This old-fashioned pot roast is fall-apart tender with carrots, potatoes, and rich gravy. A simple one-pot oven dinner made with chuck roast and pantry staples.
Pat the 3–4 lb chuck roast dry with paper towel. In a small bowl, mix 1½ Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp dried rosemary, and ½ tsp black pepper. Rub evenly over all sides.
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 Tbsp olive oil, then place the roast in the pot. Sear the roast for about 3–4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Remove and set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups beef broth, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 4 cloves garlic. Pour a small amount into the hot pot and scrape up browned bits, then return liquid to the bowl.
Add 1 chopped onion, 4 carrots, and 1½ lbs halved potatoes to the bottom of the Dutch oven. Place roast on top and pour liquid around the roast.
Cover and bake at 300°F for 3–3½ hours, or until the roast is fork tender. 👉 If the roast isn’t tender yet, keep cooking. It just needs more time.
Transfer roast and vegetables to a platter. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Mix 2 Tbsp cornstarch + 3 Tbsp cold water. Add 2 cups cooking liquid, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Simmer while stirring until thickened.
Slice or shred the roast and serve with vegetables and gravy.
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Notes
Don’t skip searing - builds deep flavor
Keep liquid halfway up the roast - not fully submerged
Cook low and slow - high heat makes it tough
If it’s tough, cook longer - it just needs more time
Cut vegetables large so they don’t overcook
Store leftovers up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months
Cook Time Guide
3lb roast: ~3 hours
4lb roast: ~3½–4 hours
5 lb roast: ~4½–5 hours
👉 Always cook until fork-tender, not just by time.