There’s pot roast, and then there’s perfect pot roast. The kind that melts in your mouth, fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, and brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation. For years, home cooks have sought that ideal pot roast, and many have found their answer in the recipes of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Her approach to classic comfort food is both approachable and deeply satisfying, and her pot roast is no exception.
Perfect Pot Roast with Best-Ever Pot Roast Gravy is simply the BEST pot roast and pot roast gravy – ever! THIS is the pot roast & gravy dreams are made of. Simply Sated
Like many, I once relied on simpler pot roast recipes, the kind that called for condensed soups and pre-packaged mixes. These were convenient, sure, and they delivered a decent meal. I even remember one particular pot roast I made early in my marriage for my father-in-law. He declared it the best he’d ever had, a compliment that filled me with pride, especially knowing my mother-in-law was such a fantastic cook. That recipe, using cream of mushroom soup and dry onion soup mix, was my go-to for decades, always earning rave reviews.
However, a desire for something even more flavorful, something richer and more complex, led me on a culinary quest. I wanted to elevate my pot roast, to unlock its full potential. That’s when I discovered the magic of red wine in pot roast and stumbled upon the Pioneer Woman’s recipe.
Perfect Pot Roast with Best-Ever Pot Roast Gravy is simply the BEST pot roast and pot roast gravy – ever! THIS is the pot roast & gravy dreams are made of. Simply Sated
Living on a cattle ranch, Ree Drummond knows beef. She understands how to coax out deep flavors and create dishes that are both hearty and heartwarming. Her pot roast recipe is a testament to this expertise. While I often tweak recipes to my own taste, with this one, I decided to follow her lead, and it was a revelation. It truly is the best pot roast I have ever made – no exaggeration!
Perfect Pot Roast with Best-Ever Pot Roast Gravy is simply the BEST pot roast and pot roast gravy – ever! THIS is the pot roast & gravy dreams are made of. Simply Sated
The secret to this Perfect Pot Roast Pioneer Woman recipe lies in the combination of simple, quality ingredients and a slow cooking process that tenderizes the beef to perfection. The chuck roast, seasoned generously and seared to lock in flavor, becomes incredibly succulent as it braises in red wine and beef broth with aromatic vegetables and herbs.
Perfect Pot Roast with Best-Ever Pot Roast Gravy is simply the BEST pot roast and pot roast gravy – ever! THIS is the pot roast & gravy dreams are made of. Simply Sated
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The gravy, oh, the gravy! Instead of relying on a can, this recipe creates a rich, flavorful gravy directly from the braising liquid. By pureeing the cooked vegetables and meat juices, you create a sauce that is intensely savory and complements the tender roast beautifully. This Best-Ever Pot Roast Gravy is truly the crowning glory of this dish. I’ve adapted the gravy slightly by blending everything together for an incredibly smooth and flavorful finish.
Perfect Pot Roast with Best-Ever Pot Roast Gravy is simply the BEST pot roast and pot roast gravy – ever! THIS is the pot roast & gravy dreams are made of. Simply Sated
Unlock the Flavor: Making Your Perfect Pot Roast Pioneer Woman Style
Ready to experience pot roast perfection? Here’s a breakdown of the recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, with a focus on creating that unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients:
- Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: For seasoning the roast generously.
- 4 to 5-pound Chuck Roast: The star of the show, choose a well-marbled roast for maximum tenderness.
- Olive Oil & Butter: For searing and adding richness.
- Sweet Yellow Onions (2): Halved and browned to build flavor.
- Carrots (6-8): Sliced and browned, adding sweetness.
- Red Wine (1 cup): Adds depth and complexity to the braising liquid.
- Beef Broth (2-3 cups): The base of the braise.
- Fresh Rosemary & Thyme: Aromatic herbs for a classic touch.
- Optional Root Vegetables: Yukon Gold Potatoes, extra Carrots, Onions for serving alongside.
- Cornstarch & Water (optional): For thickening the gravy if needed.
Instructions:
- Prep the Roast: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Season the chuck roast liberally with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- Sear the Onions and Carrots: Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Brown the halved onions on both sides and remove them to a plate. Then, brown the sliced carrots and set them aside with the onions.
- Sear the Roast: If needed, add a bit more olive oil to the pot. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until deeply browned. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Remove the roast and set it aside.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour red wine into the hot pot, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly.
- Braise the Pot Roast: Return the roast to the pot. Arrange the browned onions and carrots around and on top of the meat. Add beef broth until it reaches about halfway up the side of the roast. Add fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs.
- Slow Cook: Cover the pot and roast in the preheated oven for 3 ½ to 4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and practically falling apart.
- Add Root Vegetables (Optional): If you want to add root vegetables, add them during the last hour of cooking. Place them around the roast and ensure the lid is back on.
- Make the Gravy: Remove the roast, rosemary, and thyme from the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the remaining vegetables and braising liquid until smooth (or your desired consistency). For a thicker gravy, whisk together cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the gravy and bring to a simmer until thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the perfect pot roast pioneer woman style with the luscious gravy spooned generously over the top. It’s delicious with roasted potatoes or the root vegetables cooked alongside the roast.
Perfect Pot Roast with Best-Ever Pot Roast Gravy is simply the BEST pot roast and pot roast gravy – ever! THIS is the pot roast & gravy dreams are made of. Simply Sated
This pot roast is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy, perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. Thank you, Ree Drummond, for sharing this incredible recipe and inspiring home cooks everywhere to create their own perfect pot roast. Enjoy!
