Classic Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food
Warm, hearty, and irresistibly flavorful, this Classic Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, lazy Sundays, or chilly evenings. Slow-cooked until tender, the beef roast simmers in a savory broth alongside carrots, potatoes, onions, and herbs—creating a one-pot meal that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the rich, delicious gravy.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 kg beef chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 500 g baby potatoes (or large potatoes cut into chunks)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
- Pat the beef roast dry and season it generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the roast on all sides until well-browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic.
- Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any brown bits.
3. Add Vegetables and Build the Broth
- Stir in carrots and potatoes.
- Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and water. Stir well to deglaze the pot.
4. Slow Roast
- Return the seared roast to the pot, nestling it among the vegetables.
- Top with thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven.
- Roast for 3–4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
5. Finish and Serve
- Remove the pot from the oven and discard thyme and bay leaves.
- Shred the roast or slice it against the grain.
- Spoon vegetables and juices over each serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This pot roast is a meal in itself, but it’s especially delightful with:
- Warm, crusty bread
- A side of green beans or peas
- Creamy mashed cauliflower (for a lighter touch)
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the sear! It locks in flavor and adds depth to the broth.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven for even heat distribution.
- Make ahead: This roast tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have melded.