Pin A classic comforting dish featuring tender beef pot roast slow-cooked with vegetables and rich gravy served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. This crowd-pleasing meal is perfect for family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners.
I first made this pot roast for a holiday dinner and it became an instant family favorite. The aroma filled the house all day and everyone loved piling the gravy-drenched beef over mountains of potatoes.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: 3 lbs (1.4 kg), select a marbled cut for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Kosher salt: 1 tbsp, for seasoning the beef and potatoes.
- Black pepper: 1 tsp + ½ tsp for potatoes, adds depth and subtle heat.
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, use for searing the roast.
- Onion: 1 large, sliced to sweeten the gravy.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced for aromatic flavor.
- Carrots: 4 large, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces for color and sweetness.
- Celery: 3 stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces adds savoriness.
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml), use gluten-free broth if needed.
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp, enriches the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp, adds umami (check for gluten-free).
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp, for classic flavor.
- Dried rosemary: 1 tsp, infuses earthy notes.
- Bay leaves: 2, for depth of flavor.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g), peeled and cut into chunks for mashed potatoes.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp, for creamy texture.
- Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml) plus more for consistency in mashed potatoes.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, garnish for freshness.
Instructions
- Prepare beef:
- Pat beef chuck roast dry and season on all sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Sear the roast:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3 to 4 minutes per side). Transfer to a slow cooker.
- Add vegetables:
- Arrange onion, garlic, carrots, and celery around the roast in the slow cooker.
- Make the gravy blend:
- In a bowl, whisk beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour over the roast and vegetables.
- Slow cook:
- Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Make mashed potatoes:
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add salt. Bring to a boil then simmer until potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, return to pot, add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Add extra milk if needed.
- Finish roast:
- Remove beef from slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Shred or slice beef.
- Serve:
- Plate pot roast and vegetables over mashed potatoes. Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with parsley if desired.
Pin Every time I serve this recipe my kids race to the table for seconds, especially on chilly evenings. The leftovers make amazing sandwiches for lunch the next day.
Serving Suggestions
This pot roast pairs well with roasted green beans, steamed peas, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Ingredient Variations
You can swap out carrots and celery for parsnips or add mushrooms for extra savoriness. Russet potatoes can be replaced by sweet potatoes for a different twist.
Pin This classic pot roast delivers unforgettable comfort every time. Enjoy the leftovers for a quick lunch or slice up for hearty sandwiches.
Recipe FAQ
- → What beef cut works best for this dish?
Beef chuck roast is ideal, delivering tender, flavorful results after slow cooking.
- → How can I thicken the pan juices?
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with some liquid from the slow cooker, return and cook on high until thickened.
- → Can I substitute potatoes types?
Yes, both Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work well, yielding creamy mashed textures.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
Bold reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, nicely complement the savory flavors.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce to accommodate gluten-free diets.