This easy beef chuck roast recipe is loved by many. It has a 4.88 rating from 16 reviews. It only takes 10 minutes of prep time to make. The cooking time is 4 hours and 20 minutes, but most of it is hands-off.
This recipe is ideal for those hectic nights when you don’t feel like thinking about dinner. It uses a 3 lb. beef chuck roast with delicious seasonings. It’s not only tasty but also packed with 31 grams of protein per serving.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a perfect savory chuck roast recipe or tender beef chuck recipe, start with the right ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will bring out the best flavors. This ensures a memorable meal.
Main Ingredients
For a rich and flavorful tender beef chuck recipe, you’ll need:
- 3½ to 4 pounds of beef chuck pot roast
- 6 to 8 carrots, cut into roughly 2-inch slices
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 to 3 cups of a combination of beef broth and red wine
- 2-3 tablespoons of high heat cooking oil and optional butter
- 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 12 ounces of baby potatoes (optional)
Seasonings and Flavorings
Seasoning your chuck roast properly is crucial. It’s what makes the flavor everyone loves. Here are the seasonings and flavorings you’ll need:
- Generous amount of kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cream to thicken the gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Beef chuck pot roast | 3½ to 4 pounds | Main ingredient |
| Carrots | 6 to 8 (2-inch slices) | Flavor enhancement |
| Celery stalks | 4, diced | Flavor and texture |
| Onion | 1 large, diced | Flavor base |
| Beef broth and red wine | 2 to 3 cups | Moisture and richness |
| High heat cooking oil | 2 to 3 tablespoons | Browning |
| Apple cider vinegar | 3 tablespoons | Acidity and flavor balance |
| Baby potatoes (optional) | 12 ounces | Texture and flavor |
| Kosher salt | Generous amount | Seasoning |
| Onion powder | 1 ½ teaspoons | Flavor |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Flavor |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Seasoning |
| Fresh rosemary | 4 sprigs | Flavor |
| Fresh thyme | 4 sprigs | Flavor |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Flavor |
| Cornstarch (optional for gravy) | 2 tablespoons | Gravy thickening |
| Cream (optional for gravy) | 2 tablespoons | Smooth texture |
Beef Chuck Roast Recipe
This beef chuck roast recipe is perfect for a busy night. Choose a 3- to 4-pound boneless chuck roast. This size ensures the roast is tender.
Begin by seasoning the roast with salt and pepper. Then, sear it to create a caramelized crust. This crust is key to keeping flavors locked in.
After searing, add the beef to a pot with 2 cups of halved baby carrots, 1 medium yellow onion, and 4 cloves of garlic. These enhance the flavor and fragrance of the dish.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 429 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 125 mg |
| Sodium | 1156 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Calcium | 59 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
Put the pot in a 350°F oven. Cook for 3 to 4 hours. This ensures the roast absorbs all the seasonings.
A rest period after cooking will make the roast even more tender. It’s the secret to the best beef chuck roast recipe.
This recipe makes about 8 servings, great for a crowd. Pair it with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a better dining experience.
Preparation Steps
Before you can enjoy a flavorful chuck roast or a slow cooker beef chuck roast, you must prepare the ingredients. It’s important to prepare everything right to make sure all flavors mix well. Let’s go through it step by step.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Begin by cutting your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, leeks, and turnips. These add nutrition and make the meal more filling. Dry your beef chuck roast and season it with salt and pepper. Seasoning well is key to bringing out the meat’s natural taste.
Step 2: Browning the Beef
Browning the meat is a key step for a slow cooker beef chuck roast. Heat vegetable oil in a big pot and brown the beef on all sides. This step is vital because it creates a deep, rich flavor that spreads through the roast as it cooks.
After browning, sauté the vegetables in the same pot. Sautéing in the beef’s fat captures all the tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. This makes the vegetables delicious and ensures no flavor is lost.
Cooking the Beef Chuck Roast
After browning the beef, return it to the pot with vegetables and seasonings. Tightly cover it and allow it to cook slowly in a low-temperature oven. This method makes the meat tender and soft. It takes about 2.5 hours at 300°F to cook.
