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Stovetop Pot Roast

A classic old fashion Beef Pot Roast cooked on the stove top, featuring tender, fall-apart beef, flavorful gravy, fragrant herbs and soft vegetables. It is warm, comforting, and delicious – all I want to do is snuggle up under the covers with a bowl of this yumminess.

This delicious Stovetop Pot Roast recipe is a must this Fall and winter.

Pot roast and vegetables in a Dutch oven

If you love this Stovetop Pot Roast recipe, you will also love these other delicious comfort food recipes on the blog. Check them out! Stovetop Beef Stew, Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie, Beef Noodle Soup, Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, and Pork Tenderloin with Gravy.

Making Pot Roast on Stove Top

I typically make my pot roast on the stovetop in a Dutch oven or big pot that is at least 6qt or larger. If you are using a roast smaller than 3 lbs, you should be able to comfortably get away with a smaller pot.

We are cooking this Stovetop Pot Roast recipe low and slow so beef is tender and fall apart at the touch of a fork, while soaking in all the gorgeous flavors from the fresh herbs and wine (if you choose to use it).

I love making pot roast on the stovetop, and here’s why:

  • Easy heat control. I like being able to adjust the heat up and down as I see fit. This way there is no surprises at the end.
  • Easy to add or remove items. I especially like that I can add water easily when I find the broth in my Pot Roast evaporates.
  • Adjustability. When cooking a large piece of meat, it can be tricky to know exactly when it will be done, and cooking on the stove top makes it easier to check and adjust accordingly.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Stovetop Pot Roast. They are easy-to-find, simple, budget-friendly ingredients:

  • Beef chuck roast – using 3 to 4 lbs. A fairly inexpensive cut of beef that is tender when cooked low and slow.
  • Beef broth – the amount will depend on how big your beef chuck is and how it fits into the pot. In general, it’s about 2-4 cups. More may be needed as you cook if broth evaporates.
  • Red wine – use a decent quality wine! Doesn’t have to be expensive but avoid using old wine or cheap wine. The basic rule is use the type of wine you won’t mind drinking. If you do not want to use wine, substitute with beef broth (and some beef bouillon if needed) instead.
  • Thyme – use fresh thyme leaves for the best flavor for Stovetop Pot Roast. If in a pinch, use dried thyme.
  • Rosemary – similar with thyme, use fresh rosemary for best flavor. If in a pinch, use dried rosemary.
  • Garlic – use fresh cloves of garlic, not garlic powder.
  • Onions – white, yellow or sweet onions work great.
  • Carrots – I get carrots in its full stalk and cut them into large chunks, but baby carrots work as well.
  • Salt and black pepper – salt especially is crucial for opening up the flavors of your Stovetop Pot Roast.
  • Parsley – This is optional but I use fresh parsley as garnish. Dried parsley works as well.
A bowl of shredded beef pot roast on top of mashed potatoes

How to make it

To make this classic old fashion Stovetop Pot Roast, you will need a large Dutch oven or pot that is 6 qt or larger. And as the name suggested, we will be cooking this on the stovetop – gas or electric ranges work just fine! No oven is needed for this recipe.

Step 1: Season and sear beef

First, we will be seasoning and searing that big ole piece of beef chuck roast.

Season beef generously with salt and black pepper. Like, very generously…since it’s such a huge piece of meat. This is SUCH an important step to bringing incredible flavors to your Stovetop Pot Roast.

Then heat Dutch oven or pot on the stove with cooking oil.

Once oil is heated, sear the beef chuck roast on onside side, flip when the bottoms are browned to sear the other side.

It’s so important to sear the chuck roast so that you get those brown bits from the meat on the pan, which will contribute to flavors to your Stovetop Pot Roast sauce. In addition, we are also locking in the juices and flavors in the meat.

A large piece of beef chuck in Dutch oven on stovetop

Step 2: Sear vegetables

Once the meat is browned on both side, remove from pot and set aside.

Add more cooking oil if needed, then sear the onions and whole garlic cloves (leave it whole, no need to slice).

The reason we are searing the onions and garlic is to get those flavorful brown bits onto our Stovetop Pot Roast as well.

