Perfect Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Introduction
Pot Roast is a classic comfort dish, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich, flavorful broth with hearty potatoes and carrots. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner. Cooking it low and slow ensures the meat is fork-tender, while the vegetables absorb all the delicious flavors. Whether made in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (Oven) / 8 hours (Slow Cooker) / 1.5 hours (Instant Pot)
Total Time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours (depending on the method)
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast:
3-4 lb beef chuck roast
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth of flavor)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh)
1 tsp paprika
1 bay leaf
For the Vegetables:
4 large carrots, cut into chunks
1.5 lbs baby potatoes (or 3 large potatoes, cut into chunks)
2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
For Thickening the Gravy (Optional):
2 tbsp cornstarch
¼ cup water
Instructions
Prepare the Meat
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven (or a heavy-bottomed pot) over medium-high heat.
Sear the Roast
Sear the beef on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. This step locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
Remove the roast and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add tomato paste (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and stir well.
Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add thyme, rosemary, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook the Pot Roast
Oven Method (Best for Deep Flavor)
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Return the roast to the pot, cover, and place in the oven for 2.5 hours.
Add potatoes and carrots around the meat. Cover and cook for another 1 hour, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Slow Cooker Method (Easy & Hands-Off)
Transfer the seared roast and sautéed onions/garlic to a slow cooker.
Pour in beef broth and add herbs. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours.
Add potatoes and carrots in the last 2 hours of cooking.
Instant Pot Method (Quickest Option)
Sear the roast using the “Sauté” function. Remove and set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic, then deglaze with broth.
Add the roast back in, followed by potatoes and carrots.
Cook on “Pressure Cook” (High) for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
Make the Gravy (Optional but Recommended!)
Remove the roast and vegetables from the pot.
Mix cornstarch with ¼ cup of water to make a slurry. Stir into the pot juices.
Simmer over medium heat until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
Serve & Enjoy!
Slice or shred the roast.
Serve with potatoes, carrots, and rich gravy on top.
Tips & Tricks
Best Cut of Meat:
Chuck roast is ideal for pot roast as it becomes tender when slow-cooked. You can also use brisket or bottom round roast.
Searing is Key:
Browning the meat first adds deep flavor. Don’t skip this step!
Layering for Best Texture:
Add potatoes and carrots later in the cooking process so they don’t turn mushy.
Make it Ahead:
Pot roast tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions:
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Leftover Ideas:
Use shredded beef for sandwiches, tacos, or mix it into pasta.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~480
Protein: ~45g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fat: ~22g
Fiber: ~5g
Sodium: ~850mg
This Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots is a hearty, wholesome dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether you make it in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, it’s guaranteed to be flavorful, tender, and satisfying.