Here’s a full, detailed, step-by-step recipe for Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Gravy over Creamy Mashed Potatoes. This is written clearly so anyone (even a beginner) can follow it.
Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Serves
4–6 people
Total time: ~4–5 hours (mostly hands-off)
INGREDIENTS
For the Pot Roast
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3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) beef chuck roast
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2½ teaspoons salt (divided)
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1½ teaspoons black pepper (divided)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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3 carrots, cut into large chunks
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3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
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2 cups beef broth
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 fresh sprigs)
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 fresh sprig)
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2 bay leaves
For the Gravy
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3 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Cooking liquid from the pot roast
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
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2½ lbs (1.1 kg) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into chunks
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1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
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4 tablespoons butter
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½–¾ cup milk or cream (warm)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Roast
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Pat the roast dry with paper towels (this helps it brown).
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Season all sides with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
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Sear the roast for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
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Remove the roast and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
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In the same pot, add sliced onions.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Roast
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Add carrots, celery, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, remaining salt, and pepper.
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Return the roast to the pot (liquid should come halfway up the meat).
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Cover tightly with a lid.
Cooking options:
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Oven: 325°F (165°C) for 3½–4 hours
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Stovetop: Low heat, gently simmering for 3–4 hours
The roast is done when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes
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Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
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Add 1 teaspoon salt.
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Bring to a boil, then simmer 15–20 minutes until very tender.
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Drain well.
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Mash with butter and warm milk.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cover and keep warm.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
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Remove the roast and vegetables from the pot and tent with foil.
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Strain the cooking liquid (optional, but makes smoother gravy).
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Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (do not brown).
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Slowly whisk in 2–3 cups of the pot roast liquid.
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Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Serve
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Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates.
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Top with chunks of pot roast.
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Ladle gravy generously over everything.
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Add carrots and onions on the side or on top.
TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
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Chuck roast is best because it becomes tender when slow-cooked.
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Don’t rush the cooking time—low and slow makes it juicy.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day.