The Best Homemade Pot Roast Recipe

Spread the love

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade pot roast recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, filling your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas. You’ll love how tender the meat becomes, practically melting in your mouth with every bite. The vegetables soak up all the rich flavors, making them the perfect side without any extra effort. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s comfort food at its finest, and even beginners can master it with ease.

Recipe

This classic homemade pot roast recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat with a rich, hearty gravy, perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients:

3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 stalks celery, sliced
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening gravy)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat vegetable 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 and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
Return the roast to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery around the meat.
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Remove the pot from the oven. If desired, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the gravy to thicken.

Notes:

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the broth. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Equipment:

Large Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 3½ hours

Cuisine: American

Serving: 6-8

Nutrition

Here’s the nutritional information for a serving of homemade pot roast.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	40 g
Carbohydrates	10 g
Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	100 mg
Sodium	600 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade pot roast with classic sides like mashed potatoes and buttered carrots—they’re simple but always hit the spot. When I’m craving something cozy, I’ll add a comforting carb, like fluffy dinner rolls or garlic bread, to soak up that rich gravy. It’s all about finding the combinations that make the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Classic Side Dishes

Nothing completes a hearty pot roast like a few classic side dishes that balance its rich flavors. I love pairing it with seasonal vegetables like roasted carrots or buttery green beans—they’re simple but add freshness to the meal. A hearty salad, like one with kale, roasted squash, and a tangy vinaigrette, also works wonders. These sides not only brighten the plate but cut through the richness of the roast. Every time I serve these, it feels like I’ve hit the perfect combo of comfort and balance. It’s all about letting the pot roast shine while complementing it just right.

Comforting Carb Pairings

While fresh veggies and salads bring balance to pot roast, sometimes you just want something hearty and comforting to soak up all that rich gravy. For me, creamy mashed potatoes are a must—they’re like a fluffy pillow for all that delicious beef and gravy. I love them extra smooth with a hint of garlic and plenty of butter. And don’t forget warm, buttery rolls! They’re perfect for tearing apart and dipping, and I swear, they make every bite even better. These carb pairings turn a simple pot roast into a meal that feels like a cozy hug. Trust me, you’ll want seconds.