Herb-Infused Pot Roast with Root Vegetables is a comforting classic with a fragrant twist. This recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings or a satisfying family meal, combining tender beef with a medley of aromatic herbs and hearty vegetables.
Beef chuck roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful over time. The marbling adds richness to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for searing, it helps form a beautiful crust on the meat, locking in juices.
Garlic and onion: These aromatics form the savory base, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Carrots and parsnips: Root vegetables that add natural sweetness and texture, balancing the savory components.
Beef broth and red wine: These liquids create a rich braising environment, penetrating the meat with savory depth.
Fresh rosemary and thyme: These herbs provide a fragrant, earthy aroma, complementing the hearty ingredients.
Bay leaves: They offer subtle, herbal complexity, enhancing the overall flavor.
Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste: These add umami and a touch of acidity, rounding out the taste.
Cornstarch: Combined with water, it thickens the sauce, creating a luscious consistency.
Pair this pot roast with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the dish.
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. As you wait, season your beef roast generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. This simple step ensures the meat is flavorful through every bite.
Heat up some olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, sear the roast, spending about four minutes on each side. This creates a beautiful brown crust that seals in juices and adds depth.
Remove the roast and set it aside briefly. In the same pot, toss in the garlic and onions; let them cook until the onions turn translucent, which should take about five minutes. Their sweet aroma will begin to fill your kitchen.
Add the carrots and parsnips. Stir them occasionally for about five minutes. They should start to caramelize slightly, which adds a lovely sweetness.
Next, pour in the beef broth and red wine. As you do, use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are flavor gold!
Stir in the rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. These elements will mingle and create a fragrant, savory bath for the roast. Return the roast to the pot, making sure it's submerged in this aromatic liquid.
Cover the pot and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it cook for about three hours. This is when the magic happens—the meat will become fork-tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Once done, carefully remove the roast and vegetables from the pot. Strain the liquid to discard the herbs and bay leaves. You'll be left with a delicious broth.
Mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the broth over medium heat. This will thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
Slice the roast, arrange it with the vegetables, and generously drizzle the sauce on top. Serve it hot, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.