Beef Pot Roast Recipe That Will Make Your Family Beg for Seconds

Beef pot roast is the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy beef slow-cooked with hearty vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe covers you. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best beef pot roast at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create magic:

• Beef chuck roast (3-4 lbs): Known for its marbling, this cut becomes meltingly tender when slow-cooked.
• Vegetables:
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks.
  • 4 medium potatoes, quartered.
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped.
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced.
• Aromatics:
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced.
  • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary.
  • 2 sprigs of thyme.
• Broth and Flavor Boosters:
  • 2 cups beef broth or stock.
  • ½ cup red wine (optional but highly recommended).
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing).

Equipment Needed

For best results, use a heavy-duty Dutch oven, but a slow cooker or Instant Pot works, too. To make prep easy, also need a sharp knife, cutting board, and measuring spoons.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Sear the Beef

Start by patting your beef roast dry with paper towels. This helps it sear beautifully. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the roast and sear it for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Don’t skip this step—it locks in flavor! Remove the roast and set it aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add your onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where the flavor starts building.

Build the Broth

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to remove its raw edge. Add the red wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. This step deepens the flavor. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add your rosemary and thyme.

Add the Vegetables and Roast

Nestle the beef back into the pot, ensuring the broth surrounds it. Scatter the carrots and potatoes around the roast. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Alternatively, transfer everything to a preheated 325°F oven or a low cooker.

Cook Low and Slow

Let the magic happen. Cook for about 3-4 hours (or 8 hours on low in a slow cooker) until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked.

Finish with Style

Remove the roast and veggies from the pot. If you’d like a thicker gravy, whisk together a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it into the simmering broth. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Tips for Success

• Pick the Right Cut: Chuck roast is ideal because of its marbled fat, which moistens the meat during slow cooking.
• Deglaze for Flavor: After searing, don’t skip deglazing the pot with wine or broth. It lifts all those tasty browned bits, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Timing the Veggies: Add firmer vegetables halfway through the cooking time if you prefer firmer vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Beef pot roast is a meal on its own, but you can take it up a notch by serving it with crusty bread to soak up the gravy. Mashed potatoes or a side salad also make excellent accompaniments.

Arrange slices of beef on a platter with the vegetables around it and drizzle some gravy on top for an impressive presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the beef and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simmer gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef pot roast isn’t just a recipe—it’s a way to create memories. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks, the tender beef that practically falls apart, and the savory gravy that ties it all together will have everyone returning for seconds.

So grab your ingredients and get ready to make a dinner that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!