Savory Dutch Oven Pot Roast

There are few things more comforting than the aroma of a pot roast slowly braising in the oven on a quiet afternoon. This recipe takes a hearty boneless chuck roast and transforms it into something truly special using a simple yet deeply flavorful sauce.

The secret lies in the combination of ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. While it might sound unusual, these ingredients meld together during the long, slow cooking process to create a tangy, savory, and incredibly rich gravy that perfectly coats the tender meat. Baked for four hours in a trusty Dutch oven, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making this the perfect low-effort, high-reward meal for a family dinner.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 4 hours | Temperature: 325°F

• 3-pound boneless chuck roast, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 small onions, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 325°F.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Brown the trimmed chuck roast thoroughly on all sides in the hot oil. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
• Whisk together the water, ketchup, chopped onions, minced garlic, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined.
• Pour this savory mixture over the roast in the Dutch oven.
• Cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid.
• Bake for 4 hours, or until the roast is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

This tangy and tender roast needs sides that can stand up to its robust flavor. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that wonderful sauce. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside our Green Beans with Bacon & Mushrooms for a savory crunch, or balance the tanginess with the natural sweetness of our Crispy Roasted Sweet Potato Skillet.

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