Classic pot roast recipe with a step-by-step guide

Classic pot roast

Certainly! Here's a classic pot roast recipe with a step-by-step guide:

### Ingredients:

#### For the Pot Roast:

- 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 onion, chopped

- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

- 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cups beef broth

- 1 cup red wine (optional)

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

- 2 bay leaves

#### For the Gravy (Optional):

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Classic pot roast

### Instructions:

#### Preparing the Pot Roast:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**

   - Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. **Season the Roast:**

   - Season the chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

3. **Sear the Roast:**

   - Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned. This step adds flavor to the meat.

4. **Sauté Vegetables:**

   - Add chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

5. **Add Aromatics:**

   - Add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir to combine.

6. **Pour in Liquid:**

   - Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using). The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the roast.

7. **Bring to a Simmer:**

   - Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid.

#### Cooking in the Oven:

8. **Transfer to the Oven:**

   - Transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Allow the roast to cook for approximately 3 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.

9. **Check Doneness:**

   - Check the doneness by testing if the meat easily shreds with a fork.

10. **Remove Bay Leaves:**

    - Once done, remove the bay leaves from the pot.

#### Preparing the Gravy (Optional):

11. **Make a Roux:**

    - In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to create a roux.

12. **Thicken the Gravy:**

    - Gradually whisk in a ladle of the pot roast cooking liquid. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens.

13. **Combine with Roast:**

    - Add the thickened gravy back to the pot roast, stirring gently to combine.

#### Serving:

14. **Slice and Serve:**

    - Slice the pot roast and serve it with the vegetables and gravy.

15. **Enjoy:**

    - Enjoy your delicious pot roast with your favorite sides!

This pot roast recipe creates a flavorful and tender dish perfect for a comforting family meal. Adjust seasoning and ingredients according to your preferences.