Savory Oven Pot Roast

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: American

A hearty savory oven pot roast featuring tender beef, caramelized onions, and rich flavors, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb beef bottom round or rump
  • salt
  • pepper
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 4 large onions
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 c hot beef bouillon
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Dust beef with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and flour.
  2. Heat oil in a heavy ovenproof pan; brown the beef, then remove it from the pan.
  3. Brown the sliced onions and crushed garlic lightly in the same pan.
  4. Return the beef to the pan; add hot beef bouillon, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, thyme, and the herb bouquet.
  5. Cover the pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) until the meat is tender, about 2.5 hours.
  6. Discard the herb bouquet and serve the roast with pan gravy.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, sear the beef on all sides before browning the onions. If you don't have beef bouillon, use vegetable broth or homemade stock for a lighter taste. You can also swap out the bottom round for chuck roast for more marbling and tenderness. A splash of red wine can enhance the sauce, similar to Ham Cooked In Wine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pot roast with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the gravy. For a hearty twist, try serving it alongside Frontier Hamburger Soup for a delightful combination of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pot roast in a covered dish in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of broth to keep it moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Savory Oven Pot Roast contains roughly 463 calories, with 43g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (86% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 835mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

463 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 42.8g 86% DV
Total Fat 18.1g 23% DV
Carbs 32.2g 12% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 2.9g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 834.8mg 36% DV
Potassium 722.3mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 106.1mg 35% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.1mcg
Vitamin C 18.5mg 21% DV
Calcium 102.9mg 8% DV
Iron 6.3mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 beef for this recipe?

Yes, while bottom round is ideal, you can substitute with chuck roast or brisket for a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed, since different cuts may require different times to become tender.

How do I know when the pot roast is done?

The pot roast is done when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of at least 195°F (90°C) for optimal tenderness.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sear the beef and sauté the onions as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the meat is tender.

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).

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