THIS Pot Roast is Better Than Beef Bourguignon

THIS Pot Roast is Better Than Beef Bourguignon is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Brian Lagerstrom on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 5 hrs 30 min | Total: 6 hrs 30 min

Cost: $35.55 total, $5.93 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3.5 lb Beef Chuck Roast (70/30 lean‑to‑fat ratio, well‑marbled)
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (Approximately 20 g, for liberal seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons Canola Oil (High smoke‑point oil for searing)
  • 225 g Shallots (Peeled and rough‑chopped; onions can be used instead)
  • 3 pieces Carrots (Chunky, cut into oblique pieces)
  • 5 stalks Celery Stalks (Cut into Lego‑brick sized pieces)
  • 5 cloves Garlic (Crushed through a garlic press)
  • 50 g Unsalted Butter (For sautéing vegetables)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (Adds depth and a slight sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons All‑Purpose Flour (Gluten‑Free) (Creates a roux; gluten‑free version used)
  • 0.75 cup Red Wine (Deglazes the pot; choose a dry variety)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
  • 3 cups Beef Stock
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 6 pieces Russet Potatoes (Large, peeled and wrapped in foil)
  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter (for potatoes) (At least 1 stick (113 g))
  • 0.5 cup Sour Cream (Adds richness to mashed potatoes)

Instructions

  1. Season the Beef

    Pat the 3.5 lb chuck roast dry, then liberally coat all sides with 1 tbsp kosher salt (≈20 g). Let it rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes so the salt can penetrate.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Prep the Vegetables

    Rough‑chop 225 g shallots, cut 5 celery stalks into brick‑size pieces, slice 3 carrots into oblique cuts, and crush 5 garlic cloves.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 275°F (135°C) and place a rack in the middle position.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 275°F

  4. Dry the Beef

    Using paper towels, thoroughly pat the seasoned roast dry on all sides.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Sear the Roast

    Heat 2 tbsp canola oil in the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat until shimmering. Place the roast in, press down to ensure full contact, and sear undisturbed for 5‑6 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 5‑6 minutes until deeply browned.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Set Roast Aside

    Transfer the seared roast to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Sauté Vegetables

    Add 50 g butter to the same pot, melt, then add the shallots, carrots, celery, and garlic with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Add Tomato Paste

    Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and sauté for 2 minutes until it darkens to a rusty hue.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Create the Roux

    Sprinkle 2 tbsp gluten‑free flour over the vegetables, stir to coat, and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  10. Deglaze with Wine & Worcestershire

    Pour in 0.75 cup red wine and 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, stirring to loosen any browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  11. Add Stock and Beef Base

    Stir in 1 tbsp Better‑Than‑Bouillon beef base followed by 3 cups beef stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  12. Return Roast to Pot

    Nestle the seared roast back into the liquid, ensuring the meat sits on the bottom. Add 2 bay leaves and 3 sprigs fresh thyme.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Low‑Temp Braise

    Cover the Dutch oven with its lid slightly ajar (or a jar) and transfer to the preheated 275°F oven. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 190‑195°F (88‑91°C), about 4‑5 hours total. Check after 2 hours; once the target is hit, continue cooking another 2‑3 hours until the meat is shreddable.

    Time: PT5H

    Temperature: 275°F

  14. Roast the Potatoes

    While the roast braises, place the peeled, foil‑wrapped potatoes on a baking sheet and roast in the same 275°F oven for about 2 hours, or until a fork slides easily.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 275°F

  15. Rest the Roast

    Remove the roast from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and let rest covered loosely with foil for 30 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute.

    Time: PT30M

  16. Prepare Loaded Baked Potatoes

    Unwrap the roasted potatoes, place them in a high‑sided saucepan, add 1 stick butter, a generous pinch of salt, and 0.5 cup sour cream. Mash until chunky‑soft and creamy.

