Why You’ll Love This Dish
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It’s one-pot (or one-Dutch-oven) cooking: meat, veggies and sauce all come together. For example, one version says: “With meat, potatoes and carrots all in one pot, dinner doesn’t get much easier.” Art of Natural Living+1
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It transforms a cheaper cut of beef (e.g., chuck roast) into something tender, fork-pulling, flavourful. Art of Natural Living+1
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The potatoes and carrots absorb the braising liquid and become deeply comforting. From one recipe: “The roasted potatoes and carrots absorb all the savory flavors of the sauce.” Delectable Recipe
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It’s ideal for a family gathering, serving a crowd, or making ahead and feeding leftovers.
Ingredients
Here is a full ingredient list for approximately 6-8 servings, with suggestions for optional extras.
For the roast
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About 3 to 4 lb (1.3–1.8 kg) boneless or bone-in beef chuck roast (or bottom round if preferred) Cooking Classy+1
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2-3 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil for searing
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, generously
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1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped Cooking Classy
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
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1 cup (approx.) dry red wine (optional but adds depth) Cooking Classy+1
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1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth (or ~2 cups) (some recipes use 2 cups beef broth) Cooking Classy+1
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2–3 sprigs fresh thyme and 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or use dried versions) Cooking Classy
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1 bay leaf Cooking Classy+1
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Optional: 2 Tbsp tomato paste or tomato powder Art of Natural Living
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Optional: Worcestershire sauce (1–2 Tbsp) for additional umami and depth Sophia Recipes
For the vegetables
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~2 lb (≈900 g) Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cleaned and cut into ~1½-inch pieces (about 2 lbs in one recipe) Cooking Classy
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~6 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into large chunks (about 1½-inch) Cooking Classy+1
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Optional: celery stalks (1-2), baby onions or pearl onions for extra texture/variety Home Style Cooks
Equipment & additional items
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Large Dutch oven / oven-safe heavy pot with lid
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Tongs/spatula for searing
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Sharp knife & cutting board
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Wooden spoon for deglazing
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Oven thermometer (if needed)
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Kitchen towel or potholders
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & prep
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Preheat your oven to about 275 °F (135 °C) if you are doing low-and-slow. Some recipes use 300 °F (149 °C) or ~325 °F (163 °C) depending on thickness. My Kitchen, My Studio+1
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Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels, season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
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Chop the onion, peel & chop the carrots and potatoes, mince the garlic, get herbs ready.
Step 2: Sear the roast
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In the Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add oil until hot. Place the roast and sear on all sides until well-browned (about 2-5 minutes per side depending on size). For example: “Season roast all over … then brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.” Cooking Classy
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Remove the roast to a plate and set aside; leave the fond (browned bits) in the pot.
Step 3: Sautรฉ aromatics and deglaze
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In the same pot, add chopped onion; sautรฉ until softened and beginning to brown (about 4-5 minutes) Cooking Classy
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Add minced garlic for the last minute.
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Add tomato paste (if using) and cook briefly, stirring.
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Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using) and/or beef broth: pour in ~¾ cup red wine or adjust accordingly, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce a minute or two. Cooking Classy+1
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Add the beef broth, herb sprigs (thyme/rosemary), bay leaf, and the roast back into the pot, ensuring the liquid comes about halfway up the sides of the roast (you may add more broth/water if needed). For example: “Pour the beef broth and optional red wine over roast… bring to a simmer.” Cooking Classy
Step 4: Braise the roast
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Cover the Dutch oven with lid and place into the oven. Braise for about 2 hours initially (for ~3 lb roast) or longer for larger roast or tougher cut. One recipe: “Cook 2 hours; then add vegetables; cook additional 1–1½ hours until roast and veggies are tender.” Cooking Classy
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After the initial braising time, remove the pot and add the carrots and potatoes around (or under/around) the roast. Then cover and continue cooking for another 1 to 1½ hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded/forks easily. Cooking Classy+1
Step 5: Check doneness & finish
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Remove the lid and check the roast: when a fork easily slides into the roast and it begins to pull apart, it’s done. Also check that potatoes and carrots are tender (but not falling apart). One point: some recipes add veggies later so they don’t become mush. Reddit
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Remove the meat to a cutting board or platter and let rest briefly. Remove herb sprigs and bay leaf from pot. Shred or slice the roast as desired.
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If desired, thicken the braising liquid into a gravy. For example, whisk together a slurry of flour or cornstarch + water and bring the liquid to a boil to thicken. Art of Natural Living
Step 6: Serve
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Serve the shred/sliced beef on a platter with the carrots and potatoes around, spoon the gravy or braising liquid over. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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Enjoy warm with your favourite sides (green beans, salad, bread).
Tips & Techniques for Success
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Choose the right cut: Chuck roast is preferred for flavor and tenderness when braised. One site notes: “Use a chuck roast for best flavor and results. Rump or round roast may also work but they are a bit drier.” feastandfarm.com
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Brown well: The searing step adds flavor via the Maillard reaction and improves the final dish. Don’t skip it if you can.
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Liquid level: You want enough liquid to partially cover the roast (about halfway up). Too much will make it stew rather than roast; too little and it may dry out.
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Timing of vegetables: If added too early, root vegetables can become mush. Some folks prefer adding them later for better texture. Reddit threads note:
“When I add the vegetables and potatoes, I try to do it about an hour into the process so they don’t turn into mush.” Reddit
Adjust based on your preference for texture. -
Low and slow: Operating at lower oven temperature (~275–300 °F) for longer time yields more tender meat.
