Cajun Pot Roast
A hearty Cajun pot roast with bold spices, tender meat, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for a comforting family meal or gathering that appeals to spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 chuck roast ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground hot pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 medium chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup beef broth ⓘ
- 1 can whole tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels.
- Rub the roast with ground hot pepper and salt.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pot over moderate heat and brown the roast on all sides.
- Transfer the browned meat to a plate and pour off excess fat from the pot.
- Add butter to the pot and heat until melted.
- Add chopped onion, celery, green pepper, and chopped garlic; cook until the onion is golden.
- Stir flour into the pot and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, undrained whole tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Return the meat to the pot, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 3 hours or until the meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chuck roast in the spices overnight. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of ground hot pepper or substitute with smoked paprika. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami. Consider using different vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cajun pot roast over a bed of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad or steamed green beans. This dish also pairs beautifully with Snappy Beef Stew for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Pot Roast contains roughly 886 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1854mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chuck roast with brisket or round roast, though cooking times may vary. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the tenderness of the meat used to ensure it becomes fork-tender.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add extra ground hot pepper or include diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a different flavor profile, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the roast and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender. This method allows for an easy and hands-off cooking experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).