Perfect Pot Roast

A Perfect Pot Roast is a comforting, savory dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for a family dinner. This recipe yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with hearty vegetables in a rich gravy.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Season the Roast: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the Meat: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the roast and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring well.
5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine (if using) and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Assemble the Pot Roast: Return the seared roast to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves around the roast.
7. Cover and Roast: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Check once or twice during roasting and add more broth if necessary to prevent it from drying out.
8. Serve: Remove the roast from the pot and slice or shred the meat. Discard the herb sprigs and bay leaves. Serve the roast with the cooked vegetables and spoon the flavorful sauce over the top.

Calorie Count:

For one serving (based on 6 servings from a 3.5 lb roast with vegetables):

• Chuck roast (6 oz per serving): ~350 calories
• Olive oil (½ tablespoon per serving): ~60 calories
• Carrots (½ cup): ~25 calories
• Potatoes (½ medium potato): ~80 calories
• Beef broth (¼ cup): ~5 calories
• Red wine (2 oz): ~50 calories

Total per serving: Approximately 570-600 calories, depending on the specific portions and ingredients used.

This pot roast is a perfect, hearty meal for a cozy dinner!