Classic Pot Roast

Directions

1. Season the Roast: Generously season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Deglaze: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any remaining browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Add Liquid and Herbs: Return the roast to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the roast.
6. Cook the Roast: Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low heat on the stovetop, or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3–4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
7. Make Gravy (Optional): Remove the roast and vegetables from the pot. Skim off excess fat. In a small bowl, mix flour with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid to make a slurry, then whisk it back into the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened.
8. Serve: Slice the roast or pull it apart with forks. Serve with the tender vegetables and pour the rich gravy over the top.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3–4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetable Variations: Add parsnips, turnips, or potatoes for extra heartiness.
• Herb Swap: Substitute fresh thyme and rosemary with dried Italian herbs if fresh aren’t available.
• Slow Cooker Method: Sear the meat and aromatics, then transfer to a slow cooker with the liquid and herbs. Cook on LOW for 8 hours.
• Wine-Free Version: Replace red wine with additional beef broth or unsweetened grape juice for flavor depth without alcohol.

Serving Suggestions