Old-Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe – A Hearty, Comforting Classic

An Old-Fashioned Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food that has stood the test of time. With tender, juicy beef slow-cooked to perfection with vegetables, herbs, and a rich gravy, this dish brings together all the flavors of home. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this pot roast recipe will never disappoint. 🍖

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to make a perfect Old-Fashioned Pot Roast, from choosing the right cut of beef to making a delicious, savory gravy. Let’s get started! 😋

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Tender & Juicy Meat – The slow-cooking process makes the beef fall-apart tender.
✅ Flavorful Vegetables – Carrots, potatoes, and onions absorb all the flavors from the roast.
✅ Rich Gravy – A savory, thick gravy to pour over your roast and veggies.
✅ Simple Ingredients – With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty, delicious meal.
✅ Classic Comfort – A recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any special occasion.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are the essential ingredients to make this Old-Fashioned Pot Roast:

🥩 For the Roast:

• 3-4 lbs of chuck roast – The best cut for pot roast due to its tenderness when cooked slow and low.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil – For searing the roast.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
• 1 tbsp garlic powder – For added flavor.
• 1 tbsp onion powder – To enhance the savory taste.

🥕 For the Vegetables:

• 4 medium-sized carrots – Peeled and cut into large chunks.
• 4 medium potatoes – Peeled and cut into halves or quarters.
• 1 large yellow onion – Cut into chunks.
• 4 cloves of garlic – Crushed.

🍲 For the Broth & Gravy:

• 4 cups beef broth – A rich, flavorful base for the gravy.
• 1 cup red wine – Optional but adds a depth of flavor to the broth.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory umami.
• 2 tsp fresh thyme – For a fragrant, earthy note.
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary – Complements the beef perfectly.
• 2 tbsp cornstarch – To thicken the gravy.

How to Make the Perfect Old-Fashioned Pot Roast

Step 1: Season & Sear the Beef

Before cooking, it’s important to season the roast generously. This will ensure your beef is flavorful and well-seasoned.

1️⃣ Season the roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on all sides.
2️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
3️⃣ Sear the roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a rich, brown crust forms. This locks in the flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds depth to the flavor and ensures your roast is beautifully caramelized. 🔥

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is seared, it’s time to add the vegetables. These will cook in the same pot, absorbing the rich flavors from the beef.

1️⃣ Place the seared roast in the center of the pot.
2️⃣ Surround the roast with carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic.
3️⃣ Add fresh rosemary and thyme to the pot for that amazing aromatic scent. 🌿

Step 3: Make the Broth

This is where the magic happens! The beef will cook in this flavorful broth, making the meat tender and juicy.

1️⃣ In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
2️⃣ Pour the broth mixture over the roast and vegetables. The liquid should come halfway up the roast.
3️⃣ Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

💡 Pro Tip: You can use just beef broth for a non-alcoholic option, but the red wine adds a nice depth of flavor. 🍷

Step 4: Slow Cook the Roast

Now comes the slow-cooking part! You want to cook the roast at a low temperature for hours to make sure the beef becomes fork-tender.

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2️⃣ Place the pot in the oven and cook for 3-4 hours.
3️⃣ After 3 hours, check the roast’s tenderness. It should be easy to shred with a fork.
4️⃣ If the roast isn’t fork-tender yet, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: The longer you cook the roast, the more tender and flavorful it will be! ⏳

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Once your pot roast is perfectly cooked, you’ll have a delicious broth that can be turned into a savory gravy.

1️⃣ Remove the roast and vegetables from the pot and set them aside.
2️⃣ In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry.
3️⃣ Bring the broth to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
4️⃣ Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
5️⃣ Taste the gravy and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want a richer gravy, you can whisk in a tablespoon of butter at the end for a smooth finish. 🧈

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to plate your Old-Fashioned Pot Roast!

1️⃣ Slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
2️⃣ Serve the roast with the cooked vegetables and gravy poured over the top.
3️⃣ For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. 🌿

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ways to serve your Old-Fashioned Pot Roast:
🍽️ With Mashed Potatoes – For a classic pairing, serve your pot roast with mashed potatoes to soak up all the gravy.
🥖 With Fresh Bread – A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into that savory gravy.
🥗 With a Side Salad – A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the rich flavors of the roast.

Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:
You can freeze leftover pot roast and vegetables for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure the roast is fully cooled before freezing.

Reheating:
Reheat the pot roast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, while chuck roast is the best for pot roast, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

2️⃣ Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the roast and add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The result will be just as delicious!

3️⃣ How can I make my gravy thicker?
If the gravy is too thin, you can add more cornstarch slurry or let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

4️⃣ Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or celery for a more complex flavor.

5️⃣ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Pot roast actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Simply store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion – A Timeless Comfort Food

This Old-Fashioned Pot Roast recipe is the definition of comfort food. With juicy beef, tender vegetables, and a rich gravy, every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

The slow cooking method ensures your roast will be fall-apart tender, while the vegetables soak up all the delicious flavors. Try this recipe today, and let me know how it turns out! 😋🔥