Classic Slow-Braised Beef Pot Roast (Printable)

Succulent beef slow-braised in red wine with tender vegetables and rich herb-infused gravy for ultimate comfort.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef and Seasoning

01 - 3.25 lb beef chuck roast or blade roast, well-marbled
02 - 1.5 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
03 - 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour

→ For Searing

05 - 3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
06 - 1 tbsp 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 tbsp tomato paste
13 - 1 cup dry red wine or extra beef broth for non-alcoholic option
14 - 2.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
15 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
16 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried rosemary
17 - 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
18 - 2 bay leaves

→ Optional

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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 300°F if using the oven method.
02 - Pat beef roast dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Lightly coat the roast with flour, dusting off any excess to ensure a light coating.
04 - Heat 2 tbsp oil and butter in a large heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply browned, including the edges. Transfer to a plate.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp 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.
06 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until darkened. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
07 - Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Return the roast and any accumulated juices to the pot, nestling it into the liquid so it comes halfway up the meat.
08 - Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low, or transfer to the preheated 300°F oven. Cook for 1.5 hours.
09 - After 1.5 hours, 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 beef is very tender and vegetables are soft but intact.
10 - Remove roast and vegetables to a platter and tent with foil. Skim excess fat from the braising liquid. For thicker gravy, bring the liquid to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens; thin with additional broth if needed.
11 - Discard herb stems and bay leaves. Shred beef into large chunks or slice against the grain. Return beef to pot or arrange over vegetables and spoon sauce on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The gravy alone is worth the effort, thick and velvety with deep flavor from the wine and herbs
  • This is one of those meals that actually tastes better reheated, making it perfect for lazy weeknight dinners
  • Everything cooks in one pot, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as every peek releases heat and extends the cooking time
  • Letting the meat rest after cooking lets the juices redistribute instead of running out onto your cutting board
  • The vegetables should be added midway or theyll turn to mush before the beef is tender
03 -
  • Dont skip the sear, even though it takes extra time. Those browned bits are where the magic happens
  • If your pot is too crowded, sear in two batches instead of cramming everything in at once
  • Let the pot roast come to room temperature before reheating gently for the best texture
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