Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½pounds chuck roast, tied
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoonsalt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- 3 cupschopped onions
- 2 cupssliced carrots
- 1 ½ cupsdiced celery
- 5garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoonstomato paste
- 1(28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cupsun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 ½ cupsbeef broth
- 3sprigs fresh thyme
- 2bay leaves
- 1 tablespoondried oregano
- 2 teaspoonsdried basil
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- 1. Prep and Season the Roast
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat the roast dry using paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- 2. Sear for Flavor
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the roast and brown it on all sides — about 3–4 minutes per side — until deep golden.
- Remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
- 3. Sauté the Vegetables
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly.
- Add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- 4. Create the Sauce Base
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Then add the crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Season with thyme sprigs, bay leaves, oregano, and basil, stirring well to combine and scrape any brown bits from the pot.
- 5. Slow-Cook the Roast
- Return the browned roast to the pot, nestling it into the sauce.
- Cover tightly with a lid and transfer the pot to the oven.
- Cook for 3 hours, turning the roast halfway through.
- It’s ready when the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- 6. Finish and Serve
- Remove the pot from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
- Transfer the roast to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice or shred the beef, then return it to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Serve warm with the rich tomato gravy and vegetables spooned over the top.
- Serving Suggestions
- Pair with mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves for a pop of color.