You can still cook a delicious pot roast without a crockpot using alternative cooking methods. One popular method is cooking it in the oven. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking a pot roast in the oven:
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast (or any other pot roast cut)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2-3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Pat the pot roast dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
Sear the pot roast on all sides until it forms a brown crust. This helps lock in the flavors and moisture. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side.
Remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
Add the beef broth and red wine (if using) to the pot, scraping the bottom to deglaze it and incorporate all the flavorful bits.
Return the pot roast to the pot and add enough water to partially submerge the meat.
Add the fresh herbs and any additional seasonings you prefer.
Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Let it cook in the oven for about 3 to 4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your roast and the desired tenderness. Check it occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
After a few hours, add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery around the roast. Cover and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.
Once the roast is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through, remove the pot from the oven.
Let the pot roast rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with the vegetables and the delicious gravy from the pot.
Enjoy your oven-cooked pot roast, tender and full of flavor!