    Time: PT10M

  17. Shred and Serve

    Using two forks, pull a generous chunk of the roast apart and place over the loaded mashed potatoes. Spoon over some of the braising sauce and top with a few of the tender vegetables.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (using GF flour), High‑Protein, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: June 24, 2026

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THIS Pot Roast is Better Than Beef Bourguignon

Recipe by Brian Lagerstrom

A comforting, oven‑braised chuck roast cooked low and slow at 275°F until perfectly tender, served over buttery, sour‑cream‑loaded baked potatoes. The method uses a dry‑sear, a quick roux, and a wireless meat probe for precise temperature control, delivering a beefy, gelatin‑rich sauce that rivals classic beef bourguignon with far less effort.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
8h 26m
Cook
1h 3m
Cleanup
9h 49m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$35.55
Total cost
$5.93
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Seasoning and resting the beef with salt
  • Thoroughly drying the roast before searing
  • Pressing the meat onto the hot Dutch oven for an even crust
  • Building the roux and deglazing with wine
  • Maintaining a low oven temperature of 275°F
  • Monitoring internal temperature to reach 190‑195°F
  • Resting the roast before shredding
  • Preparing loaded baked potatoes while the roast braises

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and the searing pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a sturdy pot holder when removing the Dutch oven from the oven.
  • Ensure the meat reaches at least 190°F internal temperature for safe consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of low‑temp pot roast in American comfort cuisine?

A

Pot roast has long been a staple of American home cooking, especially in the Midwest where slow‑cooked, budget‑friendly meals were essential for feeding large families. The low‑temperature braise method preserves the meat’s natural juices and creates a gelatin‑rich sauce, echoing the tradition of French‑style braising adapted to the American kitchen.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pot roast in the United States?

A

In the Northeast, pot roast often features red wine and carrots, while the Midwest may use tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for a tangier profile. Southern versions sometimes add barbecue sauce or sweet potatoes, and the Pacific Northwest incorporates coffee or beer for depth.

cultural
Q

How is pot roast traditionally served in classic American cuisine?

A

Traditionally, pot roast is sliced or shredded and served on a plate with its braising liquid, alongside root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. It is often accompanied by a side of buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is pot roast traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Pot roast is a popular Sunday family dinner, a comforting dish for holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving leftovers, and a go‑to meal for potlucks and community events because it can be made in one pot and feeds a crowd.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic American pot roast versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients include a well‑marbled chuck roast, beef stock, carrots, onions (or shallots), celery, and a touch of tomato paste. Substitutes can be made with beef broth instead of stock, red wine for depth, or using regular flour if gluten‑free is not required.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making low‑temp pot roast from the YouTube channel Brian Lagerstrom?

A

Common errors include not drying the meat before searing, searing at too low a temperature, cooking at a higher oven temperature which tightens collagen, and skipping the internal‑temperature check. Each of these leads to a dry, tough roast instead of a melt‑in‑your‑mouth result.

technical
Q

Why does this pot roast recipe use a low oven temperature of 275°F instead of a higher braise temperature?

A

Cooking at 275°F keeps the internal meat temperature just above the collagen‑dissolving threshold (180‑195°F). This slow, gentle heat converts collagen to gelatin without over‑cooking the muscle fibers, resulting in a tender, juicy roast. Higher temperatures cause the meat to tighten and become chewy.

technical
Q

Can I make this low‑temp pot roast ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After the roast has rested, let it cool, then transfer the meat and sauce to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of stock if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the low‑temp pot roast is done?

A

The meat should pull apart easily with a fork, looking shredded rather than sliced. The sauce should be glossy, slightly thickened from the roux, and the vegetables should be fork‑tender but not falling apart.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Brian Lagerstrom specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Brian Lagerstrom focuses on practical, science‑backed home cooking techniques, often highlighting equipment reviews, precise temperature control, and approachable recipes that deliver restaurant‑quality results with minimal fuss.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Brian Lagerstrom's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Brian Lagerstrom emphasizes the use of technology—like wireless meat probes—to achieve consistent results, and he often explains the underlying food science (e.g., collagen dissolution) behind classic dishes, whereas many other channels rely more on intuition and less on precise temperature monitoring.

channel

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