Southern Pot Roast Recipe

There’s something about the smell of a Southern pot roast slowly simmering that turns any house into a home.

For me, this dish has always been the ultimate comfort food—rich, tender beef, hearty vegetables, and that mouth-watering, savory gravy that comes together so effortlessly.

What makes a Southern pot roast stand out is its simplicity, but don’t mistake that for ordinary. This is no-fuss, stick-to-your-ribs cooking that still manages to impress every time.

Lately, pot roast recipes have been making a comeback, and I get it. In a world full of quick fixes, there’s something soothing about taking the time to let a roast do its thing.

Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping—reheat, and it’s even better the next day.

Why I Love This Recipe

• The Best Kind of Lazy Cooking: Pop it in the oven, walk away, and let it do its thing. Your house will smell incredible, and you’ll get to relax while dinner takes care of itself.
• Generational Connection: I grew up watching my grandmother make this every Sunday, and it’s a tradition I love keeping alive. It feels like sharing a piece of home with everyone who tries it.
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients. In fact, this recipe thrives on affordable cuts of meat and pantry staples.
• Make-Ahead Magic: I’ve learned that it’s even better the next day, which makes leftovers a total win. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort in a hurry!

Best Beef Cut for Southern Pot Roast

For the tastiest southern pot roast, go for Chuck Roast. It’s like the superhero of beef cuts for slow cooking. Chuck roast has enough fat and connective tissue to make it super tender and flavorful when you cook it low and slow.

It’s like magic – the tough parts turn into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. If you can’t find chuck roast, Brisket or Round Roasts also work pretty well.

So, when you’re at the store, grab a nice chuck roast, and you’ll be on your way to cooking up a meal that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s simple, hearty, and oh-so-tasty!

Best Southern Pot Roast Recipe

Slow-cooked chuck roast, seasoned with herbs and spices, becomes a tender and flavorful pot roast, perfect as the comforting main course for a hearty family meal.

4.17 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Prep Time: 35 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Seasoning Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 8 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

Calories: 400kcal

Author: Austin Carter

Servings: 6

Equipment

• ▢
  Slow Cooker
• ▢
  Cutting Board and Knife
• ▢
  Measuring Spoons and Cups
• ▢
  Frying Pan/Skillet
• ▢
  Tongs
• ▢
  Serving Dish

Ingredients

• ▢ 3-4 pounds chuck roast
• ▢ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ▢ ½ cup red wine
• ▢ 1 onion sliced
• ▢ 4 carrots peeled and cut into chunks
• ▢ 4 potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 cup beef broth
• ▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until it develops a nice brown crust.
• Place the sliced onions, carrot chunks, and potato chunks in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Put the seared chuck roast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
• In a bowl, mix together beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the broth mixture over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
• Once done, remove the roast and vegetables. Spoon the flavorful juices over the roast and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve the pot roast slices with the vegetables and enjoy the Southern comfort flavors! Adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Notes

1. Searing Boosts Flavor: Give the chuck roast a good sear before slow cooking for enhanced taste.
2. Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary; check for tenderness after 8 hours on low heat.
3. Personalize Seasoning: Adjust herbs, spices, and salt to suit your taste preferences.
4. Wine Optional: Red wine can add depth, but feel free to skip if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Nutrition

Serving: 170g | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 800mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g

Keyword best southern pot roast recipe, chuck roast, how to make southern pot roast, southern pot roast, southern pot roast recipe, southern pot roast recipes

Tips for Best Results

Crafting the perfect southern pot roast is all about keeping in mind some basic tips that lead to a hearty and flavorful dish. Read along to know.

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1. Seal in Flavor: Brown the meat before slow-cooking for a richer taste; a quick sear locks in those yummy juices.
2. Choose Good Meat: Go for chuck roast; it’s marbled for a moist and tasty pot roast.
3. Low and Slow Wins: Set the slow cooker on low heat for a long time, making the meat super tender.
4. Don’t Peek Too Much: Keep the lid closed; opening it a lot can mess with the slow-cooking magic.
5. Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning as it cooks for the best, balanced flavor.
6. Equal Veggie Sizes: Cut veggies the same for even cooking with the juicy meat.
7. Add Enough Liquid: Use plenty of broth; too little can make it dry, too much can make it too watery.
8. Rest Before Slice: Let the pot roast sit a bit before cutting for juicier, tastier slices.
9. Try Different Herbs: Play around with herbs for a unique and yummy twist.
10. Share the Joy: Pot roast is better when enjoyed with loved ones; dig in together and savor the goodness.

What is Best Served with Southern Pot Roast?

1. Southern Macaroni Salad
2. Buttermilk Cornbread
3. Roasted Vegetables
4. Cucumber Salad
5. Napa Cabbage Soup