Unbelievably Tender Keto Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe You Have to Try!

Pot roasts are a classic comfort food, perfect for cooler weather. This recipe delivers that slow-cooked taste without the wait, using an Instant Pot for convenience. By replacing traditional potatoes with low-carb vegetables like radishes, this dish becomes keto-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant.

Why Choose an Instant Pot for Pot Roast?

An Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen tool that offers various cooking methods and settings. It significantly reduces cooking time, making it possible to enjoy a tender pot roast in a fraction of the time compared to traditional slow cooking methods.

Ingredients for a Keto Pot Roast

The key to a delicious keto pot roast lies in selecting the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

For the Roast

Boneless Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking, becoming tender and succulent due to its marbling.
Himalayan Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the beef's flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth to the roast.
Dried Italian Seasoning: Infuses the roast with aromatic herbs.
Avocado Oil or Ghee: Used for searing the meat and adding healthy fats.
Onion and Mushrooms: Contribute a rich, earthy flavor.
Tomato Paste: Provides umami and acidity to balance the flavors.
Keto-Compliant Worcestershire Sauce or Compliant Fish Sauce: Adds complexity to the sauce without the carbs.
Coconut Aminos: A savory, slightly sweet substitute for soy sauce.
Keto-Compliant Beef Broth or Bone Broth: Forms the flavorful cooking liquid.

For the Vegetables

Rutabaga, Turnips, and Radishes: These low-carb vegetables mimic the texture of potatoes.
Cauliflower Florets: A low-carb option that absorbs the sauce's flavors.
Chopped Celery: Adds a fresh, crunchy element.
Zucchini Rounds: A low-carb replacement for carrots.
Chopped Orange Bell Pepper: Adds color and sweetness (or use carrots if not strictly keto).

Gravy and Garnish

Xanthan Gum (optional): To thicken the gravy.
Fresh Rosemary and Parsley: Enhance the flavors and provide a beautiful garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Meat

Season the boneless beef chuck roast generously with Himalayan sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Allow it to rest for about 30 minutes.

2. Sear the Meat

Browning the beef before pressure cooking is crucial for developing a rich flavor. You can do this directly in the Instant Pot using the sauté function or in a cast-iron skillet.

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Instant Pot Method: Turn on the Instant Pot and press the SAUTE button. Add avocado oil or ghee. Once hot, sear the meat on all sides for about 4 minutes each, until nicely browned.
Skillet Method: Heat avocado oil or ghee in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meat on all sides until browned.

3. Cook Aromatics

Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the Instant Pot (or skillet) and cook briefly until fragrant.

4. Add Seasonings and Broth

Mix in tomato paste, keto-compliant Worcestershire sauce (or fish sauce), and coconut aminos. Pour in the keto-compliant beef broth or bone broth. If you browned the beef in a skillet, deglaze the skillet with the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, and then add the mixture to the Instant Pot.

5. Pressure Cook

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to SEALING.
Press the PRESSURE COOK button on high setting and set the timer for 60 minutes.
It will take approximately 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure before the cooking time begins.
After the cook time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

6. Add Vegetables

Add the low-carb vegetables: rutabaga, turnips, radishes, cauliflower florets, chopped celery, zucchini rounds, and chopped orange bell pepper.

7. Cook Again

Cover the Instant Pot with the lid again, ensuring the valve is set to SEALING.
Press the PRESSURE COOK button on high setting for an additional 2 minutes.
When the cook time is over, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then do a quick release.

8. Shred and Serve

Transfer the roast to a cutting board or platter. Use two forks to shred the meat into chunks.
Arrange the vegetables around the shredded roast.
Serve hot with the gravy.

9. Prepare the Gravy (Optional)

Press the SAUTE button on the Instant Pot.
Add xanthan gum to the reserved gravy in the Instant Pot.
Allow it to heat and thicken, adjusting seasonings as needed.
Serve the gravy over the pot roast.

Slow Cooker Method

For those who prefer the traditional slow cooker, here's how to adapt the recipe:

Brown the Meat: Sear the seasoned beef chuck roast in a pan with avocado oil or ghee. Add onions and mushrooms and cook until fragrant.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the roast and vegetables in a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add Seasonings and Broth: Pour in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce (or fish sauce), coconut aminos, and beef broth.
Cook: Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 7 hours.
Add Vegetables: Add low-carb vegetables (rutabaga, turnips, radishes, cauliflower, celery, zucchini, bell pepper) during the last hour of cooking.
Shred and Serve: Shred the roast, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with the cooking liquid as gravy.
Make the Gravy (Optional): Add xanthan gum to the reserved cooking liquid in the slow cooker and allow it to thicken. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Boneless beef chuck roast or chuck shoulder is the best choice due to its fat content and connective tissue, which results in a more flavorful and tender pot roast.
Season Generously: Don't be shy with the seasonings. A well-seasoned pot roast is key to a flavorful dish.
Sear the Meat: Searing locks in the juices and develops a rich flavor.
Vegetable Choices: Customize your keto pot roast with your favorite low-carb vegetables.
Don't Overcook Vegetables: Add vegetables during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Check for Doneness: The meat should easily shred with a fork when it's done.
Fixing Tough Meat: If the pot roast is tough, continue cooking until it becomes tender.
Fixing Dry Meat: If the pot roast seems overdone and leathery, try shredding the roast and soaking it in the gravy for about 10 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

Experiment with different low-carb vegetables.
If not strictly keto, use regular potatoes and carrots.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves for enhanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed cauliflower, roasted broccoli, or other roasted vegetables.
Pair with a simple green salad or cucumber tomato salad.
For a classic pot roast, add mashed potatoes or carrots (if not following a keto diet).

Storage and Freezer Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Allow the shredded pot roast to cool, then transfer it into an airtight container or freezer bag along with the gravy. Store flat in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different cut of meat? While boneless beef chuck roast is recommended, you can also use beef rump roast or round roast.
What can I use as a keto-compliant Worcestershire sauce substitute? Compliant fish sauce, like Red Boat, can be used.
Is xanthan gum necessary to thicken the gravy? No, it's optional, but it will help thicken the gravy if desired.
What are the best low-carb vegetables for this pot roast? Turnips, rutabaga, radishes, cauliflower, zucchini, and celery are all great options.
Can I add traditional potatoes and carrots? Yes, if you're not strictly following a low-carb or keto diet.
How can I make the pot roast more flavorful? Add fresh herbs or experiment with different seasonings.
Is this keto pot roast suitable for a special occasion? Absolutely! It's a comforting and flavorful option for any occasion.

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