Growing up the daughter of a butcher, we ate meat at least four to five times a week – except on Friday, Fridays were strictly reserved for fish, dinner omelets, or pasta and sauce. These were days when we were taught that a Friday burger would result in sharing an eternal campfire with Pol Pot and Stalin, only for us to learn later it was all just a heavenly April Fools.
I spoke recently about the nostalgia behind ‘Sunday Roasts,’ and gave my thoughts on a recent article on the subject from Food and Wine. These days, however, I must admit that Friday nights and Saturdays are usually when the ‘big meals’ are put together in my home. When my kids were young, “Saturday Night Parties” were a long running tradition, nights that would have the radio blasting classic rock, and we’d be serve ourselves large platters of what would start out as something resembling a ‘proper’ antipasto with cured meats and various cheeses, but which would invariably become a deliciously chaotic medley of ‘anything remotely tasty’ piled together from the pantry and fridge. These platers would often be devoured before I had even finished cooking, mind you. This would lead into something big coming from the oven, with oven fried chicken, herbed rib or pork roasts, and pasta with red sauce all being our weekend favorites.
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Naturally, that’s where the inspiration for today’s recipe came from.
Now, for this particular recipe we’ll be using a simple chuck roast, and this is for a couple of reasons. First off, this particular cut has a relatively high fat to meat ratio, often in realm of about 20%, and we want that to give both flavor and body to the sauce. Since this cut of meat is from the animal’s shoulder (not to be confused with shoulder roast), that means it’s one of the most thoroughly exercised cuts, and while that does mean it’s tougher than most, that same process of exercising also means it’s one of the more flavorful.
These qualities make it ideal for stewing, braising, slow cooking, or whole roasting, since these cooking methods allow for a full and even extraction of its plentiful flavors, and a thorough tenderization of the meat – and that’s precisely what we’re doing here today.
How Long to Cook a 2.5lb Chuck Roast in the Oven?
While we’re simmering our chuck roast stove top for this recipe, you can certainly cook yours in the oven to achieve similar same results. Here’s how.
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Sear it: Heat a Dutch oven or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, and sear the chuck roast on all sides until it develops a nice brown crust. Searing helps to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor.
- Braise it: Place the seared chuck roast back in the Dutch oven or a roasting pan. Add any desired vegetables, herbs, and liquid, such as beef broth or tomatoes. Ensure that the liquid partially covers the roast.
- Roast it: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Cooking Time: Roast the chuck roast for approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The exact cooking time can vary depending on factors like your oven's accuracy, the chuck roast's thickness, and your desired level of doneness.
- Internal Temperature: To determine when the roast is done, use a meat thermometer. For a chuck roast, a safe internal temperature is around 190°F (88°C). However, for a medium-rare roast, you can aim for an internal temperature of around 135-140°F (57-60°C).
It's essential to check the internal temperature periodically to ensure it's reached your desired level of doneness.
Remember that chuck roast is a cut of meat that benefits from slow, low-temperature cooking to become tender and flavorful. The longer cooking time at lower temperatures helps break down the connective tissues, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Always allow the roast to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Slow Cooker Adaptation: If you prefer a more hands-off approach for this pot roast recipe, or need to let the dish simmer for an extended period, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Here's how:
- After searing the chuck roast on the stovetop, transfer it to your slow cooker.
- Add all the remaining ingredients as per the original recipe below.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to your desired temperature and cooking time. Generally, for a chuck roast, low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours is recommended.
- The slow cooker allows for long, slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. It's an excellent option if you have a busy day ahead and want a delightful meal ready when you return.
Using a Meat Thermometer: Regardless of the cooking method, using a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure your chuck roast is cooked to perfection. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding contact with the bone if applicable. For medium-rare meat, aim for an internal temperature of around 135-140°F (57-60°C). For well-done, tender meat, target a temperature of 190°F (88°C).
