If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe has you covered. It’s a classic comfort dish where tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef pairs perfectly with hearty potatoes and sweet carrots, all slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe isn’t just about good food—it’s about tradition, family moments around the table, and that rich, savory flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe has such a cherished place in many hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large raw red steak with white fat edges is placed on a white oval plate that sits on a white towel with red stripes. The steak is sprinkled with coarse white salt and ground black pepper, creating a speckled texture on its surface. Next to the plate, there are two small round white stone containers, one with ground pepper in a spoon and the other empty, all on a white marbled background. The scene is bright and clean, showing the natural color and texture of the meat clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the rich beef chuck roast to the garlic and spices that infuse every bite with deep, inviting flavors, every element is essential for achieving that perfect balance between savory and comforting.

3.5-4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast: The star of the dish, this cut becomes incredibly tender and juicy after slow cooking.
1 Tablespoon Morton kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the roast evenly and enhancing the meat’s natural flavor.
2 Tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized crust on the roast.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild kick and balances the savory flavors.
2-3 Tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the meat and developing rich, deep colors and flavors.
1 large onion, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the cooking liquid.
10 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the roast with an aromatic punch that complements the beef wonderfully.
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning: Brings a warm, herby note that rounds out the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and enhances the meat’s savory character.
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Provides a tangy umami boost that takes the broth to the next level.
1 Tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances the meatiness and adds depth without overpowering.
2 cups beef broth or beef stock: The cooking liquid that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
1/4 cup cornstarch: Used to thicken the broth, creating a luscious sauce for serving.
2 pounds baby yellow potatoes: These little gems soak up the juices beautifully while retaining a firm texture.
1 pound whole carrots, peeled & cut on a bias: Adds color, sweetness, and a perfect hearty bite alongside the roast.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe

Step 1: Season the Roast

Start by mixing the kosher salt, brown sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pat this spice mixture all over the pieces of beef chuck roast like you’re tucking in a flavorful blanket. This step is key because it sets up a perfect crust and makes every bite deliciously savory and just slightly sweet.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Carefully brown each piece of the roast on all sides until you see that beautiful dark crust forming. This searing step locks in juices and adds rich color and flavor you won’t want to skip. Once browned, place the roast into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize, stirring and scraping up any tasty browned bits on the bottom. Then add those onions directly to the slow cooker with the meat, allowing all their sweetness and aroma to meld with the roast.

Step 4: Add the Garlic and Seasonings

Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the roast and onions in the slow cooker. These spices and sauces are where the classic, hearty flavor really shines through your Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe.

Step 5: Pour in Broth Mixture

Whisk the beef broth together with the cornstarch until smooth, then pour this over everything in the slow cooker. The broth will keep the meat moist and the cornstarch will help create a thick, rich sauce as it cooks. The liquid won’t completely cover the roast—that’s perfectly fine because slow cooking will ensure it stays tender.

Step 6: Slow Cook the Roast

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3.5-4 hours. This low-and-slow approach is what transforms the chuck roast into fork-tender perfection that’s the hallmark of a great Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe.

Step 7: Add Potatoes and Carrots

Once the initial cooking time is up, nestle the baby yellow potatoes and peeled carrots into the broth around the roast. Press them down gently with the back of a spoon so they are mostly covered. Continue cooking for an additional 3 hours on LOW or 1.5 hours on HIGH. This ensures the vegetables absorb the savory flavors and soften beautifully.

Step 8: Shred and Serve

When everything is tender, lift the roast out and shred it into large, juicy pieces using two forks. Arrange the meat on a serving platter with the pan juices poured over top, and use a slotted spoon to serve the glazed potatoes and carrots alongside. Your Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe has arrived!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe

The image shows a dish with shredded brown meat layered on top of small, round yellow potatoes and large orange carrot pieces, all covered in a glossy brown sauce. The meat is tender and stringy, mixed with chopped green herbs sprinkled all over. The vegetables look soft and cooked through, sitting in the sauce that pools around them. There are also some small herb leaves scattered on top for extra color and freshness. The whole dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your pot roast presentation and flavor, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving. These fresh herbs add a vibrant color contrast and a hint of brightness to balance the rich, hearty flavors.

Side Dishes

This Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe is a complete meal, but you can add a simple green side salad or buttery dinner rolls to round it out perfectly. Creamed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts also make excellent sides to add a bit of fresh texture and variety to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the shredded pot roast inside warm buttered dinner rolls for a comforting slider option. You can also spoon the savory broth and tender veggies over creamy mashed potatoes to create a cozy, layered dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked pot roast and vegetables in separate containers for up to 3 months. This is a fantastic option for meal prepping or busy weeks when you want a quick but hearty dinner waiting.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the thickened sauce. This method helps retain the tender texture without drying out the meat or veggies.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can use brisket or rump roast. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly to achieve the same melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Is it necessary to sear the meat first?

Searing isn’t required but highly recommended. It develops deep flavors and a rich crust that enhances the overall taste of the pot roast significantly.

Can I prepare this recipe in an oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! You can cook the roast in a covered Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours, adding the vegetables in the last hour. This traditional method works beautifully.

How do I make sure the vegetables don’t get too mushy?

Add them later in the cooking process as directed, and keep an eye on the timing. Yellow baby potatoes and carrots hold their shape well when cooked for the recommended time.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin after cooking?

Simply remove the meat and vegetables, then simmer the leftover broth on the stove until it reduces and thickens. You can stir in a little extra cornstarch mixed with cold water if needed.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about an Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe that brings comfort and joy to the dining table. With its tender meat, flavorful broth, and hearty veggies, this dish invites everyone to slow down and savor a classic meal made with love. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and create your own treasured family dinner moments.