Pot Roast with Carrots & Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of a pot roast simmering away in the oven. As it cooks, the savory smells start to fill your kitchen, and you just know that a hearty, comforting meal is on its way. This Pot Roast with Carrots & Potatoes is the epitome of cozy dinners—tender, flavorful beef, melt-in-your-mouth vegetables, and a rich gravy that’s the perfect finishing touch. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a weeknight family meal, this pot roast is guaranteed to warm your soul and leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and satisfying this is to make!

Why You’ll Love Pot Roast with Carrots & Potatoes

Comfort Food at Its Best

This dish is the definition of comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the kind of meal that fills you up and makes you feel cozy from the inside out. There’s something magical about the way the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking with vegetables and seasonings.

Simple Yet Flavorful

You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make this pot roast. It’s all about letting the flavors of the meat and vegetables shine. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare—but it’s actually super easy!

One-Pot Wonder

This recipe comes together in one pot, which means fewer dishes and less clean-up. The beef roasts with the carrots, potatoes, and onions, soaking up all those delicious flavors. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” meal for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend.

Family-Approved

Pot roast is a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a small get-together, this dish is always a hit. The flavors are universally loved, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy everyone at the table.

Versatile

Want to make it a bit spicy? Add some crushed red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder version? Skip the heat and stick with the classic herbs and seasonings. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering pot roast with carrots and potatoes:

Chuck Roast

This cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking—it’s tender, flavorful, and becomes incredibly juicy as it cooks low and slow. If you don’t have chuck roast, you can also use brisket or round roast for a similar result.

Carrots

The carrots add a touch of natural sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the beef. Plus, they become wonderfully tender as they cook in the rich gravy.

Potatoes

Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work best in this dish. They soak up all the flavor from the roast, and their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the beef.

Onion

A few onions add depth and sweetness to the dish. They’ll caramelize as they cook, making the gravy extra delicious.

Garlic

Garlic is a must for building that rich, savory base. It infuses the whole dish with warmth and flavor.

Beef Broth

Beef broth is the base of the gravy and helps keep the roast juicy and tender as it cooks. You can use low-sodium beef broth if you prefer to control the salt content.

Olive Oil

A little olive oil is used to sear the roast, creating a beautiful crust and locking in the flavors before the slow cooking begins.

Fresh Herbs

Rosemary and thyme bring a fragrant, earthy element to the dish. You can use fresh or dried herbs depending on what you have on hand.

Salt & Pepper

Simple seasonings like salt and pepper bring everything together, enhancing the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown for a serving of pot roast with carrots and potatoes (about 1/6th of the recipe):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Potassium: 950mg
• Vitamin A: 110% DV
• Vitamin C: 25% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 20% DV

This pot roast is a satisfying, protein-packed meal, with the vegetables adding a nice balance of fiber and vitamins. It’s a well-rounded dish that can be enjoyed as a full meal.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours (depending on roast size)
• Total Time: 3.5-4.5 hours

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This pot roast is super easy to make—just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal in no time.

Sear the Roast

Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil, then sear the roast on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This step locks in flavor and creates a rich crust on the beef. Once the roast is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This helps build the savory base for your gravy. Next, add the carrots and potatoes, stirring them around to coat them in the flavors left in the pot.

Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is where all the flavor is!). Add the rosemary and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Roast It

Place the seared roast back into the pot, nestling it into the vegetables. Cover the pot with a lid, then transfer it to the oven. Roast for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Every hour or so, check the roast and add a bit more broth if necessary to keep the gravy from getting too dry.

Rest and Serve

Once the roast is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the beef alongside the carrots, potatoes, and a generous spoonful of gravy. Don’t forget to garnish with a little fresh parsley if you’d like!

Serve and Enjoy!

Now comes the best part—digging in! The tender roast, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy come together to make a meal that’s pure comfort. It’s sure to become a new family favorite!

How to Serve Pot Roast with Carrots & Potatoes

This pot roast is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it alongside other dishes:

With a Side of Green Beans

Steamed or sautéed green beans make a lovely, crisp contrast to the tender roast and potatoes. The freshness of the green beans pairs perfectly with the savory richness of the pot roast.

Crusty Bread

A loaf of crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy. Serve it warm, and watch everyone reach for a slice!

A Fresh Salad

A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the pot roast. Think mixed greens, arugula, or a classic Caesar salad.

Mashed Potatoes

If you love potatoes, why not double up? Serve mashed potatoes on the side for an extra creamy addition to your meal. The smooth potatoes will complement the beef and gravy beautifully.

Additional Tips

Use a Meat Thermometer

To ensure your roast is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The roast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) for maximum tenderness.

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or celery. They’ll cook beautifully alongside the carrots and potatoes and soak up all the savory flavors.

Leftovers Make Great Sandwiches

If you have leftovers, pot roast makes a fantastic filling for sandwiches. Pile the beef onto some crusty bread and add a little horseradish sauce for an amazing sandwich.

Make It a One-Pot Meal

If you’re looking for a more “set it and forget it” option, you can also cook this pot roast in a slow cooker. Just follow the same steps, then cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes, other cuts like brisket or round roast work well too, but chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it’s so tender and flavorful.

Q2: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
A2: Absolutely! Brown the roast and vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Q3: Can I add wine to the gravy?
A3: Yes! A splash of red wine can add depth to the gravy. Just deglaze the pan with the wine before adding the broth and herbs.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can cook the pot roast ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently in the oven or on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: What should I do if the roast is not tender enough?
A5: If the roast isn’t tender after the recommended cook time, simply return it to the oven and cook it a little longer. The longer you cook it, the more tender the beef will become.

Q6: Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
A6: Yes, regular potatoes work just as well. Just cut them into chunks so they cook evenly with the carrots and roast.

Q7: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A7: It’s best to use fresh vegetables, as frozen vegetables may become mushy when slow-cooked. However, frozen carrots and potatoes could work in a pinch if you’re in a hurry.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q9: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A9: Yes, you can freeze the leftover pot roast and vegetables for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the leftovers before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q10: What other sides go well with pot roast?
A10: In addition to the classic sides, try serving pot roast with mashed sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

This Pot Roast with Carrots & Potatoes is the definition of comfort food. The slow-cooked beef, tender vegetables, and rich gravy come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether it’s for a special family dinner or just a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, hearty meal that everyone will love!

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