Garden Herb Pot Roast

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Garden Herb Pot Roast is a hearty, comforting dish that brings the flavors of fresh herbs and tender beef to your table. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it's a one-pot wonder that sings with savory goodness and seasonal charm.

Ingredients for Garden Herb Pot Roast

The star of our show is the chuck roast, known for its rich marbling, which makes it perfect for slow cooking. Olive oil is used to sear the meat, locking in the juices and adding a lovely crust. We have onion and garlic to form the flavor base, bringing sweetness and depth. The carrots and celery add a bit of earthiness and texture, while baby potatoes soak up all the delicious juices. The beef broth and red wine create a rich, savory braising liquid, complemented by a touch of tomato paste for sweetness and thickness. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami, while fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the roast with their fragrant, garden-fresh aroma. Finally, bay leaves, salt, and pepper round out the seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have a Dutch oven, a heavy oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid will work too.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Be sure to use a wine you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will become concentrated in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pot roast with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the roast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, brisket or bottom round can be good alternatives, though cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for red wine?
You can use more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
Do I have to use fresh herbs?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute with dried herbs—just use about a third of the amount.

Garden Herb Pot Roast Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 325°F, setting the stage for a slow and tender braise. Generously season the chuck roast with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor. Heat up a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, adding olive oil until it shimmers. Place the roast in the pot, searing each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until it forms a deep, golden-brown crust. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don't rush it. Once seared, remove the roast and set it aside.

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté until soft and translucent, releasing their savory aroma. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. This slight pre-cook allows them to start absorbing flavors early on. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for another 2 minutes to caramelize and deepen the flavor.

Next, pour in the red wine and beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pot's bottom—these are flavor gold mines! Return the roast to the pot, nestling it among the vegetables. Add the Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves, then cover the pot. Transfer the Dutch oven to your preheated oven, letting it cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. You'll know it's done when the meat is fork-tender and practically falls apart.

Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and discard the bay leaves. Let the roast rest for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute, making each slice succulent and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses fresh, aromatic herbs that elevate the dish.
  • One-pot meal makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Perfectly tender beef that melts in your mouth.
  • Rich, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.

Ingredients

3 lbs chuck roast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb baby potatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add onions and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
5. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in tomato paste, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Pour in red wine and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
8. Return the roast to the pot and add Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
9. Cover the pot and transfer to preheated oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
10. Remove from oven, discard bay leaves, and let the roast rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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