inch pieces: These bring a lovely sweetness and bright color to the dish.
4 large shallots, roughly chopped: Shallots add a milder, sweeter onion flavor that blends beautifully.
6 cloves garlic, sliced: Garlic amps up the savory notes and aroma.
2 TBSP nomato sauce: A perfect AIP-friendly alternative to tomato sauce that provides body without harsh acidity.
¼ cup coconut aminos: This gives a subtle umami boost similar to soy sauce but compliant with AIP and Paleo diets.
4 medium-sized Japanese sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces: Their creamy texture and natural sweetness balance the savory beef.
2 cups beef bone broth (AIP compliant): Adds richness and moisture, enhancing the depth of flavor.
2 bay leaves: Infuse the broth with a delicate, herbal aroma.
6 sprigs of fresh thyme: Thyme lends a fresh, earthy note to round out the dish.
1.5 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
1 TBSP tapioca or arrowroot starch: Used to thicken the gravy, giving it that perfect, silky consistency.
2 TBSP cold water: For mixing with the starch to create a smooth slurry.

How to Make Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast (AIP, Paleo) Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Start by rubbing the sea salt all over the beef chuck roast and let it come to room temperature. This simple seasoning moment is crucial—it helps the meat develop a fantastic crust when seared and brings out the natural flavors inside. Allowing the roast to warm up before cooking ensures even cooking and tenderness.

Step 2: Searing the Roast

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned beef and sear it for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it forms a beautiful brown crust. This caramelization builds deep flavor layers that will immensely enhance the final dish. Remove the beef and set it aside; don’t worry if it isn’t cooked through yet—that’s next.

Step 3: Sautéing the Veggies and Aromatics

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot, then toss in the chopped shallots. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn translucent and soft, stirring often to keep them from burning. Introduce the sliced garlic and nomato sauce next, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. These steps create a luscious base filled with aroma and flavor that will marry beautifully with the beef.

Step 4: Building the Pot Roast

Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot, nestling it into the flavorful shallot mixture. Add the chopped carrots, sweet potatoes, coconut aminos, beef bone broth, bay leaves, and fresh thyme sprigs. This layering is what brings all the ingredients together, allowing the meat and vegetables to soak up all those delicious savory and herbal notes during pressure cooking.

Step 5: Pressure Cooking

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure to high. Let it cook for a solid 45 minutes to transform the beef into tender perfection. After cooking, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes—this gentle decompression phase helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Carefully remove the beef, carrots, and sweet potatoes from the pot. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized, tender pieces. Meanwhile, whisk together the tapioca or arrowroot starch with cold water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté, bring the remaining liquid to a boil, then stir in the starch mixture. Whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the gravy thickens to a silky, luscious texture. Remember to taste and adjust salt as needed to perfectly season your gravy.

How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast (AIP, Paleo) Recipe

The dish shows two main layers on a white plate set on a white marbled background with a black and white striped cloth underneath. On one side, there is a pile of shredded brown meat with visible fibrous texture and small green herb leaves scattered on top. On the other side, there are chunky pieces of soft orange carrots mixed with off-white potato chunks, both appearing tender and coated lightly with sauce. The two sections sit close but not mixed, creating a clear contrast between the fibrous meat and the soft vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few fresh thyme sprigs added on top bring a fresh burst of herbal fragrance and a lovely pop of green color. This simple garnish makes your plate look inviting and adds a little extra aromatic lift with each bite.

Side Dishes

Since this pot roast already features hearty root vegetables, consider light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette or steamed leafy greens such as kale or spinach. These offer a refreshing contrast and balance out the richness of the pot roast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve the shredded beef and veggies in deep bowls with plenty of gravy spooned over top. To elevate for a special dinner, plate the shredded meat on a bed of mashed cauliflower or your favorite AIP-friendly puree, then drizzle with the thickened gravy and garnish with thyme. This presentation transforms comfort food into a sophisticated delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pot roast and vegetables store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better. Just keep the gravy and solids together to preserve moisture.

Freezing

This Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast (AIP, Paleo) Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers, covering well with gravy to prevent freezer burn. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, providing a ready-to-go dinner option on busy evenings.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of bone broth or water if needed to loosen the gravy. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, covered to retain moisture, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can also try brisket or rump roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut’s thickness and fat content.

Is this recipe truly AIP and Paleo compliant?

Yes, this recipe follows the guidelines for both AIP and Paleo diets, using compliant ingredients like nomato sauce instead of tomato sauce and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Always double-check your ingredient labels to ensure compliance.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Certainly! You can prepare this pot roast in a slow cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot on the stove, though it will take longer. Slow cooking on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or simmering gently on the stove for a few hours will also yield tender, flavorful results.

How can I adjust the thickness of the gravy?

If you prefer thicker gravy, increase the tapioca or arrowroot starch slightly and whisk it in while the liquid is boiling. For thinner gravy, simply use less starch or add a bit more bone broth when reheating.

Are Japanese sweet potatoes necessary or can I substitute another kind?

Japanese sweet potatoes offer a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that complement the beef wonderfully. However, you can substitute with regular orange sweet potatoes or even butternut squash if needed. Just be mindful of the cooking time as different veggies soften at different rates.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Instant Pot Pot Roast (AIP, Paleo) Recipe is one of those dishes that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It brings incredible flavor, nourishing ingredients, and unbeatable convenience together all in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this pot roast is sure to become a beloved staple you return to again and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!