Pot roast is the ultimate comfort food—tender, slow-cooked beef infused with rich flavors, surrounded by hearty vegetables and a savory, mouthwatering gravy. Whether cooked in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this one-pot meal is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or cozy nights at home.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make the best pot roast, complete with all the tips and tricks to ensure fall-apart tenderness and delicious flavor every time.
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Why You’ll Love This Pot Roast Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – Minimal prep, and the slow cooking does all the work.
✔️ Super Tender – The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft.
✔️ Rich & Flavorful – Cooked with herbs, broth, and vegetables for deep flavor.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for leftovers and freezer-friendly.
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Ingredients for the Perfect Pot Roast
For the Roast:
3–4 lb chuck roast (or brisket/round roast)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
4 potatoes, cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cups beef broth (or beef stock)
1 cup red wine (optional, adds deep flavor)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
1 tsp rosemary (dried or fresh)
2 bay leaves
For the Gravy:
2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
¼ cup cold water
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How to Make the Best Pot Roast
Step 1: Season and Sear the Roast
1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. This helps create a beautiful sear.
2. Season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the roast on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. This locks in flavor.
5. Remove the roast and set it aside.
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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1. In the same pot, add onions and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine (if using), scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
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Step 3: Slow Cook the Roast
1. Return the seared beef to the pot.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaves, and beef broth.
3. Cover with a lid and cook using one of the following methods:
Oven: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 3-4 hours.
Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
Instant Pot: Cook on HIGH pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
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Step 4: Make the Gravy
1. Once the roast is tender, remove it along with the vegetables and place them on a serving dish.
2. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid.
3. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp flour with ¼ cup cold water to form a slurry.
4. Stir it into the pot and simmer for 5 minutes, until thickened.
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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
1. Slice or shred the beef and arrange it with the vegetables.
2. Drizzle the homemade gravy over the top.
3. Serve with bread, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
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Pro Tips for the Best Pot Roast
✅ Use Chuck Roast – It has the perfect fat-to-meat ratio for tenderness.
✅ Don’t Skip Searing – This step adds depth to the flavor.
✅ Cook Low and Slow – The longer it cooks, the more tender it gets.
✅ Let It Rest – Rest the meat for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
✅ Make It a One-Pot Meal – Cook everything together for the easiest cleanup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! While chuck roast is the best for pot roast, you can also use brisket or round roast, though they may be slightly less tender.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Pot roast tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What Can I Serve with Pot Roast?
Mashed potatoes
Garlic bread
Green beans or roasted vegetables
Side salad
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Final Thoughts
This classic pot roast recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. The rich, slow-cooked flavors and fall-apart tenderness make it one of the best comfort meals you can make at home.
Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out!
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