Saucy Pot Roast
A hearty, savory pot roast simmered in a flavorful tomato and spice-infused sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and slow-cooked meat lovers.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. boneless chuck roast ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 3/4 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- cornstarch and water (optional for thickening) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy pot, brown the chuck roast in hot oil on all sides.
- Combine water, beef broth, tomato sauce, chopped onions, sugar, vinegar, salt, cinnamon, bay leaf, pepper, and ground ginger to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Remove the meat from the pot and discard the bay leaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, sear the chuck roast until well-browned before adding the sauce. You can substitute chicken broth for beef broth if desired. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the saucy pot roast with mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad make excellent sides. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Fancy Burgers or Mushroom Paprika Soup for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pot roast in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Pot Roast contains roughly 2227 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 233g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1268mg per serving (55% 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, while chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use brisket or round roast as alternatives. Just ensure that the cut has some fat for moisture during cooking.
How can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the roast in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the sauce ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.
What can I do with the leftover sauce?
The leftover sauce is great for drizzling over mashed potatoes or using as a base for soups. You can also freeze it for future use, making it a versatile addition to your cooking arsenal.
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).