Pioneer Woman Pot Roast Recipe

A slow-cooked pot roast that falls apart at the touch of a fork? Yes, please!

Ree Drummond will tell you the trick is patience—low heat and a few hours in the oven. Just do it!

I like to season the meat generously and let it sit for a bit before searing to build deeper layers of taste.

Adding fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the broth gives the gravy an extra boost.

Make sure to scrape up the browned bits from the pan before adding the liquid—that’s where all the richness comes from!

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Pot Roast

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 lbs Chuck Roast
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 Large Yellow Onions (peeled and quartered)
• 6 Carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 2 cups Beef Broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
• 3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 275°F.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2:

Salt and pepper the chuck roast while the oil heats up.

Place the roast in the pot, searing each side for 1 minute.

Step 3:

Remove the roast from the pot.

Add the onions and carrots.

Cook for a few minutes until they start browning.

Step 4:

Return the roast to the pot.

Pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce.

Place rosemary and thyme sprigs on top.

Step 5:

Cover the pot with a lid.

Transfer it to the preheated oven.

Cook for about 3 to 4 hours, until the roast is tender.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose the Right Roast

A good chuck roast is essential for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience, so look for one with marbling.

Don’t Rush the Sear

Taking your time to sear the roast makes a difference, as it locks in the juices and adds flavor.

Experiment with Herbs

While rosemary and thyme are classics for this recipe, you can experiment with other herbs like bay leaves or parsley.

Consider Dietary Preferences

If you prefer a little sweetness, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the gravy base for an interesting twist!

Gravy Consistency

If you desire a thicker gravy, remember to remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of oven time to let it reduce.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Pot Roast Recipe

Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of mashed potatoes for this dish.

Their creamy texture complements the rich gravy perfectly and soaks it up nicely.

Consider adding a touch of garlic or chives to give them a little twist.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans can add a delicious variety of flavors.

Drizzle them with olive oil and season them generously before roasting to bring out their natural sweetness.

They add a nice crunch to balance the tenderness of the pot roast.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Buttered egg noodles serve as an excellent option that blends beautifully with the juices from the pot roast.

These noodles work just as well if you’re looking to deviate from traditional mashed potatoes.

Consider tossing them with a bit of parsley or Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Asparagus

I find steamed or roasted asparagus to be a fresh and unexpected side that pairs well with pot roast.

The earthy flavors complement the rich meat, yet provide a lighter contrast.

You can sprinkle some lemon zest or cracked black pepper on top for extra zing.

Fried Rice

For something different, give fried rice a try with your pot roast.

It soaks up the gravy and creates a tasty fusion of flavors.

Add some peas or diced bell peppers to introduce a colorful and vibrant aspect to your plate.

Variations and Substitutions

Broth and Liquid Choices

You can swap out the traditional beef broth with chicken broth for a lighter flavor profile.

If you fancy a deeper taste, try using red wine as an alternative to some of the broth.

Make sure to adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors if you make these changes.

Herbs and Spices

Feel free to experiment by adding different herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Try including bay leaves or cloves for a bit of complexity in your roast.

Using garlic, either roasted or raw, can add a lovely aroma and depth to the dish.

Vegetable Tweaks

If you want a twist on the classic carrots and onions, consider adding root vegetables like sweet potatoes.

Parsnips or turnips can offer an exciting variation to your pot roast.

Sometimes I like to include mushrooms for an earthy touch to the finished dish.

Meat Alternatives

While chuck roast is classic, you can use brisket or even a shoulder roast if that’s what you have.

The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the cut, so keep an eye out.

Using different cuts can change the texture of the final dish, which might surprise you.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Pot Roast Recipe

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious pot roast, you might find yourself with some leftovers.

Don’t worry, I’ve got tips on storing them properly!

Refrigerate It

You’ll want to store your leftover roast in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days.

Use airtight containers to maintain moisture and avoid transferring any flavors from other foods.

Try to keep the vegetables, meat, and juices separate for best results.

Freezing for Later

If you’re planning on keeping the leftovers much longer, freezing is your go-to option.

Ensure your pot roast is completely cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap and preserve those flavors.

Label and Date

It’s easy to forget when you stored your leftovers or what’s inside each container.

Labeling your containers with the contents and the date helps in organizing and identifying them later.

This practice keeps your fridge and freezer looking tidy, making meal planning even easier!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Cut

Choosing the right cut of meat is crucial for a tender pot roast.

You want something like a chuck roast because it’s rich in connective tissues that melt when cooked slowly.

This results in a soft, juicy texture that melts in your mouth.

Not Browning the Roast

Don’t skip browning your roast before adding it to the pot!

This step creates a nice crust and enhances the flavor of the dish.

Make sure to use a hot pan and a bit of oil to achieve that perfect sear.

Forgetting to Deglaze

Make sure to deglaze the pan after browning the meat by using some broth or wine.

This helps to release all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Those bits are full of flavor and will enhance your final dish!