Classic Beef Pot Roast (Printable Version)

Tender beef slow-cooked with vegetables in a rich, savory gravy for a comforting family dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 (3–4 lb) chuck roast
02 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
03 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Vegetables

05 - 1½ lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
06 - 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
07 - 2 large yellow onions, quartered
08 - 4 cloves garlic, smashed

→ Liquids

09 - 2 cups beef broth
10 - 1 cup dry red wine (optional; substitute with more beef broth if preferred)
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Herbs & Spices

13 - 2 teaspoons dried thyme or 4 fresh thyme sprigs
14 - 2 bay leaves

→ Gravy Thickener

15 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for gluten-free)
16 - 2 tablespoons cold water

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 300°F.
02 - Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. Season all sides with salt and pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 4–5 minutes per side until well browned. Remove and set aside.
04 - Add onions and garlic to the pot, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits.
06 - Return the roast to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.
07 - Arrange potatoes and carrots around the beef.
08 - Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3–3½ hours, or until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
09 - Remove the roast and vegetables to a platter. Skim excess fat from the liquid.
10 - In a small bowl, whisk flour (or cornstarch) with cold water until smooth. Stir into the pot. Simmer on the stovetop over medium heat, whisking constantly, until gravy thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
11 - Slice the beef and serve with vegetables and gravy.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Fork-tender beef that practically melts in your mouth after slow braising
  • One-pot cooking means easy cleanup and maximum flavor development
  • Versatile recipe that can be made gluten-free by using cornstarch
  • Hearty vegetables cook alongside the meat, absorbing all the delicious juices
  • Makes excellent leftovers perfect for sandwiches the next day
02 -
  • Use a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid for best results
  • Don't skip the searing step—it builds essential flavor in the final dish
  • Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat
  • Contains wheat if using all-purpose flour for gravy thickening; substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free
  • Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens
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