The cooking time for a chuck roast can range from 5 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 40 minutes. Recipes usually call for a 2.5 to 3-pound roast, serving 8 people. Add approximately 2 cups of beef stock per roast, enough to cover it halfway. Adding 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar per 2 cups of stock can enhance flavor.
Slow cooker beef chuck roast is also a great option. It’s easy and takes about 7 hours to prepare. This method is perfect for those with busy schedules. Before slow cooking, sear the roast for 4-5 minutes on each side.
Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes are best for long cooking times. For a pot roast, include 8 large carrots and 3 pounds of red potatoes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper for a 2.5-pound roast. This creates a delicious, homestyle meal.
Both oven-roasted and slow cooker methods offer nutritional benefits and flavors. A slow cooker beef chuck roast has about 365 calories per 4 ounces cooked with 1/3 cup gravy. The decision depends on your timing and the texture you prefer.
Whether you choose oven-roasted or slow cooker, mastering these techniques will give you a delicious, tender roast every time.
Oven-Roasted Method
The oven-roasted chuck roast method makes the meat tender and flavorful. The beef’s collagen breaks down, turning into gelatin. This gelatin keeps the meat moist and tender.
You’ll need a 3 to 4 pound chuck roast for this method. It’s great because it cooks slowly and evenly.
The roast cooks at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). A 3-pound roast takes 3 to 3.5 hours to cook. The total time is about 3 hours and 20 minutes, but it’s worth it for a delicious meal.
Yellow onions and two cups of beef broth enhance the flavor. The beef’s collagen absorbs water, making it juicy. Seasonings like kosher salt and herbs enhance the taste.
Each serving of this oven-roasted chuck roast has 437 calories. It has 34g of protein and 20g of fat. It also has 5g of fiber and 1,434 mg of potassium.
This dish is perfect for any occasion. You can adjust the seasonings and broth to your liking. It’s a versatile and flavorful meal.
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 437 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Potassium | 1,434 mg |
| Sodium | 282 mg |
Serving Suggestions
A beef chuck roast recipe is versatile, perfect for many plating options. It’s great for formal dinners or quick meals. This recipe ensures a fulfilling dining experience every time.
On a Plate
Serving the beef chuck roast on a plate is a timeless choice. It impresses everyone. Pair it with roasted veggies like carrots, baby yellow potatoes, or a mix of Brussels sprouts and kale.
Including creamy garlic and herb mashed potatoes makes the meal more indulgent. Each serving has about 329 calories, 37 grams of protein, and 22 grams of carbs. It’s a healthy and filling option.
In a Sandwich
For a laid-back yet fulfilling meal, shred the beef and serve it in a sandwich. The beef’s flavors, with a hint of horseradish or mustard, are irresistible. Pair it with butternut squash mac and cheese for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
This sandwich option has 262 to 714 calories, making it a delightful and easy meal. Whether on a plate or in a sandwich, this recipe guarantees a memorable and tasty meal. Remember to store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
FAQ
What type of beef is best for a tender roast?
Beef chuck pot roast is the best choice for a tender and flavorful roast. It’s known for its rich taste and becomes very tender after slow cooking or oven roasting.
Can I cook this beef chuck roast recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook this recipe in a slow cooker. First, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables. Next, place everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef becomes tender.
What vegetables should I use for this roast?
Use diced carrots, celery, and onions as the main vegetables. They add flavor to the roast and complement its savory taste.
What seasonings are essential for this dish?
Salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary are key seasonings. They give the beef chuck roast a robust and distinct taste.
How do I achieve a caramelized crust on the roast?
To get a caramelized crust, season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. Then, brown it in a large oven-safe pot with heated vegetable oil. This step is key for rich, complex flavors.
What are the benefits of the oven-roasted method?
The oven-roasted method cooks the beef thoroughly and infuses it with flavor. It uses a steady low heat to break down tough collagen, making the roast tender and moist.
How should I serve the beef chuck roast?
Serve the beef chuck roast on a plate with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. Or, shred the meat for hearty sandwiches with horseradish or mustard for extra flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to make and requires little time. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.