Save It A classic, comforting dish featuring tender beef pot roast slow-cooked with vegetables and rich gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking method, this meal is perfect for busy days or relaxed Sunday dinners.
I remember serving this pot roast for a family gathering after a chilly autumn hike. The aromas filled the house and everyone gathered around the table without delay. There were smiles all around as we tucked into each bite of perfectly tender beef and creamy potatoes.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: 3 lbs (1.4 kg), pat dry before searing
- Kosher salt: 1 tbsp, for seasoning the meat
- Black pepper: 1 tsp, freshly ground
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
- Onion: 1 large, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 4 large, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
- Celery: 3 stalks, cut into 2 inch pieces
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml), gluten-free if needed
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp, gluten-free if needed
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried rosemary: 1 tsp
- Bay leaves: 2
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g), peeled and cut into chunks
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml) plus more as needed
- Salt: 1 tsp for boiling potatoes
- Black pepper: ½ tsp, for seasoning potatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear Beef:
- Pat beef chuck roast dry and season on all sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high and sear roast until browned (about 3 to 4 minutes per side). Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables:
- Arrange onion, garlic, carrots, and celery around beef in the slow cooker.
- Make Broth Mixture:
- Whisk beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves in a bowl. Pour over roast and vegetables.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
- About 40 minutes before serving, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until very tender (15 to 20 minutes). Drain, return potatoes to pot, add butter and milk, mash until creamy, season with salt and pepper.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove roast and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Shred or slice beef. Serve pot roast and vegetables over mashed potatoes. Drizzle with pan juices. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Save It This hearty pot roast and mashed potatoes is a classic win at our holiday table. Every year, my family requests this meal for chilly evenings and cozy get togethers.
Required Tools
Slow cooker, large skillet, chefs knife and cutting board, large pot, potato masher or ricer, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from butter and milk. Worcestershire sauce may have anchovies (fish). You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free broth and sauce. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 520 calories, 23 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 44 g protein.
Save It Serve this comforting pot roast and mashed potatoes for a memorable dinner with loved ones. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef works best for this meal?
Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, becoming tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- → Can I make the potatoes dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter and milk alternatives to keep the mashed potatoes dairy-free.
- → How do I achieve a thicker gravy?
Remove half a cup of liquid, whisk with cornstarch, then stir back into the pot and cook for ten minutes on high.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to make the meal suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → Can I add wine for extra flavor?
Yes, substitute half a cup of beef broth with red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, for richer taste.
- → What is the best potato type for creamy texture?
Yukon Gold potatoes yield a buttery, smooth mash, though Russet potatoes also work well.
- → What is the recommended serving size?
This hearty meal serves about six individuals generously.