Tender, Juicy, and Oh-So-Comforting: Our Favorite Simple Pot Roast Recipe

Time to prepare: 3 hours

Makes 6 servings

There’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of a pot roast simmering in the oven. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comfort food at its finest. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family Sunday dinner, this Simple Pot Roast recipe is one we come back to again and again—and today, we’re showing you exactly how to make it.

Ingredients

• 2–3 lb chuck roast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, or canola)
• 1 lb peeled carrots
• 1 large onion – quartered
• 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes
• 2 cups beef broth

Gravy

• Drippings and broth from our Simple Pot Roast
• Approximately 1 tablespoon cornstarch per cup of liquid
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

You’ll also need a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid.

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure your oven safe pot or Dutch oven will fit inside with the lid on.
2. Pat the roast dry with paper towels then season on all sides with the salt and pepper.
3. Add the oil to the pot and heat on medium high heat until it just begins to smoke, this means it’s hot enough to add the roast!
4. Place the roast in the pot, and sear for 2-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. (be careful not to move the roast while it is searing or it won’t sear as well).
5. Once both sides are seared, remove the pot from the heat and add the potatoes, carrots and onion. Then pour the beef broth over the top.
6. Place the lid on the pot and place in the preheated oven for 2 ½ hours.
7. After 2 ½ hours, check to see if it’s tender enough by using a fork to try to shred it. If it doesn’t shred easily, place the pot back in the oven for 20-30 minutes and test again.
8. When it’s done cooking, remove the roast from the pot and shred into big pieces to serve. Arrange on a platter with the vegetables, or serve it straight from the pot.
9. Save the liquid from the pot to make gravy, if desired!

Simple Roast Gravy Directions

1. Pour all the drippings/liquid from the pot roast recipe through a fine mesh strainer into a liquid measuring cup to remove any large bits of meat or veggies.

2. Check the measuring cup to see how many cups of liquid you have and measure the cornstarch accordingly.

3. Put the cornstarch into a small bowl with equal parts cold water and stir until dissolved.

4. Place the strained liquid into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.

5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering liquid and whisk until thickened.

6. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

That’s it! Serve your pot roast warm with the carrots, potatoes, and plenty of rich gravy to go with it. This recipe is straightforward, hearty, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Want more classics like this?
Check out our other family-favorite comfort food recipes right here— and don’t forget to sign up for our beginner-friendly cooking course launching this season!

Happy cooking,
Beth & Katie | Twins at the Table