Ultimate Pot Roast

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There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked Ultimate Pot Roast to warm your soul and satisfy every craving. This dish brings together fall-apart tender chuck roast, buttery potatoes, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs in one hearty, deeply flavorful meal. It’s a classic comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.

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Ultimate Pot Roast

Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or cozy evenings, this roast simmers slowly until every bite is infused with rich, savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, the Ultimate Pot Roast is a recipe that feels like a warm hug and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Pot Roast

  • One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together, letting flavors blend perfectly.
  • Make-ahead magic: It tastes even better the next day.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Comfort food that satisfies all ages.
  • Minimal effort: Most of the cooking time is hands-off.

What Cut of Beef is Best for Pot Roast?

Chuck roast is the gold standard for pot roast because it has the perfect amount of marbling to break down during slow cooking, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful. Brisket and bottom round can also be used, but chuck remains the most forgiving and delicious choice for beginners and pros alike.


Ingredients for the Ultimate Pot Roast

To build bold flavor in every bite, these ingredients each serve a purpose in creating the perfect pot roast harmony.

  • Chuck Roast: Rich in connective tissue that melts into tenderness during slow cooking.
  • Baby Potatoes: Absorb the juices while holding their shape.
  • Carrots: Sweet and earthy, they balance the savory beef.
  • Celery: Adds a subtle, peppery flavor and aromatic depth.
  • Onion: Caramelizes slightly and enhances overall richness.
  • Garlic: Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth.
  • Beef Broth: A flavorful base that keeps everything moist and savory.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and depth.
  • Thyme & Rosemary: The classic herbs that elevate and brighten.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step.

How To Make the Ultimate Pot Roast

Step 1: Sear the Roast

Generously season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, sear it over medium-high heat until all sides are browned. This step locks in flavor and creates that beautiful crust.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, celery, and garlic until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Flavor

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom—those are pure flavor!

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Herbs

Return the roast to the pot. Nestle in the potatoes and carrots, and tuck in sprigs of thyme and rosemary. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Braise Low and Slow

Cover with a lid and transfer to a 300°F oven. Cook for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is fork-tender and falling apart.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully transfer the roast and vegetables to a platter. Spoon the savory broth over the top, garnish with fresh herbs, and dig in!


Serving and Storing the Ultimate Pot Roast

This recipe feeds about 6 to 8 people generously, making it ideal for families or leftovers.

To store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.

To freeze: Place portions in freezer-safe containers with some broth to keep it moist. It will keep well for up to 2 months.


What to Serve With Pot Roast?

Crusty Bread

Perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich, meaty broth.

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Even though there are already potatoes in the roast, mashed potatoes make a cozy double-carb delight.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Add a crispy, bitter contrast to the soft and savory main dish.

Creamed Spinach

Creamy, garlicky greens bring balance and extra comfort.

Apple Walnut Salad

Something crisp and fresh to brighten up the meal.

Yorkshire Puddings

Classic and nostalgic—ideal for gravy lovers.

Green Beans Almondine

Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for the plate.

Classic Mac & Cheese

A kid-favorite that turns this into a real soul-satisfying feast.


Want More Dinner Ideas with a Cozy Vibe?

If this Ultimate Pot Roast has you feeling all warm and fuzzy, check out these other hearty meals that bring the same cozy energy:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add red wine or skip it? Did you toss in mushrooms or pearl onions?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other roast like pros.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and hearty dinner ideas on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your next crave-worthy meal!

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Ultimate Pot Roast

Ultimate Pot Roast


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings

Description

Rich, tender, and bursting with flavor, this Ultimate Pot Roast is the perfect cozy dinner idea for family gatherings or a lazy Sunday meal. Made with fall-apart chuck roast, buttery potatoes, sweet carrots, and a savory herb-infused broth, it’s a classic slow-cooked comfort food you’ll want to revisit. Whether you’re planning an easy dinner, searching for hearty food ideas, or craving a healthy snack turned full meal, this pot roast delivers on all fronts. It’s a no-fuss, easy recipe that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Perfect for fans of quick dinners and make-ahead meals.


Ingredients

3 pounds chuck roast

1.5 pounds baby potatoes

4 carrots, peeled and cut

3 celery stalks, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

3 sprigs thyme

2 sprigs rosemary

1.5 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Season chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear all sides in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned.

2. Remove roast. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened.

3. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up browned bits.

4. Return roast to pot. Add potatoes, carrots, thyme, and rosemary.

5. Cover and cook in 300°F oven for 3 to 4 hours until fork-tender.

6. Transfer roast and veggies to a platter. Spoon broth over top and serve.

Notes

For extra depth, add 1/2 cup red wine when deglazing the pan.

Don’t skip the searing—it builds flavor that makes all the difference.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

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