Beef Pot Roast Recipe in the Oven

Melt in your mouth delicious, this Beef Pot Roast Recipe is juicy, flavorful, and loaded with veggies for the ultimate comfort food dinner that will have the whole family begging for seconds. Roasted in the oven, it’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for every occasion! 

What Is Pot Roast? 

A classic dinner recipe, pot roast is a dish made with a typically tougher cut of meat such as chuck steak, bottom round, or short ribs. The meat is cooked long and slow in order to break down the connective tissues for an ultra-tender texture and out-of-this-world flavor. Typically, the meat is seared and surrounded with vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes. The ingredients are then coated with seasonings and roasted together. The finished product results in a complete meal that leaves your whole house smelling amazing. 

What’s the Difference Between a Pot Roast and a Chuck Roast? 

Often used interchangeably, a pot roast and a chuck roast aren’t exactly the same thing. You see, the term pot roast is used to refer to a method of preparation that involves slowly cooking a cut of meat until it is juicy and tender. Meanwhile, the term chuck roast is used to refer to any cut of meat that comes from the chuck (shoulder portion) of a steer. Pot roasts can be made with any cut of meat, including chuck beef, but chuck roasts can only be made with a cut of the chuck. 

What Is the Best Type of Meat for a Pot Roast?

When it comes to choosing a cut of meat for your pot roast recipes, it’s important to choose one with plenty of marbling. This will help break down the tough tendons as it cooks, creating the tender texture we’re looking to achieve. Therefore, our top picks include: 

• Chuck Roast
• Beef Brisket
• Bottom Round Roast
• Rump Roast 

How to Make the Best Oven Pot Roast Recipe

Don’t let the rich flavors fool you – this oven pot roast might taste complex, but the truth is, it’s super simple to make! Check out the instructions below for a sneak peek, and scroll to the bottom for all the delicious details:

1. Preheat the oven. 
2. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel, and dredge it with a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. 
3. Melt the butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven on high heat, and sear the beef until browned on all sides. 
4. Transfer the beef to a plate. 
5. Reduce the heat, and add the broth, tomato sauce, seasonings, and herbs to the Dutch oven, scraping the brown bits from the bottom. 
6. Add the beef, carrots, and onions. Then, cover, and bake. 
7. Remove from the oven, add the remaining ingredients, and cook until the potatoes are fork tender. 

How Do I Make Sure My Beef Pot Roast Recipe Is Tender?

The key to creating a tender pot roast is to sear the beef before cooking. This locks in the moisture, keeping the meat juicy. It’s also crucial to keep your Dutch oven covered and cook long and slow. This allows the juices to circulate throughout the beef, breaking down the toughness. Trust us, it’s worth the wait! 

How Long Should I Cook Oven Pot Roast? 

The cooking time will vary based on your oven and the size of the cut of meat. You’ll want to make sure to bake your beef until it is fall apart tender and has reached an internal temperature of 145° Fahrenheit. On average, you can follow the cooking times listed below. 

• 3 lb roast for roughly 3-3.5 hours
• 4 lb roast for roughly 3.5-4 hours
• 5 lb roast for roughly 4.5-5 hours

Storage and Reheating Options

Beef pot roast is best served warm from the oven. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the beef roast without the veggies for up to 2-3 months. 

When you’re ready to eat, let the meat thaw in the fridge, and warm in the oven on low heat until your desired temperature is reached. 

More Family-Friendly Dinner Recipes

If you’re on the hunt for more crowd-pleasing and comforting meals that have the family’s stamp of approval, take a look at some more of our favorite recipes listed below. 

• Hearty, hands off, and delicious, you don’t want to miss out on this Middle Eastern Chicken and Potatoes recipe. 
• This Roasted Chicken with Vegetables is a filling dinner that comes together with ease. 
• Quick and comforting, this One Pot Macarona Bechamel is the perfect dinner option to satisfy a crowd.
• The most indulgent sandwich, this Slow Cooker Po’ Boy couldn’t be easier to make!