This recipe focuses on slow cooking and layering flavours. The beef is first seared for depth, then gently braised with onions, carrots, potatoes, and herbs until everything becomes melt-in-the-mouth tender. The result is hearty, rustic, and deeply comforting, much like a well-worn family recipe passed down through generations.
Beef chuck roast – 1.5 to 2 kg (about 3½ to 4½ lb)
Yellow onions – 2 medium, thickly sliced
Carrots – 4 large, peeled and cut into chunks
Baby potatoes or chopped potatoes – 700 g (about 1½ lb), halved if large
Beef stock – 3 cups (720 ml)
Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves – 4 cloves, crushed or finely chopped
Fresh rosemary or thyme – 2 sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Salt – 1½ teaspoons (adjust to taste)
Black pepper – 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
Season the beef – Pat the chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear for flavour – Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and brown the meat on all sides until deeply golden.
Build the base – Remove the beef and sauté onions and garlic in the same pot until softened.
Add richness – Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen its flavour.
Deglaze the pot – Pour in beef stock, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
Assemble everything – Return the beef to the pot and surround it with carrots, potatoes, and herbs.
Slow cook – Cover and cook in the oven until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.