Pot roast carrots potatoes has been my go-to for comforting weeknight dinners since I discovered this incredible slow cooker method. I remember my mom making a similar dish, but this version takes “tender” to a whole new level. The aroma that fills my kitchen as the beef slowly cooks with the vegetables is simply divine – a mix of savory beef, earthy root vegetables, and fragrant herbs. This slow cooker beef roast with potatoes and carrots is so forgiving, making it perfect even if you’re new to cooking. Let’s get this delicious meal started!
Why You’ll Love This Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
This recipe is a true winner for so many reasons:
- Effortless Preparation: It’s an incredibly easy pot roast carrots and potatoes recipe that requires minimal hands-on time.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender Beef: The slow cooking process guarantees perfectly tender beef every single time.
- Hearty & Comforting: Packed with vegetables, it’s a complete and satisfying meal in one pot.
- Flavorful Gravy: The natural juices create a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for spooning over everything.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using your slow cooker means fewer dishes to wash after dinner.
- Perfectly Cooked Vegetables: The carrots and potatoes become wonderfully tender and infused with flavor.
- A True Family Favorite: This dish is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Super Versatile: It’s a tender pot roast with root vegetables that pairs well with many sides.
Ingredients for Classic Pot Roast Carrots Potatoes
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to an unforgettable meal. This classic pot roast with potatoes carrots onions is surprisingly easy to assemble. The magic happens with just a few key players!
- 3 – 4 pound chuck roast – This cut is ideal for slow cooking; its marbling breaks down beautifully to create tender beef.
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges – Adds a foundational sweetness and depth of flavor to the broth.
- 1 pound carrots, cut into large, 2 inch chunks – These hearty root vegetables soften perfectly and absorb the savory juices.
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, left whole – Their small size and creamy texture make them perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – For that essential aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup beef broth – The liquid base that helps tenderize the meat and forms the foundation for our delicious gravy.
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard – This is my secret weapon! It creates a savory, tangy paste that adds incredible depth to the beef.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds an earthy, slightly floral note that complements the beef.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary – Its pungent, pine-like aroma pairs wonderfully with roasted meats.
- ½ teaspoon pepper – For a touch of warmth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional – Use this if you want to thicken the gravy to a perfect, pourable consistency.
How to Make Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
Get ready for the easiest, most flavorful pot roast you’ve ever made! This slow cooker beef roast with potatoes and carrots recipe practically cooks itself, filling your home with an incredible aroma. Just follow these simple steps for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Step 1: Prepare your slow cooker. Add the 1 medium onion, cut into wedges, the 1 pound carrots, cut into large, 2 inch chunks, and the 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, left whole directly into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the 1 cup beef broth over the vegetables.
- Step 2: Make the herb paste. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix it all together until you have a nice, spreadable paste.
- Step 3: Season the roast. Take your 3 – 4 pound chuck roast and brush the dijon-herb paste all over it, ensuring it’s coated on every side. This step is crucial for infusing the beef with amazing flavor as it cooks.
- Step 4: Place the roast in the slow cooker. Gently set the seasoned chuck roast on top of the vegetables and broth. This arrangement allows the roast to cook evenly and its juices to mingle with the vegetables.
- Step 5: Cook low and slow. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for about 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours. The exact timing will depend on the size and shape of your roast. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds. This is the magic of how to make pot roast with carrots and potatoes!
- Step 6: Thicken the gravy (optional). Once the roast is tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 7: Finish the gravy and serve. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the remaining liquid and vegetables. Stir well and cook on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. The aroma of this slow cooker pot roast carrots potatoes recipe will be irresistible!
Pro Tips for the Best Pot Roast Dinner
Want to elevate your pot roast game? These little tricks make all the difference for a truly spectacular meal:
- Don’t skip searing the roast! While this recipe uses the slow cooker, a quick sear in a hot pan before adding it to the pot develops a deep, savory crust that adds incredible flavor.
- Use a good quality beef broth. It makes a significant difference in the final taste of the gravy and the overall dish.
- Let the roast rest before slicing. Just like with any large cut of meat, allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist final product.
What’s the secret to perfect pot roast dinner?
The real secret is patience and the right cut of meat. Opting for a chuck roast and cooking it low and slow, like in this low and slow pot roast carrots potatoes recipe, allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness everyone loves.
Can I make pot roast with carrots and potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients and assemble the slow cooker the night before. Store the vegetables and the seasoned roast separately in the refrigerator and combine them in the slow cooker in the morning. You can also fully cook the roast and refrigerate it, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
How do I avoid common mistakes with pot roast carrots potatoes?
