Beef Pot Roast (Printable)

Succulent beef braised slowly in red wine with vegetables until meltingly tender

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef and Seasoning

01 - 3.25 lb beef chuck roast or blade roast, well-marbled
02 - 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
03 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour

→ For Searing

05 - 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

07 - 1 large yellow onion, sliced into thick wedges
08 - 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
09 - 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
10 - 3 ribs celery, cut into 2-inch chunks
11 - 1.5 pounds baby potatoes or small waxy potatoes, whole or halved if large

→ Braising Liquid and Herbs

12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1 cup dry red wine or extra beef broth for non-alcoholic version
14 - 2.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
15 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
16 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
18 - 2 bay leaves

→ Optional

19 - 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water for thickening
20 - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit if using the oven method.
02 - Pat the beef roast dry and season all sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Lightly coat the roast with flour, dusting off any excess.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons oil and butter in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply browned, including the edges. Transfer the roast to a plate.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil if needed. Add onion wedges and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and golden. Add garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until darkened. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the pot bottom. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
06 - Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Return the roast and any juices to the pot, nestling it into the liquid until it comes halfway up the meat.
07 - Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low, or transfer to the oven. Cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
08 - Turn the roast over. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes around the roast, submerging them in the liquid. Re-cover and cook for another 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, until the beef is very tender and vegetables are soft but intact.
09 - Remove the roast and vegetables to a platter and tent with foil. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid.
10 - For thicker gravy, bring the liquid to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Thin with broth if needed. Discard herb stems and bay leaves.
11 - Shred beef into large chunks or slice against the grain. Return beef to the pot or arrange over vegetables and spoon sauce on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The beef becomes so tender it practically falls apart with a fork, and the vegetables soak up all that rich, wine-laced gravy.
  • Its a one-pot wonder that does all the work for you while you sit back and let the oven do its thing.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
02 -
  • Do not skip the searing step; that caramelized crust is where most of the depth and savory flavor comes from.
  • Add the vegetables halfway through cooking if you want them tender but not mushy, especially if youre using a slow cooker.
  • Let the roast rest for ten minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute and every bite stays moist.
03 -
  • If you have time, salt the roast the night before and let it rest uncovered in the fridge; this dry-brining trick makes the meat even more flavorful and helps it brown better.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the gravy at the end for a subtle tang that brightens the whole dish.
  • Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if the wine made it too acidic.
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