A classic Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for a family dinner. The tender roast beef, along with the vegetables, cooks together in a flavorful broth to create a delicious one-pot dish. Hereโs a simple and easy recipe to make this dish at home:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs chuck roast (or another cut of your choice, like brisket or round)
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cubes)
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary (or 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Instructions:
1. Sear the Pot Roast:
- Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF (165ยฐC).
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot (Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
- Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
- Once the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side) until it’s browned. This helps to lock in flavor.
2. Add the Aromatics:
- Once the roast is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the quartered onion and smashed garlic. Sautรฉ for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
- Add the red wine (if using) and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This adds a lot of flavor to the broth.
- Let the wine cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly, then add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
4. Add the Roast and Vegetables:
- Return the roast to the pot and surround it with the potatoes and carrots. Make sure the roast is partially submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
5. Slow Cook the Pot Roast:
- Cook the roast in the oven for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. The vegetables should be tender as well.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the roast and vegetables from the pot and set aside.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the liquid to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry.
- Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering broth until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 3-5 minutes).
7. Serve:
- Slice the pot roast or shred it with a fork. Serve it with the potatoes, carrots, and a generous spoonful of the gravy.
Tips:
- Make it in a Slow Cooker: If you prefer, you can make this in a slow cooker. After searing the roast, add it to the slow cooker along with the vegetables and broth. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, you can add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- Leftovers: Leftover pot roast can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or added to soups and stews.
Enjoy!
This Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots is a comforting and flavorful meal thatโs perfect for a cozy dinner. The slow-cooked beef is incredibly tender, and the vegetables absorb all the delicious flavors from the roast and broth.