Beef Pot Roast with Vegetables

When the leaves turn golden and the air fills with the crisp chill of fall, nothing embodies comfort food holiday traditions quite like a hearty Thanksgiving Pot Roast. While roast turkey often takes the spotlight, a perfectly tender beef pot roast with vegetables can be an unforgettable centerpiece for your holiday beef dinner.

Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with herbs, garlic, and a rich gravy, this dish is the definition of comfort food holiday cooking. Whether you’re serving it as an alternative to turkey, or adding it alongside your Thanksgiving feast, a beef pot roast delivers flavor, nostalgia, and warmth to the table.

In this post, you’ll find:

A full recipe for Beef Pot Roast with Vegetables
Step-by-step instructions for perfect results
Variations and serving suggestions
Nutritional insights
Holiday entertaining tips to make this dish the star of your table

Why Choose a Thanksgiving Pot Roast?

Traditionally, turkey has been the go-to Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece. However, more families are embracing beef dinners for Thanksgiving, especially when they want something unique, filling, and irresistibly savory.

Here’s why a pot roast deserves a place at your holiday table:

Rich, Savory Flavor – Beef brings deep, meaty flavors that pair beautifully with autumn vegetables.
Ease of Preparation – Once you sear the meat and set it to braise, most of the cooking is hands-off.
One-Pot Wonder – The beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions all cook together, saving time and dishes.
Feeds a Crowd – A large chuck roast easily serves 6–8 guests.
Leftover Magic – Leftovers can be transformed into sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.

If you want a hearty comfort food holiday meal that keeps guests coming back for seconds, this is it.

Ingredients for the Perfect Beef Pot Roast

To create a flavorful, fork-tender Thanksgiving pot roast, you’ll need the following:

For the Roast

4–5 lb beef chuck roast (or brisket/round roast as alternatives)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional for color and warmth)
2 tbsp flour (for dredging and thickening)

Vegetables

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4–5 medium potatoes, halved or quartered
2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 medium onions, quartered
4 garlic cloves, smashed

Braising Liquid & Herbs

2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
1 cup red wine (or additional broth)
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary

This simple but well-balanced ingredient list ensures your holiday beef dinner turns out flavorful and comforting.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make the process smoother, have these tools on hand:

Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot (6–7 qt)
Tongs for searing
Wooden spoon for stirring
Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Pat the beef dry with paper towels. This helps the meat sear better.

2: Season and Sear

Season roast generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Lightly dredge in flour for extra browning and thickening.
Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear roast on all sides (about 4–5 minutes per side) until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3: Build Flavor Base

Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until lightly caramelized.
Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.

4: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme.

5: Braise

Return roast to the pot, nestling it into the liquid and vegetables.
Cover tightly with lid and transfer to preheated oven.
Braise for 3–3.5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.

6: Add Potatoes

After 2 hours of cooking, add potatoes.
Continue braising until both meat and vegetables are tender.

7: Serve with Gravy

Remove roast and vegetables. Strain liquid and simmer until slightly thickened (or whisk in 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry for faster results).
Slice roast against the grain, plate with vegetables, and spoon over rich gravy.

Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Pot Roast

Choose the Right Cut – Chuck roast is ideal because of its marbling, which melts into tender, juicy meat.
Don’t Rush the Sear – A deep golden crust adds complex flavor to your holiday comfort food dinner.
Low and Slow – Resist cranking the oven higher; braising at 325°F ensures tenderness.
Wine vs. Broth – Wine adds depth, but you can skip it if preferred.
Make Ahead Friendly – This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a stress-free option for Thanksgiving hosting.

Serving Suggestions

Your beef pot roast is already complete with potatoes and carrots, but you can elevate your Thanksgiving beef dinner by pairing it with:

Cranberry Sauce – Adds tart contrast to the rich beef.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – A green, crunchy side for balance.
Buttery Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up gravy.
Pumpkin or Pecan Pie – Sweet endings to a savory meal.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

1. Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours. Ideal for a “set it and forget it” Thanksgiving.

2. Instant Pot Pot Roast

Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

3. Italian-Style Holiday Pot Roast

Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil for a Mediterranean twist.

4. Herb Butter Pot Roast

Spread garlic-herb butter over the roast before braising for extra richness.

Hosting Tips: Making Pot Roast the Star of Your Thanksgiving

Plan Ahead – Braise the roast a day in advance, reheat slowly in the oven on Thanksgiving.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere – Pot roast pairs beautifully with rustic holiday tablescapes.
Offer Variety – If you’re serving turkey, make this as a second main for guests who prefer beef.
Wine Pairings – A Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the richness of the roast.
Presentation – Slice beef, arrange vegetables around it, drizzle with gravy, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Leftover Ideas

Turn your Thanksgiving beef dinner into multiple meals:

Pot Roast Sandwiches with horseradish cream
Beef and Vegetable Soup using leftover broth
Shepherd’s Pie topped with mashed potatoes
Holiday Beef Tacos with roasted veggies

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving Pot Roast with Vegetables is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition in the making. Juicy beef, tender carrots, hearty potatoes, and savory gravy come together in a dish that defines comfort food holiday celebrations.

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