Classic Beef Pot Roast with Vegetables

Ingredients

• 3 lb beef chuck roast
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 yellow onion, cut into wedges
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Pat the chuck roast dry, then season all over with the salt and pepper and rub the flour evenly over the surface.
2. Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion wedges in the bottom of the slow cooker insert so they cook underneath the meat.
3. Set the seasoned roast on top of the vegetables and sprinkle the minced garlic over everything.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme until smooth, then pour it over the roast and vegetables.
5. Tuck the bay leaves into the liquid.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours, or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is deeply tender.
7. Test doneness by pressing a fork into the thickest part of the roast and twisting; it is ready when the meat shreds into large chunks with almost no resistance, rather than staying firm and springy.
8. Check the vegetables with a fork too; potatoes and carrots should be soft enough to pierce easily all the way through.
9. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
10. Lift the roast onto a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes, then break it into large chunks with two forks (it should not need a knife).
11. Taste the cooking liquid and season with a little extra salt and pepper if needed; if you want a thicker gravy, ladle 1 cup of the liquid into a saucepan, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water, and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until thickened, then stir it back in.
12. Serve the beef and vegetables in shallow bowls with plenty of the gravy spooned over top.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• A complete one-pot dinner with no side dishes needed
• Uses budget-friendly cuts and vegetables
• Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day
• Simple pantry-staple gravy

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.