Classic Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Classic Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound baby potatoes, washed
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening the gravy)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening the gravy)

Instructions:

1. Season and Sear the Roast:
   • Generously season the chuck roast with salt and pepper.
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker or a large Dutch oven.
2. Prepare the Aromatics:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
3. Slow Cook:
   • Add the beef broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
   • Pour the mixture over the roast in the slow cooker or Dutch oven.
   • Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
   • Place the baby potatoes and carrots around the roast.
4. Cook:
   • For a slow cooker: Cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the roast is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
   • For a Dutch oven: Cover and cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 3-4 hours, until the roast is tender.
5. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
   • If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker or Dutch oven.
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid and cook on high (if using a slow cooker) or over medium heat (if using a Dutch oven) until the gravy has thickened.
6. Serve:
   • Slice the roast and serve with the potatoes and carrots. Drizzle the gravy over the top.

Enjoy your comforting and delicious pot roast!

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