Ready in: 4 hours 15 minutes · Serves: 6-8 · Technique: Roasting · Storage: Air-tight in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
Quick Answer
This Crazy Tender Baked Roast is a succulent, flavor-packed centerpiece perfect for your holiday gatherings.
As the crispness of fall wraps around New York City, and thoughts of upcoming holidays fill the air, there's nothing that warms my soul more than a mouthwatering roast. The aroma wafting through my apartment has become a seasonal mainstay, creating a welcoming environment for friends and family. This Crazy Tender Baked Roast is the pinnacle of cozy comfort food and the perfect centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This roast is incredibly tender and bursting with flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- The aroma of the roast simmering is sure to make your home feel warm and inviting.
- It's a one-pan meal that combines meat and hearty vegetables, making cleanup a breeze.
- This dish is ideal for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
- It allows for flexibility; feel free to swap out vegetables based on availability or personal preference.
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create the Crazy Tender Baked Roast.
For the Roast
- 3-4 lbs beef roast (chuck roast or similar)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks (about 4-5)
- Potatoes, cut into quarters (about 4-5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or fresh parsley for garnish)
How to Make Crazy Tender Baked Roast (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a deliciously tender roast that will impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Preparing the Roast
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the perfect environment for slow-cooking your roast, letting all those flavors develop beautifully.
In a heavy-duty roasting pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, carefully add the beef roast and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until it's beautifully browned. The nutty aroma of browning meat is heavenly.
After searing, add the diced onion and minced garlic around the roast in the pan. Sauté everything together for 2-3 minutes until the onions start to soften, coaxing out their sweetness.
Step 2: Simmer and Roast
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper, and nestle the carrot and potato chunks around the roast. Cover the roasting pan with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Roast for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. Halfway through cooking, check on it and give it a gentle stir to ensure those delicious juices are enveloping the vegetables.
Once the meat is tender, remove the cover and let it roast for an additional 30 minutes to develop a beautiful crust.
Step 3: Serve
After removing the roast from the oven, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will help retain the juices, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a delightful finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the sear: Don't skip the searing step! It creates a rich flavor base and helps lock in juices.
- Overcrowding the pan: Make sure there's a bit of space between the vegetables and roast to prevent steaming, which can lead to a less-than-ideal texture.
- Rushing the cooking time: Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to roasting. Don't try to rush the cooking process, as the longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an added layer of flavor, consider marinating the roast overnight with your favorite seasonings and a bit of vinegar.
- Feel free to alter the vegetables based on what you have on hand; parsnips or celery can be great additions.
- Pair the roast with homemade gravy made from the drippings for a luxurious finish.
Variations
- Use a different cut of meat, such as brisket or round roast.
- Incorporate root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for variety.
- Add red wine to the broth for a richer flavor.
- Substitute herbs based on preference-sage or oregano can work well too.
How to Serve
- Serve with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for visual appeal.
- Offer hot bread or rolls on the side to soak up the delicious juices.
- Accompany with a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prep the roast and seasonings a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep the meat moist and tender.
- Freezing: Portion and wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; lasts up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing this recipe reinforced my belief that patience is key to cooking. The longer cook time transforms a tough cut of meat into something unbelievably tender and flavorful. When the holidays roll around, I know this dish will steal the show at any gathering!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 8 servings · Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~300 calories · 25g protein · 20g carbs · 15g fat
Recipe by:
Succulent Crazy Tender Baked Roast for Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a heavy-duty roasting pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the beef roast for about 4-5 minutes until it’s browned.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic around the roast in the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper, and nestle the carrots and potatoes around the roast. Cover and roast for about 3-4 hours.
- Once tender, remove the cover and roast for an additional 30 minutes. Let the roast rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
FAQs
A: Yes, while chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.
A: This roast pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Homemade gravy made from the drippings is also a delicious addition.
A: The roast is done when it's fork-tender. You can also use a meat thermometer; for a medium-rare finish, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F (57°C).
A: Absolutely! You can sear the meat first and then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a delicious and tender result.
A: It's important to let the roast rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps retain the juices for a more flavorful and moist slice.
