The Best Homemade Pot Roast Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade pot roast recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. You’ll love how it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Second, the slow cooking process guarantees tender, juicy meat and rich, savory flavors. Finally, leftovers taste even better the next day, giving you delicious meals with less work!

Recipe

Homemade pot roast is a classic comfort dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. This recipe uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to create tender, fall-apart meat and rich, savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season the beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in beef broth, red wine (if using), and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return the roast to the pot. Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover with a lid.
7. Transfer the pot to the oven and cook for 3 hours.
8. Remove the pot from the oven, add potatoes, and return to the oven for an additional 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender and the meat is fork-tender.
9. Remove from the oven, discard herb sprigs and bay leaves, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes:

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the pot after cooking. Simmer until thickened.

Equipment:

Dutch oven

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 4 hours

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

6-8 servings

Nutrition

This homemade pot roast is a hearty and nutritious meal, perfect for a comforting dinner. Below is the nutritional information per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade pot roast with creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up all that rich gravy so well. Glazed carrots are another favorite of mine, adding a sweet, tender crunch to balance the meal. Do you have any go-to sides that make your pot roast dinners extra special?

Mashed Potatoes Pairing

There’s nothing quite like creamy mashed potatoes to complement a hearty pot roast—they’re the perfect side to soak up all those rich flavors. I love making mine with butter, a splash of warm milk, and a pinch of salt for that velvety texture. Sometimes I’ll toss in roasted garlic or a handful of chives for extra flavor. The best part? Mashing them just enough to keep a little texture, so they don’t turn gluey. Trust me, when you pile them next to tender pot roast and gravy, every bite feels like comfort food heaven. It’s a match made in dinner bliss.

Glazed Carrots Option

Glazed carrots bring a sweet and savory balance to a rich pot roast, adding a pop of color and flavor to your plate. I love how the natural sweetness of the carrots pairs with the savory depth of the roast, creating a meal that feels complete. To make them, I toss carrots in a mix of butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, then roast until tender and caramelized. It’s a simple side that always impresses, and it’s a hit with my family. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead, so you can focus on the main dish. Perfect for cozy dinners!