By following these cooking methods and monitoring the internal temperature, you'll achieve a succulent, fork-tender chuck roast with pan juices that make a delectable pasta sauce. Whether you choose to braise in the oven or opt for the convenience of a slow cooker, the result is a comforting chuck roast with pasta that's perfect for a hearty family meal or a cozy gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Chuck Roast Recipe
- Tender Chuck Roast: Using the right cut of meat, the chuck roast, ensures a tender and succulent result that melts in your mouth.
- Beefy Flavor: The chuck roast's robust, beefy flavor infuses the entire dish, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.
- Classic Comfort Food: This recipe is the epitome of classic comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or Sunday gatherings.
- Easy Recipe: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, it's an easy recipe for both beginners and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Pot Roast: The chuck roast can be enjoyed not only on the day it's cooked but also as delicious leftovers the next day.
- Time-Tested Classic: Sunday roasts are timeless favorite, bringing together the whole family for a hearty and comforting meal, and this recipe is no exception.
- Set it and forget: Okay, don’t actually forget it, but really once you’ve set the ingredients to simmer, you’re pretty much done, allowing you to tend to other tasks – or simply relax.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The addition of garlic, fresh herbs, and tomato paste comes together beautifully, making this a lovely dish for the colder weather.
- Savory Broth: The beef broth and crushed tomatoes create a savory broth that complements the beef beautifully.
- Good News for Leftovers: Leftover chuck roast can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or as a filling for other creative recipes. To store, simple pop the leftovers in an airtight container, and they can sit in the fridge for about four days.
Chuck Roast – A Brief Primer
Chuck Roast: A Classic Choice for Pot Roasts
- When it comes to low and slow cooking, chuck roast is the way to go. Economically priced, and flavorful due being cut from the shoulder area of the cow, this is a cut of meat that everyone should learn to love.
The ‘Why’ Behind the Flavor:
- Plentiful marbling, and plentiful connective tissue. While marbling imparts richness and flavor, the connective tissue, when cooked slowly, breaks down infusing itself into the meat, making it meat tender and succulent.
Preferred Cooking Methods:
- However, plentiful marbling and plentiful connective tissue also makes chuck roast exceptionally tough. What’s more, its location on the shoulder of the cow means it is constantly being exercised, further adding to its toughness. As such, chuck roast thrives when subjected to slow-cooking methods, such as braising, roasting, or stewing, as this tenderizes the meat. It benefits from low and slow cooking as these cooking methods allow the connective tissue to melt down, resulting in a juicy and tender pot roast.
Ideal for Dutch Ovens and Roasting Pans:
- Chuck roast shines in Dutch ovens and roasting pans. These heavy, thick-bottomed vessels help distribute heat evenly, ensuring that the roast cooks uniformly and becomes tender and juicy.
It’s all in the Cooking Liquid:
- Chuck roast recipes typically call for adding ingredients like beef broth, aromatics, and fresh herbs. As the roast simmers or roasts, it absorbs these flavors from the broth, which also serve to further tenderize the meat.
Budget-Friendly Choice:
- Chuck roast is budget-friendly and readily available at most grocery stores. This makes it an excellent choice for feeding a family or preparing a hearty, comforting meal for a gathering.
Boneless Chuck Roast:
- In this recipe, we utilize boneless beef chuck roast. This choice simplifies preparation and carving, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
To summarize, the chuck roast's distinct characteristics, budget-friendly nature, and its response to slow cooking methods make it the preferred cut for classic pot roast recipes like this one. Its marbling and connective tissue, when cooked right, create a roast that's not only juicy but also packed with flavor.
Whether you're making a comforting family meal or hosting a special occasion, boneless beef chuck roast is indeed the right cut of meat for crafting a memorable meal.
Super Simple Variations
- Herb-Infused Roast:
- Enhance the flavor of the chuck roast by marinating it with a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. This infusion adds aromatic complexity to your dish.
- One-Pot Delight:
- To simplify cleanup and create an all-in-one meal, add vegetables such as baby potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pot with the chuck roast. They'll absorb the savory braising liquid and become tender, flavorful side dishes.
- Wine-Infused Gravy:
- After searing the chuck roast, deglaze the pan with red wine to capture those delicious browned bits. This creates a robust, wine-infused gravy that complements the beef beautifully.
