Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Season the Roast:
- Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Sear the Roast:
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the roast and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- If using red wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Return the Roast to the Pot:
- Place the seared roast back into the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
- Cover and Cook:
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 hours.
- Add Vegetables:
- After 2 hours, remove the pot from the oven and add the carrots, potatoes, and celery (if using). Make sure the vegetables are submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
- Continue Cooking:
- Cover the pot again and return it to the oven. Cook for an additional 1-1.5 hours, or until the roast and vegetables are tender.
- Serve:
- Remove the pot from the oven. Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the roast with the vegetables and some of the cooking liquid spooned over the top.
Tips:
- For a thicker gravy, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the cooking liquid after removing the roast and vegetables. Simmer on the stovetop until thickened.
- This dish can also be made in a slow cooker. Follow the steps up to deglazing the pot, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting pot roast with potatoes and carrots!