Introduction
Pot Roast over Mashed Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food. Tender, slow-cooked beef that falls apart with a fork, paired with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, creates a dish that’s warm, hearty, and satisfying. This meal is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you’re craving something truly comforting.
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast:
3-4 lb chuck roast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4 carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
3-4 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk (more if needed)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the pot roast: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove the roast and set it aside.
Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
Add liquids and herbs: Return the roast to the pot. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Make the mashed potatoes: While the roast is cooking, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Mash the potatoes: Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Once the pot roast is tender, remove the roast from the pot and shred it using two forks. Serve the shredded pot roast over a bed of mashed potatoes, spooning some of the delicious broth and vegetables over the top.
Description
This Pot Roast Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is a quintessential comfort food dish that offers tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich, flavorful gravy served on a soft bed of mashed potatoes. The slow-cooked pot roast is infused with herbs and spices, creating a meal that is both filling and satisfying. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or when you want to impress your family or guests with a hearty, homemade dinner.
Tips
Sear the roast well: Make sure to sear the roast well before slow cooking to lock in flavor and create a nice crust.
Slow cook for tenderness: The key to a great pot roast is slow cooking, so don’t rush the process. Low and slow cooking ensures the meat will become fall-apart tender.
Use quality broth and wine: The broth and wine (if using) will create a rich, flavorful gravy, so use good-quality beef broth for the best results.
Creamy mashed potatoes: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, warm the milk before adding it to the mashed potatoes, and use a potato masher or ricer for the smoothest texture.
Variations
Add more vegetables: You can add parsnips, celery, or even mushrooms to the pot roast for more flavor and texture.
Use a slow cooker: If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Simply brown the roast first and then cook it on low for 6-8 hours in the slow cooker.
Herb variations: Swap out rosemary and thyme for other herbs such as oregano or bay leaves for a different flavor profile.
Mashed potatoes variations: Try adding roasted garlic, cream cheese, or sour cream to the mashed potatoes for a richer, tangier flavor.
Corrections
Don’t skip the searing step: The searing of the roast is crucial for building deep flavor, so make sure not to skip this step.
Monitor liquid levels: If the pot roast is looking dry during the cooking process, add a little more broth or wine to ensure there’s enough liquid to braise the meat.
Check doneness: After cooking for 3-4 hours, check the roast for tenderness. If it’s not shredding easily, let it cook longer.
Enjoy!
Now that you’ve prepared this comforting and satisfying dish, serve it up hot and enjoy the tender pot roast over creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to be a favorite.