A common pitfall is cutting the vegetables too small; they can turn mushy. Keep your carrots and potatoes in large chunks! Also, resist the urge to lift the lid too often – each peek lets heat escape and extends cooking time significantly.
Best Ways to Serve Your Pot Roast with Vegetables
This incredibly flavorful dish is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a truly comforting experience, consider serving it alongside some crusty bread to sop up all that delicious gravy. It’s also wonderful with a simple green salad to add a fresh contrast. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, this roast is fantastic served over mashed potatoes or even alongside a bowl of hearty beef stew with carrots and potatoes for a robust, satisfying dinner.
Nutrition Facts for Pot Roast Carrots Potatoes
This hearty slow cooker meal is packed with flavor and nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving, based on the recipe yield of 8 servings:
- Calories: 412kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: [Insert Saturated Fat Value Here]
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 628mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Pot Roast with Root Vegetables
Don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Proper storage is key to enjoying your pot roast with root vegetables for days to come. Once the meal is finished cooking and has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. For the best quality, aim to consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. If you won’t get to it within that timeframe, freezing is an excellent option. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. This makes planning for future meals a breeze!
Reheating this hearty dish is simple. For refrigerated leftovers, you can gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm them in a covered dish in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using either of these stovetop or oven methods. This ensures your delicious pot roast remains tender and flavorful, no matter when you choose to enjoy it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pot Roast Carrots Potatoes
What is the best way to make pot roast with carrots and potatoes?
The best way, in my opinion, is using a slow cooker! This recipe shows you exactly how to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s truly the easiest method for a foolproof pot roast with carrots and potatoes.
Can I add other vegetables to my pot roast?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base, and you can definitely customize it. Peas, green beans, parsnips, or even celery can be added towards the last hour or two of cooking so they don’t get too mushy. Many people find that adding onions alongside the carrots and potatoes really enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a truly robust meal.
What makes this the best pot roast with vegetables recipe?
It’s the combination of simple, high-quality ingredients and the slow cooking method that makes this stand out. The dijon mustard paste creates an incredible depth of flavor on the beef, and the vegetables soak up all those savory juices. It’s a truly hearty and satisfying dish.
How do I ensure my pot roast carrots potatoes are flavorful?
Don’t skimp on the seasoning! The dijon mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper create a flavorful crust on the beef. Also, using good quality beef broth is essential for building a rich, savory foundation for your pot roast with carrots and potatoes. Letting it cook undisturbed allows those flavors to meld beautifully.
Variations of Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes You Can Try
While this slow cooker method is fantastic, there are so many ways to enjoy this comforting dish! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Dutch Oven Classic: For a traditional approach, try this as an oven-baked pot roast carrots potatoes. Sear the beef in a Dutch oven, then add your vegetables and a flavorful braising liquid. Cook it low and slow in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.
- Herb-Crusted Flavor Boost: Elevate your classic pot roast carrots potatoes by adding fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs directly into the slow cooker. You can also mix finely chopped fresh herbs into the dijon paste for an even more intense herbal flavor.
- Root Vegetable Medley: Don’t be afraid to swap out or add other hearty root vegetables. Parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes can be added alongside the carrots and potatoes for a more complex flavor profile and varied texture.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dijon paste or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef broth. This adds a subtle warmth that complements the savory beef and vegetables beautifully.
Pot Roast Carrots Potatoes: Amazing 4-Hour Meal
This slow cooker beef roast with potatoes and carrots is the ultimate easy, family-friendly dinner. Juicy beef coated in a dijon-herb seasoning cooks low and slow until tender, while hearty onions, potatoes, and carrots soak up all the rich flavors for a comforting, no-fuss meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 1 pound carrots, cut into large, 2 inch chunks
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, left whole
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 – 4 pound chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional
Instructions
- In a 6 quart slow cooker, add onion, carrots, potatoes, garlic, and beef broth.
- In a bowl, combine dijon mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Brush mustard paste on all sides of beef roast and place in slow cooker on top of vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for about 8-10 hours (or high for 5-6 hours), or until beef roast is tender. Time depends on the size and shape of the roast you’re using.
- Optionally, whisk together cornstarch and 1-2 tablespoons of water.
- Remove roast from slow cooker and add the cornstarch mixture to the beef broth, stirring to thicken into a gravy.
Notes
- For best texture, leave baby potatoes whole or cut larger potatoes into halves or quarters. Slice carrots into big chunks about 2 inches long.
- If your roast is bigger than 3 to 4 pounds, expect the cooking time to increase.
- Beef roast is a tougher, fattier cut, which makes it perfect for long, slow cooking.
- Avoid lifting the lid, as it lets heat escape and can significantly increase cooking time.
- Leftover beef roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Cooked beef roast can be frozen in an airtight container for 2 to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 412kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 628mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 117mg
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