One of the classics in our family for Sunday dinner was a wonderful old fashioned pot roast dinner. It was always a family favorite that we looked forward to. Our mom made an easy pot roast recipe in the slow cooker that quickly became a family favorite. There’s something about a pot roast dinner that is the ultimate comforting meal! With winter nearing, it is the classic comfort food for cold days! Let’s make this old fashioned pot roast recipe. Yum!

Old Fashioned Pot Roast Recipe

I’ve also made a classic pot roast in the crock pot, but have also modified this favorite comfort food recipe to make in my large dutch oven. I like doing it in the dutch oven and searing that chunk of meat first in some olive oil and butter, then adding some more ingredients and vegetables before transferring to the oven for the rest of the cooking. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t take much prep time or work.

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Before you get started, let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

• You’ll need a large, heavy duty Dutch oven. I have this one have been happy with everything about it! If you want to spend a little more, it’s worth the investment as you will use a Dutch oven over and over again, and it will last you for many years.
• A boneless beef chuck roast is the best choice for this recipe. If you use another tougher cut of meat such as a bottom round roast or brisket, it will need more cooking time in order for the meat fibers to break down to become tender and juicy.

***Shopping for a Dutch oven might seem a little overwhelming. I’ve found this review post very helpful in shopping for a Dutch oven.

Some basic ingredients you need for this recipe are:

• a boneless beef chuck roast  (about 3 lbs.)
• olive oil
• butter
• salt
• pepper
• onions
• garlic
• whole carrots or baby carrots
• medium potatoes
• cream of mushroom soup
• onion soup mix
• beef stock or beef broth

(scroll to the end for the complete recipe card)

Why does using a Dutch oven make a pot roast SO good?

Dutch oven pot roast is so delicious because the cooking method enhances the flavors and tenderness of the meat. Here’s why:

1. Even Heat Distribution: Dutch ovens are made of heavy cast iron, which distributes heat evenly. This consistent heat helps the roast cook uniformly and prevents hot spots that can cause burning or uneven cooking.
2. Moisture Retention: The heavy lid of a Dutch oven traps moisture and steam inside, creating a moist cooking environment. This helps the meat stay tender and juicy as it cooks slowly.
3. Slow Cooking: Pot roast is typically cooked at a low temperature for several hours. This slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it incredibly tender and flavorful.
4. Flavor Infusion: As the roast cooks, it releases its juices, which blend with any added vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. This creates a rich, flavorful broth that infuses the meat and vegetables, enhancing their taste.
5. Caramelization: The initial browning of the meat before adding liquid helps develop complex flavors through caramelization. This step adds a depth of flavor to the final dish.
6. Versatility: You can add a variety of vegetables, spices, and herbs to the pot, making it easy to customize the flavors to your liking.

Making a pot roast in a Dutch oven is a great way to create a flavorful and tender meal. 

The basic instructions for making this roast are:

1. Prepare the Roast:
   • Pat the beef chuck roast (the best cut of meat for this) dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the Meat:
   • Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat to brown the meat. Once hot, place roast in the dutch oven and sear it on all sides until browned. Let the pot roast cook about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and transfer to a plate.
3. Add Beef Stock and Vegetables:
   • In the same Dutch oven, add the beef stock and using a wooden spoon, deglaze the pot. Add the garlic, onion, and carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Combine Everything:
   • Return the seared chuck roast to the Dutch oven on top of the vegetables. Put an envelope of onion soup mix on the top of the roast along with a can of cream of mushroom soup. Put the potatoes over the top of everything.
5. Cook:
   • Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and place it in a preheated oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit.. Cook for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking over a low heat helps to make a super tender roast. 
6. Finish:
   • Once done, remove the roast from the Dutch oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. 
7. Serve:
   • Serve the pot roast with the carrots, potatoes, and some of the cooking liquid spooned over the top.

Hope you enjoy making the perfect pot roast!

Other options:

put a splash of Worcestershire sauce over when adding the broth

​use the pan drippings to make a gravy

add bay leaves to the pot before cooking

One of my favorite things to serve with this old fashioned pot roast recipe is our no-knead crusty bread. It’s the perfect side, and let me tell you, the combo of the crusty bread sopping up some of the gravy from the roast and vegetables is to die for! So good! 

Or if you’re needing something in a hurry, why not try biscuits in the air fryer? Every try it? It’s super easy and you have biscuits in minutes.

(click the image to go to the recipe)

And, I love to take my leftover pot roast and turn it into pot roast soup for another day later in the week. Maybe that will be another recipe post for another time. 🙂

This is the Dutch oven I have and I have zero complaints about it! I have the 6-quart and it is just the right size I need for my family.