Hearty Herb-Infused Pot Roast with Root Vegetables and Rich Gravy
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Hearty Herb-Infused Pot Roast, a dish that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. This savory pot roast is seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, simmered to perfection, and accompanied by an array of vibrant root vegetables that soak up the delicious juices. Ideal for make-ahead meals, this recipe not only allows for enhanced flavors the next day, but the procedure for lifting excess fat from the broth is simplified when chilled. Serve generous portions alongside crispy potato pancakes for a truly satisfying meal that will warm your heart and fill your belly.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chuck roast or round roast
4-5 lb (trimmed)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons + 1/4 cup (divided)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for browning)
beef broth
1 cup (low sodium recommended)
medium onion
1 (peeled and stuck with 2 whole cloves)
bay leaf
1 (2 inches long)
dried thyme leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
carrots
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces)
parsnips
1 lb (cut into 2-inch pieces)
white pearl onions
1 lb (peeled and ends trimmed)
water
1/3 cup (for thickening gravy)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Herb-Infused Pot Roast?
It is a savory, slow-cooked beef dish seasoned with aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaf, simmered with root vegetables for a comforting meal.
What cut of beef is best for this pot roast?
A 4-5 lb chuck roast or round roast is recommended for this recipe.
How should the meat be prepared?
The roast should be trimmed of excess fat before cooking.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
This recipe features carrots, parsnips, and white pearl onions.
How do I prepare the onion for the broth?
Peel a medium onion and stick it with two whole cloves to infuse the broth with flavor.
What herbs provide the flavor for this dish?
Dried thyme leaves and a two-inch bay leaf are used to season the roast.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is ideal for make-ahead meals as the flavors enhance after sitting overnight.
What is the easiest way to remove excess fat from the gravy?
Chilling the broth allows the excess fat to solidify on top, making it much easier to lift off.
What side dish goes well with this pot roast?
Crispy potato pancakes are an excellent accompaniment for this hearty meal.
How much beef broth is required?
You will need 1 cup of beef broth, preferably a low-sodium variety.
How should the carrots be sliced?
The carrots should be cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces.
What size should the parsnips be cut into?
The parsnips should be cut into 2-inch pieces.
How do I prepare the white pearl onions?
The pearl onions should be peeled and have their ends trimmed.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
Flour is used in two stages: 3 tablespoons for browning the meat and 1/4 cup for thickening the rich gravy.
How do I thicken the final gravy?
Mix 1/4 cup of flour with 1/3 cup of water to create a thickening agent for the broth.
What oil should be used for browning the roast?
Use 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for browning the meat.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or more to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for family gatherings or cozy Sunday dinners.
What makes the roast 'herb-infused'?
The meat is simmered with thyme, bay leaves, and clove-stuck onions to deeply incorporate herbal flavors.
How large of a roast can I use?
The recipe is designed for a roast weighing between 4 and 5 pounds.
Can I substitute round roast for chuck roast?
Yes, both chuck roast and round roast are suitable options for this braised dish.
What type of broth is recommended?
Low sodium beef broth is recommended to better control the saltiness of the final dish.
Are parsnips required?
Yes, parsnips provide a unique earthy sweetness that complements the beef and carrots.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a comfort food and a hearty meal.
How many cloves are used?
Two whole cloves are used, stuck directly into the onion.
How big is the bay leaf used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests using a bay leaf that is approximately 2 inches long.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is savory and aromatic with notes of thyme, clove, and beef.
Is this recipe considered a vegetable stew?
While it is a pot roast, it contains a significant amount of root vegetables, making it similar to a vegetable stew.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves, but fresh can be used if adjusted for potency.
Does this recipe include a gravy?
Yes, it features a rich gravy made from the cooking juices, flour, and water.