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Pot Roast

The term pot roast, meaning seared meat simmered with vegetables in a covered pot, first began appearing in American cookbooks in the mid-19th century. However, the method of braising—slow cooking in liquid—was in practice long before then. It is believed that American pot roast is a variation of the French dish beef à la mode influenced by German and Jewish immigrants. Pot roast, sometimes referred to as Yankee pot roast, likely got its start in New England as a way to slow-cook tough, inexpensive cuts of meat so that they would be flavorful and tender.    

Recipe Servings: 4

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time
4 hours 40 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Rub the roast with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil on medium-high in a large Dutch oven with a fitted lid.
  3. Brown roast on all sides, about 15–20 minutes; remove.
  4. Pour off excess fat, except 2 tablespoons.
  5. Add onion, carrot, celery, bay leaves, and thyme; cook for 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in beer or wine. Bring to a gentle boil. Return roast.
  7. Cover and simmer for 3–4 hours, turning roast every 30 minutes, until roast is tender soft. The secret is to let it barely simmer, never letting it boil dry.
  8. Skim off fat.
  9. Serve pan juices with sliced roast.

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