Let’s talk comfort food. I’m not talking about just any old mac and cheese sandwich. I’m talking about comfort – the kind that warms you from the inside out, the type that smells. Is it like home, the kind that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big blanket? What is my grandma’s pot roast recipe? I know everyone thinks their grandma makes the best pot roast, but trust me on this one. What is the secret ingredient in this recipe? Is it so tender that it melts in your mouth? What are some of the best pot roast recipes? If you are looking for a great Sunday dinner, you have come to the right place!
What is pot roast?
What is the pot roast game? Is pot roast the king of one pot meals? It’s essentially a large, tough cut of beef (usually chuck roast) that’s slowly braised in liquid. When it becomes tender and flavorful, add a little water and let it cool. The “pot” part comes from the fact that it’s traditionally cooked in a large, heavy pot, like an oven. What’s a hands-off way to turn roasted meat into gourmet feast? What I love about pot roast is that it’s a complete meal in itself. The beef is cooked with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, which absorb all the fat. What are the flavors of braising liquid? What are some good ways to enjoy a cold, hearty dinner?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do you need a pot roast recipe? What is the depth of flavor? What are the rich, savory, and slightly sweet in one bite? I always get compliments on this pot roast. It’s that perfect combination of flavors. What are herbs and spices? Is it surprisingly easy to make? Don’t let the long cooking time intimidate you. Most of it is hands-off. What’s the best way to sear beef in a pot? What is a good pot roast recipe for? How do I cook a meal without spending hours in the kitchen? What I love about this pot roast recipe is the simplicity. What is a wonderful flavor experience?
Is it also incredibly budget friendly? Chuck roast is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef, and the vegetables are usually pretty cheap. How do I feed a family of four for under $20? Can you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even just a big chunk of crusty bread? What are the best leftovers for pizza? I always make a double batch of this pot roast recipe because it is so good. Is it possible to make pot roast bigger? What are some of the Is it that good?
How do I make pot roast?
Quick Overview
How do I make a pot roast recipe? How do you sear a chuck roast? In a Dutch oven, you toss everything with vegetables, herbs, and beef broth. After that, you let it simmer low and slow until the beef is fork-tender. Is it worth the wait? I always make sure to use good quality beef broth – it makes a huge difference! This particular method gets the roast incredibly tender and really brings out the savory flavor. Is it easier to make a recipe that calls for more than one step?
Ingredients
What is a pot roast?
* 3-4 lb chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat. I always look for a roast with good marbling – that’s where the flavor comes from!
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 3 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp tomato paste
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1 tsp dried rosemary
* 1 bay leaf
* 4 cups beef broth (low sodium is best)
* 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered if large. Can you use any kind of potato, but I prefer Yukon gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape.
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the gravy)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Sear the Roast
First, pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Set aside. How do you cook roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side? What is the most important step in developing a rich, savory flavor? Don’t overcrowd the pot – you may need to do this in batches. Once seared, remove the roast from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add onion, carrots, celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant. The tomato paste adds a nice depth of flavor and helps to thicken the gravy. I always stir it constantly so it doesn’t burn!
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
How can I scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot? What is the secret to a delicious dish? Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the lemon juice and stir.
Step 4: Braise the Roast
If you are roasting a chicken, roast it in the pot. Make sure it’s mostly submerged in liquid. If not, add a little more beef broth. Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) or keep it on the stovetop. Is the roast done? What is the best time to cook a roast? I always check it after 3 hours and add more time if needed.
Step 5: Add the Potatoes
About 45 minutes before roasting, add the potatoes to the pot. This will give them enough time to cook through and become tender. What are some good vegetables to add at this point, such as parsnips or turnips?
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
Once the roast is done, remove it from the pot and set it aside for 10-15 minutes. The juices are distributed throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat. Remove the bay leaf. If you want a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir until smooth. Is it in the pot? Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. I usually skip this step because the gravy is already pretty thick and delicious!
Step 7: Shred and Serve
Shred roast with two forks and serve it with vegetables and gravy. What is a good pot roast to serve over rice? I also like to add a dollop of sour cream or fresh parsley for extra flavor and texture.
What should I serve it with?
What are some side dishes to serve with pot roast? To round out the meal. What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For a Classic Comfort Meal:What are some of the best side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes, buttered peas, and crusty bread?
For a lighter meal:What are some good side dishes to serve with asparagus and quinoa?
For a Hearty Meal: Mac and cheese, cornbread, and a side of coleslaw.
For a Special Occasion: Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, and a glass of red wine.
How do I serve pot roast with Yorkshire pudding? What is the best horseradish sauce to make? What is the best way to add some kick to a dish?
What are some tips for perfecting a pot roast?
Want to take your pot roast recipe to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips for achieving pot roast perfection:
Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast is the most common cut of beef used for pot roast, but you can also use brisket, round roast, or even short ribs. Just make sure the cut has good marbling – that’s what will keep the meat tender and flavorful during the long cooking time.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the roast is crucial for developing that rich, savory flavor. It also helps to lock in the juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Make sure your pot is hot and don’t overcrowd it – you may need to do this in batches.
Use Good Quality Beef Broth: The beef broth is the base of the gravy, so it’s important to use a good quality broth. I prefer low sodium broth so I can control the amount of salt in the dish. You can also use homemade beef broth if you have it on hand.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Add the potatoes about 45 minutes before the roast is done. If you add them too early, they’ll become mushy. You can also add other vegetables at this point, such as parsnips or turnips.
Let the Roast Rest: Once the roast is done, remove it from the pot and set it aside to rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Add a Splash of Red Wine: For an even richer and more complex flavor, add a splash of red wine to the pot along with the beef broth. I usually use about 1/2 cup of dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
I’ve even experimented with adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the pot roast recipe – it adds a lovely tanginess! The most important thing is to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover pot roast is just as delicious as the first time, if not more so! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the cooked pot roast recipe at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pot roast. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the pot roast, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For the microwave, place a portion of the pot roast on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until heated through. For the oven, place the pot roast in a baking dish with a little bit of beef broth and cover it with foil. Bake it at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For the stovetop, place the pot roast in a pot with a little bit of beef broth and heat it over medium heat until heated through. I usually add a little bit of fresh herbs when reheating to brighten up the flavor.
Don’t reheat the pot roast recipe more than once, as it can become dry and lose its flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my grandma’s secret pot roast recipe! I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. If you love this pot roast recipe, you might also enjoy my other comfort food recipes, like my classic chicken noodle soup or my creamy tomato soup. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your pot roast turned out! I can’t wait to hear from you. Happy cooking!
Pot Roast Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 2 carrots Carrots chopped
- 2 lbs Potatoes peeled and quartered
- 1 cup Beef Broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the roast in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
- Add the onion, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Pour in the beef broth.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
- Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