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Rest meat in pot: After cooking, letting the roast rest 10 minutes in the pot helps juices redistribute.
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Gravy finish: If you want a gravy, remove the roast and veggies, then reduce the cooking liquid and thicken for best flavor.
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Vegetable absorption: Potatoes and carrots absorb the juices — placing them under or around the roast ensures they soak up flavor.
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Seasoning adjustment: Always taste the braising liquid near the end and adjust salt/pepper as needed.
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Leftovers & freezing: This dish freezes well (meat & gravy) though vegetables may change texture on thawing. One recipe: “After the meat has cooled completely … transfer it to a ziplock bag … store in the freezer for up to 3 months. I do not recommend freezing the veggies as they will not reheat well.” feastandfarm.com
Variations & Customisations
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Crock-pot / slow cooker version: For example, one recipe from the VA uses bottom round roast, garlic salt, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, carrots and potatoes and slow cooking on low 6-8 hours or high 4-5 hours. Veterans Affairs
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Wine-free version: If you prefer not to use red wine, substitute with extra beef broth and perhaps a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
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Spice it up: Add smoked paprika (as in one PDF recipe) for a richer flavor. ImgStore
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Root vegetable swap: Instead of potatoes and carrots, you could use parsnips, rutabaga, turnips — as one site suggests adding alongside root vegetables. Home Style Cooks
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Herb-infused: Increase fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) or add bay leaves and garlic for additional depth.
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Mushroom upgrade: Add sliced mushrooms (cremini or button) in the last hour of cooking for extra umami. Heinen's Grocery Store
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Gravy enhancement: After cooking, remove roast and veggies, reduce the liquid, stir in cold butter or cream for richness, then return the meat and veggies.
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“Make ahead” option: You can cook the roast a day ahead, refrigerate, remove fat and reheated gently before serving — flavors often deepen overnight.
Make-Ahead & Leftovers
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Cooling & storage: Allow the pot to cool slightly (not to room temperature for too long). Remove large fat pieces if possible; store in airtight container in refrigerator for 3-4 days. One recipe says up to 5 days. feastandfarm.com
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Freezing: Remove meat, shred or slice, store with gravy in freezer-safe container or zip-bag, up to 3 months. As noted above, vegetables may not reheat well.
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Reheating: Reheat gently over stove or in oven at ~300 °F covered until warm; add a splash of broth if sauce seems thick or gravy separated.
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Leftover ideas:
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Shred leftover roast and use in sandwiches or tacos.
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Potatoes and carrots can be mashed and mixed with gravy for a shepherd’s-pie style dish.
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Use leftover gravy and meat as a base for beef stroganoff or stew.
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Serving Suggestions
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Serve with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up sauce.
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Add a fresh green side (steamed green beans, sautรฉed spinach) for color and balance.
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For a lighter touch, drizzle a little fresh parsley or chopped chives on top.
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If you like, serve with mashed potatoes instead of whole potatoes (though this recipe already includes whole potatoes).
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A glass of medium-bodied red wine complements the dish nicely (especially if wine was used in the cooking).
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For plating: Place the roast sliced/shredded in the centre of the plate, surround with carrots & potatoes, spoon the gravy generously over everything.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
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Meat not tender: If roast is still tough after recommended time, it may need additional time or liquid. Meat from chuck/shoulder responds best.
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Vegetables too mushy: As noted earlier, add potatoes/carrots later in the process, or cut them into larger chunks so they hold up.
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Too thin sauce: Remove roast & veggies, place pot back on stove at medium heat and reduce the liquid. Then thicken with slurry (flour or cornstarch + water) if desired.
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Over-reduced or salty sauce: Taste the cooking liquid before seasoning; remember that veggies and meat concentrate flavors during braising.
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Burn-in bottom of pot: On stovetop searing, don’t use too high heat for too long; monitor. Use a heavy pot which distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching.
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Liquid evaporates too quickly: If halfway through braising the liquid is very low, add incremental broth or water to maintain level up the side of the roast. One recipe says: “If the broth mixture has reduced lower than one-third of the way up the beef, add more beef broth.” feastandfarm.com
Nutrition & Comfort Factor
According to one version of the recipe: Nutrition per serving (6 servings) was approx 597 calories; 44 g protein; 27 g carbohydrates; 31 g fat. Cooking Classy
Of course values vary by cut of meat and portion size. What matters more is the comfort and satisfaction of a warm, slow-braised dish that hits the “hearty comfort” niche.
Final Thoughts
This pot roast with potatoes and carrots is a timeless dish that delivers on flavor, ease, and nostalgia. With a good cut of beef, a simple braising liquid, and the addition of root vegetables, you get a meal that shows up (with minimal fuss) but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Key take-aways:
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Sear the meat to build flavor
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Keep a good braising liquid (wine + broth + herbs)
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Add root vegetables with enough time to cook but not to disintegrate
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Maintain low temperature and slow cooking for best tenderness
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Finish with careful seasoning and optional gravy
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Serve them together for a full meal in one pot.
If you like, I can pull together a printable PDF of this recipe (with ingredient list, step-by-steps, variation notes and shopping checklist) that you can keep in your recipe binder or share. Would you like me to create that?
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