Tender Pot Roast

Why Make This Recipe

Tender Pot Roast is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s hearty, filling, and easy to prepare. The combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy makes it a meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it fills your home with a wonderful aroma as it cooks slowly.

How to Make Tender Pot Roast

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs arm roast (or chuck roast)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
• 3 cups baby carrots
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes (peeled & cubed)
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk (or more as needed)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Directions

1. Prepare & Sear the Roast (Optional But Recommended)

   • Start by seasoning the roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and smoked paprika.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the roast on all sides until browned. This adds flavor.

2. Slow Cook the Pot Roast & Carrots

   • Place the roast in a slow cooker. Add Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sliced onion, and beef broth.
   • Add the carrots and season with additional salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender.

3. Make the Mashed Potatoes

   • Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
   • Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and sour cream if desired.

4. Make the Gravy (Optional)

   • If you like gravy, strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
   • Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, and add to the pan to thicken the gravy over medium heat.

5. Assemble & Serve

   • Serve the tender pot roast alongside mashed potatoes and spoon the gravy over the top.

How to Serve Tender Pot Roast

You can serve Tender Pot Roast straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving platter. It pairs well with the creamy mashed potatoes and is often enjoyed with a side of steamed green vegetables or fresh bread.

How to Store Tender Pot Roast

Leftover pot roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Tender Pot Roast

• For extra flavor, marinate the roast overnight with spices and Worcestershire sauce.
• You can add other vegetables like celery or parsnips for more variety.
• Always slice the meat against the grain for the most tender pieces.

Variation

You can modify this recipe by using different cuts of meat, such as a beef brisket or even a pork roast. Adjust cooking times as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a pressure cooker for this recipe?

   • Yes, you can use a pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes for a tender result.

2. What can I use instead of beef broth?

   • You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor.

3. Is it necessary to sear the meat?

   • While searing adds flavor, it is not necessary. You can skip this step if you prefer to save time.

Tender Pot Roast

Print Recipe

A classic comfort food, Tender Pot Roast features hearty beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy, making it perfect for family dinners.

• Total Time: 510 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 lbs arm roast (or chuck roast)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• 3 cups baby carrots
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes (peeled & cubed)
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk (or more as needed)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

1. Season the roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until browned.
3. Place the roast in a slow cooker and add Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sliced onion, and beef broth.
4. Add the carrots and season with additional salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender.
6. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and sour cream if desired.
7. If making gravy, strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and thicken with a cornstarch slurry over medium heat.
8. Serve the pot roast alongside mashed potatoes and spoon the gravy over the top.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the roast overnight with spices and Worcestershire sauce. Consider adding other vegetables like celery or parsnips for more variety.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 480 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: pot roast, comfort food, slow cooker, beef dinner, family recipe