When you think of the perfect comfort meal, nothing compares to a tender, slow-cooked pot roast served over creamy mashed potatoes. This classic dish delivers rich, savory flavor, melt-in-your-mouth beef, buttery vegetables, and a luscious gravy—all piled high on a bed of warm, fluffy potatoes. It’s the definition of cozy home cooking and a family favorite for good reason.
Whether you’re preparing a Sunday dinner, feeding a crowd, or craving a hearty and satisfying meal, this pot roast and mashed potatoes recipe brings warmth, nostalgia, and unbeatable taste to the table.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Dish
✔ Slow-cooked, fork-tender beef
The long simmering time makes the beef incredibly soft and juicy.
✔ Flavor-packed gravy
The braising liquid transforms into a savory, silky gravy that ties the whole plate together.
✔ One-pot convenience
Everything cooks in one pot, making it easy and mess-free.
✔ Comfort on a plate
Warm mashed potatoes + rich pot roast = guaranteed satisfaction.
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast
- 3–4 lb chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 3 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper
⭐ How to Make Pot Roast Over Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Pat the roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear the roast on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Herbs
Pour in beef broth and red wine (or extra broth).
Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Return the roast to the pot.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook:
- Oven: 300°F (150°C), 3–4 hours
- Stovetop: Low heat, 3–4 hours
- Slow Cooker: Low for 8 hours or High for 5 hours
The roast is ready when it shreds easily with a fork.
Step 5: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil potatoes until tender, 15–20 minutes.
Drain and mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Create the Gravy
Remove the roast and vegetables from the pot.
Simmer the remaining liquid until thickened.
(Optional: whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and add to speed up thickening.)
Step 7: Assemble Your Plate
Place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes in a bowl.
Top with shredded or sliced pot roast and spoon over plenty of gravy and vegetables.
Serve warm and enjoy the best comfort food meal of your life.
⭐ Tips for Success
✔ Sear the meat
This step adds deep flavor and gives the gravy richness.
✔ Low and slow is key
The longer the roast cooks, the more tender it becomes.
✔ Use Yukon Gold potatoes
They create naturally creamy mashed potatoes.
✔ Make ahead friendly
Pot roast tastes even better the next day.
⭐ Variations
Creamy Mushroom Pot Roast
Add 1 cup mushrooms during cooking.
Herb & Garlic Roast
Increase rosemary, thyme, and garlic for stronger aroma.
Spicy Pot Roast
Add crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle peppers.
White Wine Pot Roast
Swap red wine for white for a lighter flavor profile.
⭐ What to Serve with Pot Roast & Mashed Potatoes
This dish is perfect on its own, but sides make it even better:
- Green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Dinner rolls
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Side salad
⭐ Storage & Reheating
Store:
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Freeze meat and gravy separately for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
Warm in a pot on medium heat or in the microwave. Add broth if needed.
Printable Recipe: Pot Roast Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Pot Roast:
Chuck roast, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt & pepper.
Mashed Potatoes:
Potatoes, butter, milk, salt & pepper.
Instructions
- Sear roast.
- Sauté veggies and garlic.
- Add broth, wine, herbs; return roast.
- Cook 3–4 hours until tender.
- Make mashed potatoes.
- Thicken gravy.
- Serve pot roast over mashed potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Pot Roast Over Mashed Potatoes is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for slow Sundays or special gatherings. Every bite is filled with deep flavor, soft beef, creamy potatoes, and homemade gravy—comfort food at its finest.
Print
Pot Roast Over Mashed Potatoes – The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner
Ingredients
• 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) chuck roast or stew meat
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 carrots, cut into chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup dry red wine (optional, or sub with more broth)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
• 4 cups creamy mashed potatoes (homemade or instant)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season roast generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear roast on all sides until deeply browned (5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Add onion and carrots to the pot. Sauté 5–6 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Pour in beef broth and wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in Worcestershire, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Return roast to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer 2.5–3 hours, turning occasionally, until meat is fork-tender.
- Remove roast and vegetables. Shred or slice the meat.
- Skim excess fat from the liquid. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer 5–10 minutes until gravy thickens. Remove bay leaf.
- Serve hot over buttery mashed potatoes, topping with shredded beef, carrots, and plenty of gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley.
✨ Great with:
• Steamed green beans or peas
• A crusty dinner roll
• Leftovers make killer sandwiches!
💡 Slow cooker option: After searing, transfer everything to a crockpot. Cook on LOW 7–8 hours. Thicken gravy at the end.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 20 mins , Cook Time : 3 hrs , Total Time : 3 hrs 20 mins , Servings : 6 , Calories : 480 per serving , Net Carbs: 28g , Fats: 22g , Protein: 38g