Browning onions in a large pot

Once onions are brown on a few sides, remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cooking it low and slow

At this point the bottom of your Dutch oven or pot should have lots of brown bits on it.

Pour red wine onto it and scrap off the brown bits to get the flavors into the broth of your Stove top Pot Roast.

If you are not using red wine, use beef broth instead.

Pouring red wine into Dutch oven

Let the wine come to a boil, then add your beef chuck back into the pot.

Beef chuck simmering in red wine in a large pot

Next, add beef broth and submerge at least 2/3 of your chuck roast in it.

Add carrots, then bring seared onions and garlic back into the pot.

A large piece of beef chuck, carrots and onions in beef broth in Dutch oven on stovetop

Bring heat on your stove to medium high, bring Stovetop Pot Roast to a boil, then add those fresh herbs.

Fresh thyme and rosemary on top of a beef chuck cooking in a pot

Bring your stove down to medium low heat. Cover and let your Pot Roast cook on the stove top for the next 3 hours on low.

Check every hour or so and add more water if Pot Roast is no longer 2/3 of the way submerge in water.

When Stovetop Pot Roast is done, it should be super tender and falls apart easily when shredding it.

Last but not least, garnish it with fresh parsley!

Depending on the size of your roast, you may need more or less than the 3-hour cook time allocated. So test it out by shredding a small part of your roast, and if it’s still tough let it cook for longer.

And that’s it! It’s truly much easier and less daunting than it seems!

May I present to you – the BEST Stovetop Pot Roast ever. Peak the equally glorious whole and shredded versions of it… fresh off the stove! 🙂

Pot Roast and carrots in gravy in the Dutch oven
Whole Pot Roast
Shredded Stovetop Pot Roast in a large pot
Shredded Pot Roast

Are you drooling??? Because I sure am…

Tips and Tricks

A few thing to keep in mind when making Pot Roast on stove top:

  • Make sure raw beef chuck roast is not wet and then generously season roast with salt and black pepper on both sides before searing. Seasoning will bring lots of good flavors to your dish.
  • As Pot Roast is cooking on the stove,
    • keep an eye out on the broth level and add more water if needed at any time to make sure 2/3 of the roast is covered in broth.
    • adjust the heat on stove up or down as needed if Pot Roast is boiling too vigorously or not boiling enough
  • Taste your Pot Roast at the end, and add salt and black pepper to open up the flavors. If not using red wine, you can add beef bouillon if you’d like.

How to Serve Pot Roast

My favorite way to serve my Stovetop Pot Roast is, hands down, on a bed of mashed potatoes.

I love way those creamy potatoes soaks up that flavorful gravy…

I love the way that smooth and creamy potato texture compliments that juicy, tender pieces of meat and soft veggies…

I love how everything just melts in your mouth…

Top down view of a bowl with mashed potatoes and shredded pot roast, with a pot in the background

While I do love mashed potatoes, here are a few other yummy ways to serve your Stovetop Pot Roast:

Frequently Asked Questions

My pot roast is not very tender after 3 hours, what should I do?

You probably need to cook it for longer – continue boiling pot roast on stove top under low/medium low heat until they fall apart easily when shredded. Make sure at least 2/3 of the roast is covered in broth the whole time.

What should I do if I don’t want to use red wine?

Replace with beef broth instead (the same amount as you would use red wine), and a little bit of beef bouillon if you like a stronger beef flavor. You can add bouillon at the end after tasting it if you prefer.

How do I thicken the gravy?

After you are done cooking the roast, remove everything from the Dutch oven or pot, leaving just the broth. Spoon out 1/4 cup of broth into a measuring cup, add 1 tbsp of corn starch and whisk to combine. Bring broth + cornstarch back into the pot, bring to boil, stir, and cook for a few minutes until gravy thickens. If gravy is still not thick enough, repeat process until gravy reaches desired consistency.

A white pot of shredded pot roast

Oh I just love this old fashion Stovetop Pot Roast so dang much. And I’m not alone. Whenever I make it, everyone loves it too!

