Old Fashioned Pot Roast
Old Fashioned Pot Roast is a comforting classic that features tender meat infused with savory flavors. With a simple blend of salt, pepper, and flour, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Serve it with vegetables for a complete meal that warms the heart.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim roast; season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle roast with flour and pat all sides to ensure it is well coated.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven and brown all sides of the roast; remove and set aside.
- If needed, add more oil to the Dutch oven and make a roux by browning some of the remaining flour in the oil, then add water.
- Return roast to the pan with the onion; cover and bring to a slow boil.
- Lower heat and cook slowly for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the roast. Add potatoes and carrots in the last 30 minutes.
- Serve with rice and salad for a full meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the roast overnight in your favorite spices or a bit of red wine. If you don't have flour, cornstarch can be a suitable substitute for thickening. To enhance the dish, add garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. For an easy side, pair the pot roast with rice or explore other American recipes that complement this hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pot roast with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to soak up the flavorful gravy. A fresh salad or steamed green beans also makes for a nice contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, making it a full meal. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pot roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Pot Roast contains roughly 461 calories, with 9g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1173mg per serving (51% 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
What type of roast is best for pot roast?
Chuck roast is the most commonly used cut for pot roast due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow. Other suitable options include brisket or round roast, but chuck generally provides the best results.
Can I add vegetables to the pot roast?
Absolutely! Adding root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and turnips during cooking can enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them from becoming too mushy.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If you want a thicker gravy, you can create a slurry by mixing cornstarch or additional flour with cold water and stirring it into the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. Let it simmer for a few minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
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).