Few dishes capture the essence of true comfort food like a perfectly slow-cooked Pot Roast with Potatoes & Carrots. Melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty vegetables, rich savory gravy—this dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a warm, cozy, unforgettable family dinner.

Whether you grew up eating pot roast on Sundays or you’re making it for the first time, this recipe is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy. It works beautifully in the oven, slow cooker, or Dutch oven, making it a versatile choice for busy homes and special gatherings alike.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, fall-apart beef – slow cooking ensures rich, juicy, perfectly soft meat.
• Complete one-pot meal – beef, potatoes, carrots, aromatics, and gravy all cook together.
• Easy prep – minimal hands-on time and the oven does the rest.
• Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd – leftovers taste even better.
• Classic flavor – herbs, onions, and broth create an incredible, comforting aroma.

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🥩 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roast

• 3–4 lb chuck roast (best cut for tender braising)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

For the Vegetables

• 4–5 large carrots, cut into thick pieces
• 4–6 Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, chunked

For the Gravy/Braising Liquid

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1–2 bay leaves
• (Optional) ½ cup red wine for extra richness

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🔥 How to Make Pot Roast with Potatoes & Carrots

1. Season and Sear the Beef

1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels.
2. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned (about 4–5 minutes per side).
5. Remove the roast and set aside.

This step creates deep, rich flavor—it’s worth the extra few minutes!

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2. Cook the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add onions. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Scrape up browned bits (this builds flavor for the gravy).

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3. Build the Braising Liquid

Add:

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste
• Thyme & rosemary
• Bay leaf
• Optional red wine

Stir until well combined.

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4. Add Roast and Vegetables

1. Return the seared roast to the pot.
2. Add carrots and potatoes around the sides.
3. Cover tightly with a lid.

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5. Slow Cook Until Tender

Oven Method (recommended)

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 3–4 hours, or until fork-tender.

Slow Cooker Method

Cook on:

• LOW: 8–10 hours
• HIGH: 4–5 hours

Stovetop Method

Simmer on LOW for 3–4 hours.

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6. Make the Gravy (Optional but Amazing)

1. Remove roast and vegetables.
2. Strain liquid if desired.
3. Simmer broth until slightly reduced.
4. To thicken: whisk together
   • 2 tbsp flour
   • 2 tbsp cold water
     Then stir into simmering broth until thickened.

Pour over roast before serving.

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🍽 How to Serve Pot Roast

This meal is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with:

Side Options

• Soft dinner rolls
• Green beans or peas
• Buttered corn
• A fresh garden salad

Ways to Plate

• Serve the roast sliced or shredded
• Ladle a generous amount of gravy over everything
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color

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🌿 Tips for the Best Pot Roast

✔ Use chuck roast

It becomes extremely tender and flavorful with slow cooking.

✔ Don’t skip the sear

Browning the meat gives the roast its signature deep flavor.

✔ Use hearty vegetables

Thicker cuts prevent potatoes and carrots from getting mushy.

✔ Low and slow wins

The longer it cooks, the more tender the meat becomes.

✔ Add mushrooms

They absorb flavors beautifully and add earthiness.

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🍷 Variations & Flavor Boosters

• Red wine – adds richness and depth
• Balsamic vinegar – adds sweet tanginess
• Canned tomatoes – give it an Italian twist
• Celery – classic pot roast addition
• Onion soup mix – makes a super-savory shortcut version

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate

Keeps 4–5 days in an airtight container.

Freeze

Freeze roast and vegetables separately for up to 2–3 months.

Reheat

Warm gently in a covered pot with a splash of broth.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Pot Roast with Potatoes & Carrots is timeless for a reason. It’s comforting, hearty, and incredibly flavorful—perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or Sunday dinners. With just a handful of ingredients and slow cooking magic, you get a meal that feels nostalgic, rich, and deeply satisfying.

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