- Hearty Tomato Twist:
- Add a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the braising liquid. This imparts a slightly tangy, tomatoey flavor to the roast and enriches the sauce, making it perfect for ladling over pasta.
- Tender Rib Roasts:
- While chuck roast is a fantastic choice, experiment with other cuts like rib roast or bottom round roast for variations in flavor and texture.
- Asian-inspired Flavors:
- Infuse an Asian twist by using soy sauce, ginger, and star anise in the braising liquid. Serve with steamed jasmine rice and bok choy for an exotic touch.
- Herbaceous Pot Roast:
- Intensify the herbaceous notes by adding fresh thyme, basil, or marjoram to the braising liquid. These aromatic herbs contribute a refreshing layer of flavor.
These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences and the occasion. Whether you're aiming for a classic pot roast or an innovative one-pot meal, these adjustments offer diverse ways to enjoy this chuck roast with pasta while making it your own.
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Best Old Fashioned Oven Baked Chuck Roast
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 chuck roast 1x
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 lb. Beef Chuck Roast
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 4-5 large cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 tbs. tomato paste
- 29 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- Dash of grated nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. sweet paprika
- 1/2 cup of Italian parsley, stems removed and chopped
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, ripped
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 1 lb. of your favorite pasta
Rub for the Meat:
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbs. olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients for the rub in a small bowl and then rub the meat down with this mixture.
- Heat a large saucepan with 3 tbs. of olive oil.
- Add the meat, onions, carrots and celery and brown the onions and veggies with the meat. Occasionally, once or twice, turn the meat over to brown on all sides.
- Add the tomato paste, grated cheese and the crushed tomatoes to the pan and continue to simmer on a low heat.
- Add the seasonings and the parsley and basil and simmer on a gentle heat loosely covered for 2 ½ - 3 hours. hours or until the meat in tender when pierced.
- Prepare the pasta as directed.
- Place the pasta in a serving platter with the sauce, sliced meat, grating cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
If You Enjoyed Our Chuck Roast…
Try out our Herbed Top Round Roast, which we’ve paired with a thick brown gravy. This classic combination is perfect for small holiday gatherings or as a satisfying Sunday dinner. This recipe is shockingly easy to pull together, and a delight for senses.
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Happy Cooking!
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angiesrecipes says
Absolutely mouthwatering! Wish I could join you for the feast :-))
Catherine says
Thank you dear Angie, I would love to have you join me for a beautiful feast. xo
DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine, Looks good! Pot roast is one of my favorites but we've never cooked it with a tomato sauce or sided it with pasta. Ours is usually browned first, then slow cooked with whole carrots, onions and potatoes. Sometimes we serve it with gravy but usually just as is. Your recipe offers me a chance to have pot roast in a different way! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Catherine says
I hope that you and Laurie enjoy this version if you decide to give it a try. Have a great day.
Lisa says
This looks incredible!!! I've never tried braised chuck beef but really want to after reading this. My mouth's watering from your photos!
Catherine says
Thank you Lisa. I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try.
Elizabeth Weitz says
This Braised Chuck Roast looks so delicious! I can't wait to try it out this weekend! Thank you for sharing!
Catherine says
You are welcome Elizabeth, I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try.
Brianna Watson says
my goodness this looks so good! I would love to try this recipe one day!
Catherine says
Thank you Brianna. I hope you enjoy it if you decide to give it a try.
Yeah Lifestyle says
This looks like the perfect Sunday dinner option! It looks so delicious and my family would love it.
Catherine says
Thank you. I hope you and yours enjoy it if you give it a try.
Heatherh says
This reminds me so much of one of my Nana's recipes. I haven't had it in so long.
Catherine says
Thank you. Thank is the kindest compliment that my recipes bring back good memories. That is what food should do, leave lasting and loving memories. xo
John Mulindi says
What a delicious dish to prepare. I can't wait to test this out!
Catherine says
Thank you John, I hope you enjoy it if you do give it a try.
Alexandra Cook says
Wow, I love this recipe it is so delicious and look so easy to prepare. I will def try to make this for the whole family.
