Pot Roast Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic pot roast recipe. Tender chuck roast slow-cooked with hearty vegetables in a savory gravy makes for a perfect family dinner. Set it in the slow cooker and let it simmer to delicious perfection, filling your home with irresistible aromas. This dish is sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites on any chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 pounds chuck roast
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 celery stalks, cut into chunks
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season and Sear the Roast:
   • Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet or Dutch oven, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
   • Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are slightly browned.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Transfer the cooked vegetables to the slow cooker with the seared roast.
   • Pour beef broth and red wine (if using) over the roast and vegetables.
   • Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine.
4. Slow Cook:
   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the roast is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaves from the pot roast.
   • Transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving platter.
   • Spoon some of the gravy over the roast and vegetables.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips for Perfect Pot Roast:

• Cut of Meat: Chuck roast is ideal for pot roast as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Vegetables: Customize with your favorite root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips.
• Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir into the hot gravy and simmer until thickened).

Enjoy this classic pot roast with its rich flavors and tender meat, perfect for a satisfying meal with loved ones!