Everyday Family Favorite Pot Roast

Featured in: One-Pot Cool Comfort Meals

This slow-cooked beef chuck roast achieves tender perfection when combined with a variety of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. Aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves infuse the dish with rich flavors. The roast is seared before baking in a mixture of dry red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, allowing the meat and vegetables to develop a deep, caramelized taste. Ideal for family gatherings, this hearty main dish offers warmth and satisfying comfort with every bite.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:18:00 GMT
Tender Everyday Family Favorite Pot Roast, loaded with vibrant root vegetables in a rich gravy. Save Pin
Tender Everyday Family Favorite Pot Roast, loaded with vibrant root vegetables in a rich gravy. | frostedthyme.com

A classic, comforting pot roast slow-cooked to tender perfection with hearty root vegetables and aromatic herbs—perfect for cozy family dinners.

This pot roast has been a staple at our family dinners for years bringing warmth and togetherness every time.

Ingredients

  • Meat: 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast trimmed, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetables: 4 large carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces, 3 parsnips peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces, 3 medium russet potatoes peeled and quartered, 2 medium yellow onions peeled and quartered, 3 celery stalks cut into large pieces, 4 garlic cloves smashed
  • Liquids & Seasonings: 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth (gluten-free if needed), 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine (or extra broth), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed), 2 tsp dried thyme, 2 tsp dried rosemary, 2 bay leaves

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C)
Step 2:
Pat the chuck roast dry and season all sides with salt and pepper
Step 3:
In a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3 4 minutes per side) Transfer to a plate
Step 4:
Add onions carrots parsnips celery and garlic to the pot Sauté for 5 minutes stirring occasionally
Step 5:
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute
Step 6:
Pour in wine to deglaze scraping up browned bits Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce
Step 7:
Return the roast to the pot Add potatoes thyme rosemary and bay leaves Liquid should come halfway up the meat—add more broth if needed
Step 8:
Cover tightly with a lid and transfer to the oven Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours or until the beef is fork-tender
Step 9:
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to allow the vegetables to caramelize slightly
Step 10:
Discard bay leaves Slice roast against the grain and serve with vegetables and pan juices
A close-up of steaming Everyday Family Favorite Pot Roast, showing fall-apart beef and hearty veggies. Save Pin
A close-up of steaming Everyday Family Favorite Pot Roast, showing fall-apart beef and hearty veggies. | frostedthyme.com

Sharing this pot roast with my family around the table creates lasting memories and shared smiles.

Required Tools

Large Dutch oven or oven-safe heavy pot with lid Chefs knife Cutting board Tongs

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies and gluten—choose gluten-free and fish-free versions if necessary Always check ingredient labels if you have specific allergies

Nutritional Information

Calories 485 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 34 g Protein 41 g per serving

Fork-tender slices of Everyday Family Favorite Pot Roast served with carrots, potatoes, and savory juices. Save Pin
Fork-tender slices of Everyday Family Favorite Pot Roast served with carrots, potatoes, and savory juices. | frostedthyme.com

This pot roast is a sure way to impress your guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Questions & Answers

How long should the pot roast cook for optimal tenderness?

Cooking the roast for 2.5 to 3 hours at 325°F ensures the beef becomes fork-tender while allowing the vegetables to soften and caramelize.

Can I substitute the root vegetables in this dish?

Yes, sweet potatoes, turnips, or rutabaga can be used as alternatives to carrots, parsnips, or potatoes for varied flavors and textures.

What is the best way to thicken the cooking liquid into a sauce?

Remove the meat and vegetables, then simmer the liquid and whisk in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water until thickened.

Is it necessary to sear the roast before slow cooking?

Searing the meat on all sides before roasting locks in juices and creates flavorful browned crust, enhancing overall taste.

What herbs complement the flavors in this pot roast?

Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves add aromatic depth and work harmoniously with the beef and vegetables.

What liquids are used to braise the meat and vegetables?

A combination of dry red wine and beef broth creates a rich, flavorful base for braising the roast and vegetables.

Everyday Family Favorite Pot Roast

Tender pot roast with carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and fragrant herbs for a comforting meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
210 minutes
All-In Time
230 minutes
By Frosted Thyme Madison Kelly


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Meat

01 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1 tsp kosher salt
04 ½ tsp black pepper

Vegetables

01 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
02 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
03 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
04 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and quartered
05 3 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
06 4 garlic cloves, smashed

Liquids & Seasonings

01 2 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
02 1 cup dry red wine or additional beef broth
03 2 tbsp tomato paste
04 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
05 2 tsp dried thyme
06 2 tsp dried rosemary
07 2 bay leaves

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Step 02

Season meat: Pat the chuck roast dry and season all sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 03

Sear roast: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to a plate.

Step 04

Sauté vegetables: Add onions, carrots, parsnips, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften and develop aroma.

Step 05

Add tomato paste: Incorporate tomato paste into the vegetables and cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.

Step 06

Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits from the base. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 07

Combine roast and seasonings: Return the seared roast to the pot. Add potatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Ensure liquids reach halfway up the meat, adding broth if necessary.

Step 08

Roast: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast for 2½ to 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender.

Step 09

Caramelize vegetables: Remove the lid during the final 30 minutes of cooking to allow vegetables to caramelize slightly.

Step 10

Serve: Discard bay leaves. Slice the roast against the grain and serve alongside vegetables and pan juices.

Tools Needed

  • Large Dutch oven or oven-safe heavy pot with lid
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs

Allergen Details

Always check each item for allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens; Worcestershire sauce may include anchovies and gluten—use gluten-free and fish-free versions if necessary.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

For reference only—please ask a healthcare professional if you need tailored advice.
  • Calorie Count: 485
  • Fat content: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 41 g