Southern Braised Pot Roast

There’s something about a Southern Braised Pot Roast that feels like a warm hug. The rich aroma fills the kitchen as the beef slowly cooks, creating the most tender, juicy, fall-apart roast you can imagine. This dish is a staple in my home, especially on Sundays when we gather as a family for a hearty meal.

This braised pot roast stove top recipe is easy, delicious, and made with simple ingredients. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy families or when you’re craving old-fashioned comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Pot Roast Recipe

This southern pot roast dutch oven recipe is a game-changer for home-cooked comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, packed with rich, savory flavors, and turns out incredibly tender and juicy every time. Whether you cook it on the braised pot roast stove top or in the oven, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s great for meal prep leftovers taste even better the next day!

The Best Cut of Meat for Pot Roast

Not all beef cuts are created equal! Choosing the right one makes all the difference.

Best Cuts for a Perfect Pot Roast

• Chuck Roast: The most recommended cut! It has excellent marbling, making it ideal for slow cooking.
• Brisket: A bit fattier but yields an amazing depth of flavor.
• Round Roast: Leaner than chuck, but still great if braised properly.
• Rump Roast: Slightly tougher, but still good when cooked low and slow.

If you can, go for boneless chuck roast: it has just the right amount of marbling to make it incredibly tender.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• 3-4 lbs boneless chuck roast: The star of the show!
• 1-2 tbsp avocado oil: For searing the meat.
• 2-3 yellow onions: Sliced into half-rings.
• 6-8 garlic cloves: Minced for an extra punch of flavor.
• 4 cups beef broth: The base for our rich, savory braising liquid.
• 2-3 tbsp all-purpose flour: For thickening the gravy.
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley): Optional, but adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings.
• Rice, mashed potatoes, or cheesy grits: For serving.

Optional Add-ins:

• Tomato paste: Adds a subtle richness.
• Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and celery.
• Red wine: Adds a deep, bold flavor if you like a wine-based sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Southern Braised Pot Roast

1. Prepare the Roast

• Remove the roast from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
• Pat it dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Meat

• Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add avocado oil and sear the roast for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, add the onions and cook until softened.
• Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Deglaze the Pot

• Pour in a splash of beef broth or red wine to loosen the browned bits on the bottom (this step adds tons of flavor!).

5. Braise the Roast

• Return the roast to the pot.
• Pour in the beef broth and add fresh herbs.
• Cover and simmer on low for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

6. Thicken the Gravy

• Remove 1/2 cup of broth, whisk in flour, and add back to the pot.
• Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or grits.
• Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This southern braised pot roast pairs perfectly with classic Southern sides. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over mashed potatoes: The creamy texture soaks up the rich gravy beautifully.
• With rice: A great option if you love a saucy dish.
• Cheesy grits: A Southern staple that complements the hearty beef.
• Alongside roasted vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a delicious side.
• With buttered cornbread: A perfect way to soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce.
• On a sandwich: Shred leftovers and pile them onto a toasted bun with melted cheese for an incredible meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Pot Roast

• Pat the roast dry before searing to get a perfect crust.
• Don’t rush the sear! Let each side brown properly.
• Cook it low and slow don’t rush the process!
• Check for liquid levels to prevent burning.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Troubleshooting

• Roast is too tough? Cook it longer! Tough meat means it hasn’t had enough time for the collagen to break down.
• Gravy too thin? Add more flour or cornstarch slurry.
• Gravy too thick? Stir in more beef broth.

FAQs

More Comfort Food Recipes to Try

• Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
• Split Pea Soup
• Mexican Shredded Beef (Crock Pot)

This southern pot roast dutch oven recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it on the braised pot roast stove top or in the oven, it delivers deep, rich flavors with tender, juicy meat. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Southern tradition!

If you make this Southern Braised Pot Roast, I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your delicious meal with family and friends. Happy cooking!

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