Description
This Slow-Cooked Pot Roast is a comforting and hearty meal featuring tender chuck roast simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce with vegetables. Perfectly browned and slow-cooked to fork-tender perfection, it makes an ideal family dinner served alongside mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 3-4 lb (1.5-2 kg) chuck roast or beef brisket
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, or substitute with more broth)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Herbs
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the roast: Generously season the chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance its flavor.
- Sear the meat: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the roast and brown it on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, to develop a rich crust. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. If you prefer not to use wine, deglaze with beef broth instead.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix until well combined, then add fresh or dried rosemary and thyme for herbaceous notes.
- Return the roast to the pot: Place the seared roast back into the pot, ensuring the liquid covers about halfway up the sides of the meat. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Bake slowly: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Cook the roast in the oven for 3-4 hours until it becomes fork-tender.
- Slow cook option: Alternatively, transfer the contents to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours for similar tenderness.
- Rest and serve: Remove the roast and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice or shred as desired, then return the meat to the sauce to soak up the delicious flavors or serve with the sauce drizzled on top.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve hot alongside mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the roast after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it reaches desired consistency.
- Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter flavor.
- Red wine enhances depth but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For an even more tender roast, use a slow cooker method and cook low and slow.