Slow-Braised Beef Pot Roast (Printable View)

Tender beef chuck slow-braised in red wine with herbs and root vegetables for a hearty, comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef and Seasoning

01 - 3.5 lb beef chuck roast or blade roast, well-marbled
02 - 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
03 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour

→ For Searing

05 - 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

07 - 1 large yellow onion, sliced into thick wedges
08 - 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
09 - 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
10 - 3 ribs celery, cut into 2-inch chunks
11 - 1.5 lb baby potatoes or small waxy potatoes, whole or halved if large

→ Braising Liquid and Herbs

12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1 cup dry red wine or extra beef broth for non-alcoholic option
14 - 2.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
15 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
16 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
18 - 2 bay leaves

→ Optional

19 - 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water for thickening
20 - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 300°F if using the oven method.
02 - Pat the beef roast dry and season all sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
03 - Lightly coat the roast with flour, dusting off any excess.
04 - Heat 2 tablespoons oil and butter in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply browned, including the edges. Transfer the roast to a plate.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil if needed. Add onion wedges and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and golden. Add garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until darkened.
07 - Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
08 - Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
09 - Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Return the roast and any accumulated juices to the pot, nestling it into the liquid so it comes halfway up the meat.
10 - Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low, or transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
11 - Turn the roast over. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes around the roast, submerging them in the liquid. Re-cover and cook for another 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, until the beef is very tender and vegetables are soft but intact.
12 - Remove the roast and vegetables to a platter and tent with foil. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid.
13 - For a thicker gravy, bring the liquid to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Thin with additional broth if needed.
14 - Discard herb stems and bay leaves. Shred beef into large chunks or slice against the grain.
15 - Return beef to the pot or arrange over vegetables and spoon sauce on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
16 - Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The beef becomes impossibly tender without any fancy techniques or constant attention
  • The gravy develops such incredible depth that people will honestly ask whats in it
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better tucked into sandwiches or stirred into pasta
02 -
  • Getting a really good sear on the beef is absolutely non negotiable because that browned crust is where all the deep flavor comes from
  • The liquid should only come halfway up the meat not completely cover it or you will end up boiling instead of braising
  • Letting the meat rest before slicing gives the juices time to redistribute so everything stays incredibly moist
03 -
  • Pat the meat completely dry before seasoning or it will steam instead of sear and you will miss out on that gorgeous crust
  • Use a heavy Dutch oven that retains heat well because temperature consistency is what makes the meat melt in your mouth
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