Few dishes say “home-cooked comfort” quite like a classic pot roast with carrots and potatoes. This timeless recipe has been warming kitchens for generations, filling the air with the rich aroma of slow-cooked beef, hearty vegetables, and savory gravy. It’s the perfect meal for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and soul-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Tender, juicy beef that practically melts in your mouth. One-pot comfort food with meat, potatoes, and veggies all in the same dish. Rich, savory gravy made naturally as the roast cooks. Perfect for family meals – serves a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
3–4 pounds beef chuck roast
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh sprigs)
1 large onion, cut into wedges
4–5 large carrots, cut into chunks
4–5 medium potatoes, halved or quartered
4 cups beef broth (or beef stock)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richness) 2 bay leaves
Instructions
1. Prepare the Roast
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels.
Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 4–5 minutes per side). This step builds deep flavor.
2. Add Vegetables and Broth
Remove the roast temporarily and add onions to the pot, sautéing for 2–3 minutes. Place the roast back in, then scatter carrots and potatoes around it.
Pour in beef broth, add tomato paste (if using), and tuck in the bay leaves.
3. Slow Cook
Oven Method: Cover the pot and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3.5–4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
Slow Cooker Method: Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
4. Serve
Discard bay leaves. Slice or shred the roast, and serve with carrots, potatoes, and spoonfuls of that rich broth over the top.
Tips for the Best Pot Roast
Chuck roast is the best cut for this recipe – it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine with the beef broth. Thicken the broth into gravy by whisking in a slurry of cornstarch and water at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a stand-alone meal, but you can pair it with:
Buttery dinner rolls A crisp green salad Steamed green beans or peas
Final Thoughts
This Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes is classic comfort food that never goes out of style. It’s a hearty, wholesome dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you make it in the oven, slow cooker, or even an Instant Pot, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.