Slow-cooked, tender beef with hearty vegetables and rich gravy
This Classic Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. The beef becomes fall-apart tender, the vegetables soak up the savory juices, and everything comes together in a deeply flavorful gravy.
Below is a clear, step-by-step recipe, with pictures placed in the middle of the article to guide you through every stage.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
🥩 Pot Roast
- 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
🥕🥔 Vegetables
- 4 large carrots, peeled & cut into chunks
- 4–5 potatoes, peeled & quartered
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
🥣 Cooking Liquid
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Roast
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Sear the roast 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add sliced onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquid & Herbs
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Roast
Return the roast to the pot. Cover and cook:
- Oven: 325°F (165°C) for 3 hours
or - Stovetop: Low heat for 3–3½ hours
Turn the roast once halfway through cooking.
Step 6: Add Carrots & Potatoes
Add carrots and potatoes around the roast. Cover and continue cooking 45–60 minutes, until vegetables are fork-tender.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Remove bay leaves. Let the roast rest 10 minutes, then slice or shred.
Serve with carrots, potatoes, and spoon plenty of gravy over the top.
⭐ Pro Tips for the Best Pot Roast
- Chuck roast is ideal—it becomes tender with slow cooking
- Don’t skip the sear; it adds deep, rich flavor
- Cut vegetables large so they don’t overcook
- Tastes even better the next day
🍽 What to Serve With
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Simple green salad
- Steamed green beans or peas
Perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home.
🥄 Final Result
Fork-tender beef, perfectly cooked carrots and potatoes, and a rich, savory gravy—a timeless classic that always satisfies.