Classic Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound baby potatoes, washed
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening the gravy)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening the gravy)

Instructions:

1. Season and Sear the Roast:

1. Generously season the chuck roast with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker or a large Dutch oven.

2. Prepare the Aromatics:

1. Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.

3. Slow Cook:

1. Add the beef broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Pour this mixture over the roast in the slow cooker or Dutch oven.
3. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
4. Arrange the baby potatoes and carrots around the roast.

4. Cook:

• For a slow cooker: Cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the roast is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
• For a Dutch oven: Cover and cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 3-4 hours, until the roast is tender.

5. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):

1. If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker or Dutch oven.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid and cook on high (if using a slow cooker) or over medium heat (if using a Dutch oven) until the gravy has thickened.

6. Serve:

1. Slice the roast and serve with the potatoes and carrots. Drizzle the gravy over the top.

Enjoy your comforting and delicious pot roast!

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