Like clockwork, you can find me making this every Fall as soon as the weather gets cool enough to justify making Pot Roast. It’s probably one of the first Fall recipes I make every year.

It just doesn’t ever get old!

Stovetop Pot Roast is my favorite way to make Pot Roast. It’s easy, makes your house smell amazing when it cooks, and tastes like a dream. And I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

DID YOU ENJOY THIS RECIPE? Please comment below and give us a 5-star rating! This will help others find this recipe on Google and Pinterest. We very much appreciate your help! 🤍

More Comfort Food Recipes

Top down view of Stovetop Pot ROast in a large pot with carrots and juices

Stovetop Pot Roast

Tender, fall apart Beef Pot Roast cooked on the stove top! This flavorful and delicious Stovetop Pot Roast recipe is cooked alongside carrots and onions, in a herb and red wine infused broth.
4.85 from 106 votes
Print Pin
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 531kcal
Author: MinShien

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 tbsp salt or more
  • 1/2 tbsp black pepper or more
  • 5-6 cloves garlic whole
  • 2 onions chunks
  • 1.5 lbs carrots large slices
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 2-4 cups beef broth adjust accordingly
  • 2-3 sprig fresh thyme leaves
  • 1-2 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 2 tsp parsley chopped
  • cooking oil

Instructions

  • Pat dry beef chuck if needed. Generously season it with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  • Heat Dutch oven or pot that is 6qt or above on stovetop under medium heat. Add cooking oil. Once oil is heated, sear beef chuck. Once it is browned, flip and sear the other side. Once the other side is browned, remove beef and set aside.
  • Add more cooking oil to Dutch oven, once oil is heated, sear onions and garlic cloves. Stir every minute or so. Once onions are browned on some sides (just a few minutes, does not have to be fully browned), remove onions and garlic from heat and set aside.
  • Stove should still be at medium heat. Add wine to pot or Dutch oven. Use a spatula to scrap the brown bits at the bottom of the pot as wine comes to a boil.
  • Bring the pot roast back in, then add beef stock until at least 2/3 of pot roast is submerged in broth. Add carrots, then add the seared onions and garlic.
  • Once it comes to a boil, place thyme and rosemary on the top of the beef chuck. Cover with lid and lower heat to low/medium low.
  • Let Pot Roast cook on stovetop for 3 hours, or until meat is tender. During the 3 hours, add more water to keep beef submerged at least 2/3 of the way in broth if needed. Adjust heat up or down as needed.
  • Discard herbs. Taste the broth, and add salt and black pepper to open up the flavors as desire.
  • Remove Pot Roast from heat. Shred meat. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Substitute red wine with beef broth if necessary. If using beef broth instead of red wine, you may want to add a little bit of beef bouillon to taste to give your Pot Roast more flavors. Try it with just salt first, and if unsatisfied with the results, only add beef bouillon.

Nutrition

Calories: 531kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 1727mg | Potassium: 1308mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 18998IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 6mg
Did you make this recipe?Take a pic and tag me at @joyous.apron, or hashtag #joyousapron on Instagram!

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4.85 from 106 votes (76 ratings without comment)

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75 Comments

  1. I am trying this tonight. I have a different sort of question. Does it heat your house up LESS than using the oven? Hoping so! We are in the middles of a heat wave right now, so not wanting to heat the house up with the oven.

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      I personally think so but I don’t know for sure! It doesn’t really heat up my kitchen much whenever I make this!

  2. i have a roast half this size, do i cut cook time that much?

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      I would cook for 2 hours instead of 3. Check at the 2 hour mark and cook longer if it’s not tender at that point.

  3. 5 stars
    I tried this recipe, but with veggie broth, and no wine (didn’t have any right then). It ended up great. Stove-top time was right around 3 hours. I used onions, celery, carrots, some typical beef seasoning (lawry’s), and even added garlic powder, cause I was just out of fresh and minced garlic. I added some veggies in at outset (onions and celery) and then added some later on (carrots and more celery), so we got a variation on how thoroughly cooked the veggies were. I like having some well cooked and some less well cooked, for textures. There was plenty of salt and pepper added as well. Beef was thoroughly cooked, tender, juicy, lots of gravy, and very delicious. I usually like to throw in potatoes, but my wife likes white rice, so that’s what we went with, on the side.

