Pot Roast with Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy

 

Pot Roast with Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

Few dishes feel as comforting and nostalgic as a classic Pot Roast with Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with rich, savory aromas, gathers the family around the table, and leaves everyone satisfied. Whether you're cooking for a Sunday dinner, a holiday, or simply craving something hearty, this timeless recipe never disappoints.

⭐ Why This Pot Roast Is So Special

A pot roast isn’t just a dish — it’s an experience. Slow-cooked until fork-tender, infused with herbs and vegetables, and served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and silky brown gravy, it brings together everything we love about home-style cooking:

• Deep, comforting flavors

• Minimal hands-on work

• A complete meal in one pot

• Even better leftovers the next day

🥩 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pot Roast:

• 3–4 lb chuck roast

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 onion, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4–5 large carrots, cut into chunks

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 3–4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup milk or cream

• Salt & pepper

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 tbsp butter

• Cooking liquid from the roast

🍳 How to Make It

1. Prepare and Sear the Roast

Pat the roast dry, season generously with salt and pepper, and sear it on all sides in hot oil until browned. This step builds deep flavor.

2. Build the Flavor Base

Remove the roast and sauté onions, garlic, and tomato paste until fragrant. These layers will infuse richness into the broth.

3. Add Vegetables and Liquid

Place the carrots around the roast, pour in broth and wine, and stir in thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

Simmer covered for 3–4 hours on the stove, in the oven at 300°F, or in a slow cooker for 8 hours. The roast is done when it falls apart with a fork.

5. Make the Mashed Potatoes

Boil potatoes until tender, mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.

6. Whip Up the Gravy

Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add the pot roast cooking liquid until thickened and glossy.

🍽️ How to Serve

Serve generous slices (or chunks) of pot roast over a bed of warm mashed potatoes, spoon the carrots alongside, and pour the rich brown gravy over everything. It’s a meal that practically hugs you from the inside.

🔄 Tips for Perfection

• Choose a well-marbled roast for the most tender results.

• Don’t rush the cooking. Long, slow heat is what makes pot roast magical.

• Add potatoes to the pot if you prefer them cooked with the roast instead of mashed.

• Refrigerate and skim fat from the cooking liquid before making gravy if you want a lighter sauce.

❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Dish

This recipe checks every comfort-food box — savory, hearty, simple, and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for family gatherings, meal prepping, or whenever you need something warm and cozy.

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If you want a shorter version, a Pinterest-friendly recipe card, or a slow cooker / Instant Pot variation, I can create those too!