Easy Chuck Roast Recipe Clara quick dinners

This easy chuck roast recipe is the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and practically effortless. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this slow-cooked beef dish is hearty, satisfying, and packed with rich flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a melt-in-your-mouth roast that tastes like it cooked all day (because it did!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this chuck roast recipe because it’s incredibly simple to make, yet the results are impressively delicious. The meat becomes fall-apart tender as it simmers in its own juices with aromatics and vegetables. It’s a true one-pot wonder that requires very little attention—perfect for busy days or lazy weekends. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers and is versatile enough for sandwiches, tacos, or over mashed potatoes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Beef chuck roast
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion (sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Carrots (cut into chunks)
• Potatoes (cut into chunks)
• Beef broth or stock
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes (optional for added richness)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), or prepare a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
2. Pat the chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 34 minutes per side), then remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook for 23 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Add tomato paste (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits.
6. Return the roast to the pot and add remaining broth, carrots, potatoes, and herbs.
7. Cover tightly and roast in the oven for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 45 hours.
8. Remove the roast, shred or slice, and serve with the cooked vegetables and pan juices.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 to 3.5 hours (oven) or 8 hours (slow cooker)
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Variations

• Italian-style: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil, and serve over polenta or pasta.
• Wine-braised: Replace part of the broth with red wine for deeper flavor.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the broth.
• No-potato option: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread instead of adding potatoes to the pot.
• Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 6070 minutes, then natural release.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in short intervals. This dish also freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is a chuck roast?

Chuck roast comes from the shoulder of the cow and is known for its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! It’s perfect for slow cookers—cook on low for 8 hours or high for 45 hours.

Do I need to sear the meat first?

Searing adds flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it. The dish will still be delicious.

What vegetables go best with chuck roast?

Carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery are classic choices, but you can also use parsnips, mushrooms, or turnips.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, brisket or round roast can work, though chuck is best for tenderness and flavor.

How do I make the broth thicker?

Mix a slurry of cornstarch and cold water and stir into the cooking liquid in the last 1015 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze in portions for easy future meals. Just thaw overnight and reheat gently.

What herbs go well with chuck roast?

Thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and parsley all pair beautifully with the rich beef flavor.

Conclusion

This easy chuck roast recipe is a timeless, comforting dish that never disappoints. With its fall-apart tenderness, hearty vegetables, and savory broth, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Best of all, it’s simple to make and always satisfying—just the way comfort food should be.

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