Catherine says
It is easy to prepare. I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try.
Beth Pierce says
What a perfect dinner to warm your hearts on a cold night! Looks absolutely delicious!
Catherine says
Thank you Beth. It is a comfort meal.
Sara Welch says
I'm loving your recipe for braised chuck roast! Making my mouth water just looking at the photos!
Catherine says
Thank you Sara.
Jasmine Hewitt says
I think we have the perfect weather right now for a chuck roast. saving for later!
Catherine says
Thank you Jasmine. I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try.
Erin says
This recipe looks incredible, thanks for sharing! I'll definitely be trying this soon!
Catherine says
Thank you Erin. I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try.
elizabethkeene says
I am most definitely going to have to get me someof this!! thank you for sharing and livening up my kitchen!!
Catherine says
thank you Elizabeth. I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try.
berlin | Momi berlin says
That is one sumptuous treat. love to serve that one as well to my boys after their school exams.
Catherine says
I hope you and your boys enjoy it if you decide to give it a try.
Chelle Dizon says
Looking at these dish makes my mouth drool. Braised Chuck Roast looks so delicious and flavorful!
Catherine says
Thank you Chelle,
Marysa says
What a hearty roast! My husband would love this recipe, and it's great to make something like this that can be used in so many dishes.
Catherine says
Yes, it can be used in many dishes. This dish makes a delicious left over meal.
Kara says
This looks and sounds delicious - a very hearty meal
Catherine says
Thank you Kara. It is a hearty and comforting meal.
Emily says
This sounds so perfect for the chillier weather, perfect comfort food! Yummy!
Sincerely Miss J says
This looks like comfort food and perfect for the cold weather. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Kalyan Panja says
I have read so much about this roast. I would love to prepare here. Thanks for your inspiration.
Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog says
This meat looks so tender and you’ve cooked it really well! We’re going to try it for ourselves
Heart says
Another delish dish for us to try on 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recipe ♥
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
My hubs would be so happy if I made this for him! The meat looks SO tender and moist. Yum!
Danielle Wolter says
your roast looks gorgeous! I am drooling over here LOL. there is nothing quite like a braised piece of beef. It's one of my favorite things ever!
Khushboo Motihar says
That is a great recipe for people who eat meat. I would love to try the a veggie version of the pasta! Hope your family enjoyed the meal 🙂
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
This looks so comforting and full of flavor - just what Sunday called for! Look forward to trying this!
Jennifer says
My family loves this chuck roast recipe!! Sooo much flavor and super easy to make!
Jenni LeBaron says
A good roast is by far my favorite meal ever, especially with a good hunk of crusty bread. I love the seasonings you used int his one, including the nutmeg and paprika which you don't often see in roast recipes but I really think elevates the dish.
Veena Azmanov says
Love the saucy and spicy look to this dish. I want to grab a slice right away. Surely delicious and drooling.
Marisa F. Stewart says
Chuck roast is our favorite go to meat. We use it a lot and even make our own hamburger out of it. It has plenty of taste and the fat to meat ratio is perfect. Your roast looks delicious!! I wish I were coming over for Sunday dinner. And yes! Eating meat on Friday? HA!! How about Sunday Mass? It then moved to Saturday too. Or having to fast before communion? Boy, I could go on and on. You're making me want to change the menu on Sunday. We were going to have ravioli but that chuck roast looks so good.
Sara Alvord says
I honestly don't know if there's anything better than slow cooked meat with red sauce and pasta. We are starting to have Sunday Suppers with new friends in our new town, and this would be PERFECT for my time hosting! It looks absolutely delicious!
Debbie says
Serving it with a side f grits instead of pasta 😊
Kylie | Midwest Foodie says
Nothing better than a big pot of braised meat! My family is going to LOVE this recipe!
Ruchi says
I was looking for good chuck roast recipe and i am absolutely excited to try your variation. Photos make my mouth water and looks like i know whats for dinner tonight!
Michelle says
This is proper comfort food! I have to say that reading this and looking at your photos I almost felt like I was in your kitchen, I have my plate ready!! Lovely post x
natalie says
Oh wow this look amazing!! My family would love this!!
