Tender Braised Pot Roast with Honey-Glazed Baby Potatoes and Carrots

This Tender Braised Pot Roast with Honey-Glazed Baby Potatoes and Carrots is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty dinner. The combination of savory pot roast paired with sweet, tender vegetables creates a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pot roast is the ultimate comfort food, thanks to its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor. Braising the chuck roast in a flavorful broth with herbs and red wine infuses the meat with savory goodness. The baby potatoes and carrots, glazed in honey and balsamic vinegar, add a delightful balance of sweetness that complements the savory roast perfectly. The slow-cooked broth served over the meat and vegetables adds even more depth and moisture, making each bite a delicious experience. Plus, the recipe is easy to prepare with minimal active cooking time—perfect for busy days!

Ingredients

For the Pot Roast:

• 3–4 lb chuck roast

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine (or additional broth)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Glazed Baby Potatoes and Carrots:

• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved

• 1 lb baby carrots

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Pat the chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast on all sides until browned. This helps lock in the flavors.

3. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, red wine (or additional broth), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the roast is fork-tender and easily shreds.

5. About 45 minutes before the roast is done, begin preparing the glazed vegetables. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the baby potatoes and carrots, cooking for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

6. Add the honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and nicely glazed.

7. Once the pot roast is ready, remove the bay leaves and slice or shred the meat.

8. Serve the roast with the glazed potatoes and carrots, spooning some of the slow-cooked broth over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker on low) or 4–5 hours (slow cooker on high)

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (slow cooker on low)

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef roast for a hearty vegetable-based roast, such as seitan or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• Different Veggies: You can switch up the veggies with other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes for added flavor.

• Spice It Up: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the pot roast for an extra kick of flavor.

• Instant Pot: If you don’t have time for the slow cooker, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure for about 60 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm up the pot roast and vegetables in the microwave or on the stove. You can add a little beef broth or water to keep the meat moist while reheating.

FAQs

How can I make this pot roast if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make it on the stovetop or in the oven. To cook it on the stovetop, follow the searing instructions and then simmer the roast in a large pot over low heat for about 3–4 hours, until tender. Alternatively, you can braise it in the oven at 325°F for 3–4 hours.

Can I use another cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but chuck roast is ideal for braising due to its rich marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.

Can I skip the red wine?

Yes, you can substitute red wine with additional beef broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

Can I cook this pot roast on high in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the roast on high for 4–5 hours, but cooking on low for 8 hours will result in more tender meat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the pot roast the day before and reheat it the next day. The flavors will develop even further overnight.

What kind of potatoes should I use for the glazed vegetables?

Baby potatoes are perfect for this dish, but you can also use any small potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes.

How can I thicken the sauce from the pot roast?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the liquid and simmer it on the stove until it reduces, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the liquid.

Can I add mushrooms to the roast?

Yes, adding mushrooms to the roast will add more depth of flavor. Simply stir them in during the last hour of cooking.

How do I know when the pot roast is done?

The pot roast is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds with a fork. If it’s not tender yet, cook it for a little longer.

How do I keep the vegetables from overcooking?

Make sure to check the vegetables halfway through cooking and stir occasionally. If they seem to be softening too quickly, you can reduce the heat and cook them a little longer at a lower temperature.

Conclusion

This Tender Braised Pot Roast with Honey-Glazed Baby Potatoes and Carrots is the epitome of comfort food. With tender, flavorful meat and sweet, glazed vegetables, it’s a meal that will become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.