    I give it a solid 5 stars.

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Thanks so much Steve! So glad to hear that!! And thank you for sharing the details on your modification – so helpful for the other readers!

  4. 5 stars
    AND, don’t forget to add in water or broth or wine, as it cooks. Don’t let it dry out.

  5. Denise Walker-Mitchell says:

    5 stars
    It turned out very delicious because I used 100% grass fed beef and organic vegetables, thanks for the recipe.

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Yum! Thanks for sharing and I’m so glad!

  6. Toleda Bargeron says:

    5 stars
    Delicious 😋

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      I’m so glad to hear you liked it!!

  7. 5 stars
    This was delicious! And there’s lots of liquid for gravy 😃.
    Thanks for the clear instructions.
    I’ll definitely make this again.

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Thank you Carol! So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe.

  8. Aunty Maile Kamaunu says:

    Gonna try this recipe tonight. It’s been awhile since I have made pot roast. so pray and I’ll sure it’ll come OK!
    ALOHA,

    Aunty Maile

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      I hope you love it! Please let me know how it goes 🙂

  9. wouldn’t 3 hours turn the carrots to mush?

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      The carrots would be very soft but it shouldn’t be mushy and should still maintain its shape. If you prefer, you can add the carrots during the last hour.

  10. MJ Hayden says:

    5 stars
    THANK YOU!! I love this recipe! Followed exactly and I must say this was the one of the best meals I have ever made and I have made many. My husband said definitely add this to rotation. Served over mashed potatoes, what a heart warming meal. Would certainly serve to quests. I have already passed this recipe to friends.

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Thank you for the kind words and review! I’m so glad you love it and hope your friends do too! Appreciate you sharing 🙂

  11. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe, so easy and yet so flavorful. Perfect on a rainy day, family couldn’t get enough of it. I doubled the recipe thinking i would freeze for another day, little did i know i didn’t have that much left. Thank you

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Definitely a rainy/cold day kinda recipe…so glad you enjoyed it, Diana.

  12. 5 stars
    This was amazing! I had fresh rosemary and thyme in my back yard so I didn’t have to go buy extra ingredients. definitely recommend this recipe to others. 😋

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Yum! Fresh homegrown herbs are the best!

  13. 5 stars
    This dish is so good and super easy to make! After eating too much takeout recently due to stressful and busy week, my husband and I were craving a good, hearty, home-cooked meal and this recipe exceeded expectations! I added some baby potatoes and only had to cook for two hours with a 2.5 pound roast. Super tender and you can taste the sweetness from the onions. Delicious!

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Thank you Hannah! Happy to hear you enjoyed this. It’s one of our favorites as well 🙂

  14. Rachel Henley says:

    5 stars
    So yummy and easy to make! I followed all the steps and used a Syrah wine for my roast. It turned out perfectly in 3 hours, and it has excellent flavor! Adding to our family favorites!!

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Thank you so much, Rachel! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe.

  15. Michelle Myles says:

    5 stars
    First time doing pot roast on the stove top! It was the most tender pot roast I have ever done! the family absolutely loved it and left little for left overs. (I did substitute the wine as directed)

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      That’s wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing. <3

  16. Isabella Tabong says:

    5 stars
    I combined this recipe with the Tyson pot roast kit. With a Dutch oven and hotel stove top, this recipe was PERFECT! I used Pinot noir for the wine and the seasoning pack from the kit. 3 hours at half power on the electric stove top was perfect. Thank you for this recipe!!!

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Wonderful! Thank YOU for sharing!

  17. what can you substitute for red wine?
    dont have any

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      beef broth can be used as well!

  18. Mom would sprinkle flour over the top while it was still cooking but after it was done. She would add broth or water to adjust as the gravy was being developed. She used a large, heavy duty aluminum skillet with a glass lid. She made t&is dish often because it went a long way with five mouths to feed. I loved it all but the potatoes were my best part with the delicious beef gravy.

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Thank you for sharing, Tommy.