Slow-Braised Beef Pot Roast (Printable Version)

Tender beef chuck slow-braised with red wine, herbs, and root vegetables in a rich, savory gravy.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Beef and Seasoning

01 - 3.5 lb beef chuck roast or blade roast, well-marbled
02 - 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
03 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour

→ For Searing

05 - 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

07 - 1 large yellow onion, sliced into thick wedges
08 - 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
09 - 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
10 - 3 ribs celery, cut into 2-inch chunks
11 - 1.5 lb baby potatoes or small waxy potatoes, whole or halved if large

→ Braising Liquid and Herbs

12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1 cup dry red wine or extra beef broth for non-alcoholic
14 - 2.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
15 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
16 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
18 - 2 bay leaves

→ Optional

19 - 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water for thickening
20 - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 300°F. Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
02 - Lightly coat the roast with flour, dusting off any excess. Heat 2 tablespoons oil and butter in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Brown the edges thoroughly. Transfer the roast to a plate.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil if needed. Add onion wedges and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and golden. Add garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until darkened. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
05 - Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Return the roast and any accumulated juices, nestling it into the liquid so it comes halfway up the meat. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover tightly, reduce heat to low, or transfer to the oven. Cook for 1.5 hours.
06 - Turn the roast over. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes around the roast, submerging them in the liquid. Re-cover and cook for another 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is very tender and vegetables are soft but intact.
07 - Remove the roast and vegetables to a serving platter and tent with foil. Skim excess fat from the braising liquid using a ladle or spoon. For thicker gravy, bring the liquid to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Thin with additional broth if needed.
08 - Discard herb stems and bay leaves. Shred beef into large chunks or slice against the grain. Return beef to the pot or arrange over vegetables and spoon sauce on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pot does all the work while your home fills with the most incredible aroma
  • The leftovers somehow taste even better tucked into sandwiches or served over buttery mashed potatoes
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during the first 1.5 hours; every peek releases heat and can extend the cooking time significantly.
  • The beef needs to rest in the foil for at least 10 minutes so the juices redistribute throughout the meat instead of running onto your cutting board.
03 -
  • Take the time to really get a deep brown sear on all sides of the beef; those browned bits are the foundation of all the flavor in the dish.
  • Use a pot that is just large enough to hold everything comfortably without crowding, which allows proper braising and evaporation.
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