Ina Garten’s Pot Roast is a rich, slow-cooked dish featuring tender, fall-apart beef braised in a deeply flavorful sauce with onions, carrots, and fresh herbs. The meat is seared to lock in juices, then simmered in a savory broth with red wine, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings. This classic comfort dish is perfect for Sunday dinners, special gatherings, or a cozy family meal.

What Is Ina Garten Pot Roast?

Ina Garten’s Pot Roast is a slow-braised beef chuck roast cooked with a flavorful combination of onions, carrots, celery, garlic, red wine, and tomatoes. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the beef, infusing it with rich, deep flavors, resulting in a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth roast with a savory sauce.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Pot Roast

Incredibly tender beef – Slow-braised to perfection.
Rich, flavorful sauce – Infused with red wine, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.
One-pot meal – Everything cooks together for an easy dinner.
Perfect for make-ahead meals – Tastes even better the next day.
Feeds a crowd – A hearty dish for family gatherings.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Pot Roast

For the Pot Roast:

1 (4-5 pound) beef chuck roast, trimmed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, sliced
6 carrots, cut into chunks
4 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
2 cups beef broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For Thickening (Optional):

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Pot Roast

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

Preheat the oven – Set to 325°F (165°C).
Season the beef – Generously season the chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
Sear the meat – In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Cook the onions and carrots – In the same pot, add sliced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add garlic and tomato paste – Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Braising Liquid

Deglaze with wine – Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add remaining ingredients – Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Pot Roast

Return the beef to the pot – Nestle the roast back into the braising liquid, making sure it is partially submerged.
Cover and roast – Place the lid on the Dutch oven and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulled apart.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

Make a roux – In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, cooking for 1 minute.
Stir into the sauce – Mix the roux into the pot roast sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until thickened.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaves and discard.
Shred or slice the beef – Use a fork to pull apart the roast into chunks.
Ladle sauce over the beef and serve warm with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Pot Roast?

Serve with mashed potatoes – Soak up the delicious sauce.
Pair with crusty bread – Perfect for dipping in the gravy.
Enjoy with roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans work well.
Serve with buttered noodles – A comforting side dish.
Pair with a bold red wine – Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the flavors.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Pot Roast

Sear the meat well – Creates a deep, caramelized flavor.
Use a good red wine – Enhances the richness of the sauce.
Cook low and slow – Ensures the meat becomes fork-tender.
Let the roast rest before serving – This helps retain its juices.
Skim excess fat – If the sauce is too fatty, skim off the top layer before serving.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Pot Roast

Add mushrooms – Enhances the umami depth.
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Use different herbs – Try rosemary or oregano for variety.
Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Turn it into shredded beef tacos – Use leftovers in tortillas with toppings.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Pot Roast

Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for longer storage – Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Store sauce separately – Keeps the meat from becoming overly soft when reheated.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Pot Roast

Oven method – Reheat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Stovetop method – Warm over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
Microwave for quick reheating – Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

FAQs

What is the best cut of meat for pot roast?

Beef chuck roast is the best choice because it has the perfect balance of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during cooking for a tender result.

Can I make a pot roast in a slow cooker?

Yes! Follow the same steps for searing, then transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until tender.

Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, but beef broth provides the most depth of flavor. If substituting, add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for richness.

How do I thicken the sauce without flour?

You can reduce the sauce by simmering it longer, or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food, delivering rich flavors and fall-apart tender beef in a deeply satisfying sauce. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread, this dish is a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. Try this easy, foolproof recipe today and enjoy a classic, hearty meal with family and friends!