Description
This classic pot roast recipe uses chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, and a savory gravy to deliver a comforting, fork-tender main course thatโs perfect for family dinners. Easy to prepare in a Dutch oven and oven-braised to perfection, it boasts deep flavors from seared beef, aromatic vegetables, and herbs. With optional instructions for a rich, thickened gravy, it promises a satisfying home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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Main
- 3โ4 pounds chuck roast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine, optional (can substitute with additional beef broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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For Gravy (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, optional
- 2 tablespoons water, optional
Instructions
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- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC) to ensure a consistent, even temperature for braising your roast.
- Season the Roast: Pat the chuck roast dry and season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This builds flavor and aids browning.
- Sautรฉ Aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up the flavorful bits left behind from searing.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (or additional beef broth). Stir and scrape the potโs bottom to release any browned bits, infusing the liquid with depth and flavor.
- Braise with Vegetables: Return the seared roast to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Sprinkle in thyme and rosemary, then arrange the chopped carrots and potatoes around the roast.
- Bake: Cover with the lid and transfer the Dutch oven to your preheated oven. Bake for 3โ4 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Optional Gravy (if desired): Remove the roast and vegetables from the pot. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid and simmer on the stovetop, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Slice or shred the cooked pot roast. Serve topped with vegetables and a generous ladle of the savory gravy. Enjoy with your family or guests!
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use red wine for deglazing, but beef broth works well for an alcohol-free version.
- Chuck roast is preferred for its marbling and tenderness after slow braising.
- You can add other root vegetables, like parsnips or turnips, as desired.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
- Cornstarch is optional if you prefer a thicker gravy, but the natural juices are delicious as is.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 120mg