Description
This slow-braised beef pot roast is rich, deeply flavored, and fall-apart tender. Cooked low and slow in a savory sauce, the beef absorbs every bit of flavor until it practically melts. Perfect for family dinners, special weekends, or meal prep—this is comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
For the beef
1.8–2 kg (4–4.5 lb) beef chuck roast or brisket
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
For the braising base
2 large onions, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 cup water or additional broth
2 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Optional additions
1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thicker sauce)
Mushrooms or potatoes (added halfway through cooking)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the beef
Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season all sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes at room temperature.
Step 2: Sear for flavor
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the flavor base
In the same pot, add onions and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze and assemble
Pour in beef broth and water, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Step 5: Slow braise
Return the beef to the pot, spooning some sauce over the top. Cover tightly and cook:
Oven method
Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 3½–4 hours
Stovetop method
Simmer on very low heat for 3–4 hours
Slow cooker method
Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours
The beef is ready when it pulls apart easily with a fork.
Step 6: Thicken the sauce (optional)
Remove the beef. Mix flour or cornstarch with a little cold water, stir into the sauce, and simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Rest and serve
Let the meat rest 10 minutes, then slice or shred. Spoon the rich sauce over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with
Mashed potatoes
Rice or buttered noodles
Roasted vegetables
Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Tips for Best Results
Use chuck roast for maximum tenderness
Low heat is key—don’t rush it
Even better the next day as leftovers
Conclusion
This slow-braised beef pot roast is everything a comfort meal should be—deeply savory, tender, and satisfying. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you get a restaurant-quality dish that warms the soul and feeds a crowd. Perfect for cozy dinners and guaranteed to impress.