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Tender Sunday Pot Roast Recipe Easy Homemade Pot Roast with Rich Gravy

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A tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast with rich, flavorful gravy that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy gatherings and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season the roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the roast and sear it for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until a nice brown crust forms.
  4. Remove the roast and set aside. Lower heat to medium, then add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
  5. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute to release aromas. Pour in the red wine if using, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pot.
  6. Return the roast to the pot and add beef broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. The liquid should come about halfway up the meat; add more broth or water if needed.
  7. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven. Cook low and slow for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  8. Once done, remove the roast and vegetables to a serving platter, tent with foil to rest for about 10 minutes.
  9. Make the gravy: Place the Dutch oven back on the stove over medium heat. Stir butter and flour into the cooking liquid to form a roux. Whisk continuously for 3 to 5 minutes until the gravy thickens and is smooth.
  10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free gravy, substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Red wine is optional and can be replaced with extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Browning the meat before slow cooking is essential for flavor. Use a tight lid to trap moisture. Rest the meat before slicing to retain juices. If gravy is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

Nutrition

Keywords: pot roast, beef chuck roast, slow cooker pot roast, Sunday dinner, rich gravy, comfort food, easy pot roast recipe