Pot Roast Recipe (Classic Slow-Cooked Tender Beef Roast)

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This Classic Pot Roast Recipe is the ultimate comfort food made with tender beef chuck roast, hearty vegetables, and a rich savory gravy. Slow-cooked until the meat is fall-apart tender, this homemade pot roast is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Pot Roast

  • 4–5 lbs (1.8–2.3 kg) beef chuck roast
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, or extra beef broth)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Season & Sear the Roast

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels.
  2. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear the roast for 4–5 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  5. Remove roast and set aside.

2. Build the Flavor Base

  1. Add onions to the same pot and cook for 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and red wine.
  5. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release the browned flavor bits.

3. Slow Cook the Pot Roast

Oven Method:

  1. Return roast to the pot.
  2. Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
  3. Cover and cook at 325°F (160°C) for 3–4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.

Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place vegetables in the slow cooker.
  2. Add seared roast on top.
  3. Pour broth mixture over everything.
  4. Cook:
    • Low: 8–10 hours
    • High: 5–6 hours

4. Make the Gravy

  1. Remove roast and vegetables from the pot.
  2. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid.
  3. Simmer liquid on the stove until slightly reduced.
  4. For thicker gravy, mix:
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water
    • Stir into the simmering broth until thickened.
  5. Slice or shred roast and serve with gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Classic Pot Roast with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Dinner rolls
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Green beans
  • Side salad
  • Homemade biscuits

Tips for the Best Pot Roast

  • Use chuck roast for the best texture and flavor.
  • Searing the meat before slow cooking creates a richer gravy.
  • Cook low and slow — tenderness comes from time, not high heat.
  • Don’t cut the roast too small; larger pieces stay juicier.
  • Let the roast rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
  • The leftovers make amazing sandwiches, tacos, and beef hash.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze beef and gravy for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently with extra broth or gravy to keep the meat moist.

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Classic Pot Roast Recipe (Tender Slow-Cooked Beef with Vegetables & Gravy)