Katie Casabella says
Made this for my family tonight and wow, it's delicious! It tastes like something from a restaurant. It reminds me of Swiss steak which my German grandmother made; round steak in a tomato gravy over mashed potatoes.
This recipe was super simple, and really easy to prepare. I prepared all in my dutch oven, so only one dirty dish! Adding this to my recipe box for sure!
Ben says
This is SO. FREAKING. DELICOIUS.
I usually make pot roast with a cream soup gravy base, but I wanted to try something new. So I gave this a shot. This is how I'll be making pot roast for the foreseeable future.
Indu says
I relish roasted veggies. I shall try something with herb infused veggie version.
Lisa says
Wow this looks so cosy for autumn! I never tried a wood roast chuck but I seen it in a film and it looks amazing! I’ll try this out.
Samantha Donnelly says
This sounds amazing, perfect family meal for autumn will be trying this
Marie Cris Angeles says
This makes me hungry and craving this oven-baked Chuck Roast. I will add this to our menu next week. The meat looks so juicy and tender!
KRYSTLE COOK says
Looks yummy! I have never made a chuck roast that wasn't a pot roast with veggies. Maybe it's time to try it.
Karen says
Your recipe is sooo easy to follow and the chuck roast looks out of this world!!! I can't wait to make it, can't wait....
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says
This blog post offers a humorous and relatable perspective on family food traditions and how they can shape our eating habits. The mention of the Friday "no-meat" rule, with a playful reference to sharing a campfire with historical figures, adds a delightful touch of humor. It's a charming anecdote that many readers can likely relate to, and it serves as a reminder of how family traditions and beliefs can influence our culinary choices.
MELANIE E says
This is my husband's idea of heaven on a plate. He loves meat and even more so when there is a tasty sauce with it. I'll take your advice and cook slow and low. Thanks for the tip x
Rhian Scammell says
I don't think we've ever cooked with beef chuck at home before. But it's good to know there's some good ways to cook it in the slow cooker as we'll be using ours more as it gets colder x
Luna S says
I haven't had a roast in quite sometime, this looks delicious! I need to make this sometime soon.
Celebrate Woman Today says
Food and traditions go hand-in-hand. People will enjoy this hearty recipe.
Jupiter Hadley says
Thank you for sharing this recipe - it looks perfect for colder days! Chuck roast is a cheaper cut, so it's good to know how to cook it well when trying to save.
Elaine says
I make this recipe at least once a month. It's so delicious and is always a big hit! Thanks for the recipe!
Gloria says
The perfect Sunday dinner. Tender chuck roast is always a hit with the family. Leftovers are great for sandwiches. Perfect all year round.
Marta says
Loved this braised chuck roast for Sunday's dinner this week. My family devoured it. My only regret was not making two because there were no leftovers.
Kim says
I made this beef roast for dinner last night with some egg noodles and it was just amazing! Such great flavor and loved the gravy sauce.
Carrie Robinson says
I just love classic comfort food dinner ideas like these! This roast would definitely make the perfect Sunday dinner. 🙂
Veronika says
We love a good roast, especially during fall and winter. This chuck roast was juicy, tender, and packed with flavor!
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
I have dinner and feel like I want to eat again. Every time I come to your blog, it feels like home. Everything, the pictures, your stories, your recipes, make me feel at home. Thanks for provoking such a great feeling. And btw, this braised chuck roast looks amazing!
Moop Brown says
This dish looks super tender and juicy. The broth has my mouth watering as well.
Jenny says
Beautiful delicious roast just like my mom used to make on Sundays! Thank you, I was looking for her recipe and it was nowhere to be found, you saved me! We loved it and this is the only way I am making a roast from now on.
Shannon Murray says
When you say cook/roast on gentle heat, what temperature do you suggest?
Living the Gourmet says
Dear Shannon, thank you so much for stopping by! By a gentle heat, I mean low simmer so that the meat doesn't dry out. I don't have an exact temperature for you since it varies on stovetop ranges. Keep it on low heat as cook as directed. I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out again any time! Cheers!