Classic Oven-Braised Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes
Description
This classic comfort-food meal features a slow-braised beef chuck roast cooked until fork-tender in a savory gravy with carrots and onions, served over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for family dinners or leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast
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3–4 lb beef chuck roast
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2 tsp salt
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1½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder (optional)
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2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
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1 large onion, sliced
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4–5 carrots, peeled (whole or cut)
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3 cups beef broth
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
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2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried
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2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
For the Mashed Potatoes
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3 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
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½ cup milk (or cream for richer potatoes)
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4 tbsp butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
 Instructions
Pot Roast
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Pat roast dry and season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Heat oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Sear roast 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
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Add onions and carrots to the pot; sauté 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in tomato paste (if using).
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Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits.
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Return roast to pot. Add herbs. Liquid should reach halfway up the meat.
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Cover tightly and bake 3–3½ hours, until meat is fork-tender.
Mashed Potatoes
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Boil potatoes in salted water 15–20 minutes until tender.
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Drain well.
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Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
 To Serve
Place mashed potatoes on a plate, top with pot roast, carrots, and spoon over the rich gravy.
 Tips & Notes
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Chuck roast is best—don’t substitute lean cuts.
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Let the roast rest 10 minutes before slicing.
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For thicker gravy: mash a few carrots into the sauce or simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
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Tastes even better the next day!
 Servings
6–8 servings
Estimated Nutritional Info (per serving)
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Calories: ~520
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Protein: ~38g
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Fat: ~28g
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Carbohydrates: ~30g
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Fiber: ~4g
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Sodium: ~780mg
(Values are approximate and vary by ingredients used.)
Benefits
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High in protein for muscle growth and energy
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Slow cooking makes beef tender and easier to digest
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Potatoes provide potassium and long-lasting carbs
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One-pot meal = minimal cleanup
 Q & A
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook on low 8 hours or high 4–5 hours after searing.
Q: Can I skip searing the meat?
A: You can, but searing adds much better flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely—potatoes, celery, or parsnips work great.