Gordon Ramsay Pot Roast Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Pot Roast is a classic, slow-braised chuck roast cooked to tender perfection with aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and a rich red wine and beef broth sauce. Finished with a bright parsley and lemon gremolata, this hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a celebratory dinner or cozy family meal.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Meat and Meat Preparation
- 3–4 lb chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
Liquids and Herbs
- 1 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Gremolata (Optional Garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested
- Sear the Beef: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor and promote a good sear.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Remove from pot and set aside to retain all the delicious browned bits in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized, approximately 8-10 minutes. This builds depth of flavor.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly until fragrant, enhancing the savory base.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the dry red wine and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce alcohol and concentrate flavor.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Add 4 cups beef broth, along with rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf to the pot, creating the braising liquid.
- Return the Beef: Place the seared chuck roast back into the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the roast sides. Add more broth if needed to achieve this level.
- Bring to a Simmer: Heat the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cover and Braise: Cover the Dutch oven tightly. Reduce heat to low so the liquid barely simmers. Braise for 3-4 hours until the chuck roast is fork-tender, checking after 3 hours.
- Add Vegetables: Once the beef is nearly fork-tender, add the halved baby potatoes, 1-inch carrots, and parsnips (if using). Make sure vegetables are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Continue Braising: Cover again and cook for another 30-45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove the Beef: Take the roast out carefully and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest for 10-15 minutes to retain juices before shredding.
- Shred the Beef: Use two forks to shred the chuck roast into bite-sized pieces, perfect for serving and mixing with vegetables.
- Skim the Fat (Optional): While the beef is resting, skim excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid for a leaner sauce.
- Return the Beef to the Pot: Add the shredded beef back to the pot with vegetables and braising liquid. Stir gently to combine all components.
- Simmer and Thicken (Optional): For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce liquid, or stir in a slurry made of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Season to Taste: Taste the pot roast and adjust salt and pepper as necessary to enhance the overall flavor.
- Prepare the Gremolata (Optional): While simmering, mix chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl to create a fresh, zesty garnish that cuts through the richness.
- Serve: Serve the pot roast hot over mashed potatoes, polenta, or with crusty bread. Garnish with gremolata if desired to brighten the dish.
Notes
- Parsnips add a sweet depth but are optional if unavailable.
- Skimming fat from the braising liquid makes the dish lighter but reduces richness.
- Red wine should be dry for optimal flavor balance.
- The gremolata is optional but adds a vibrant, fresh contrast to the rich braise.
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven for even heat distribution during braising.
- Leftovers reheat well and often taste better the next day after flavors meld.
Keywords: pot roast, chuck roast, braised beef, slow-cooked beef, Gordon Ramsay recipe, comfort food, hearty dinner