Best Old Fashioned Oven Baked Chuck Roast Recipe (2024)

Growing up the daughter of a butcher, we ate meat at least four to five times a week – except on Friday, Fridays were strictly reserved for fish, dinner omelets, or pasta and sauce. These were days when we were taught that a Friday burger would result in sharing an eternal campfire with Pol Pot and Stalin, only for us to learn later it was all just a heavenly April Fools.

I spoke recently about the nostalgia behind ‘Sunday Roasts,’ and gave my thoughts on a recent article on the subject from Food and Wine. These days, however, I must admit that Friday nights and Saturdays are usually when the ‘big meals’ are put together in my home. When my kids were young, “Saturday Night Parties” were a long running tradition, nights that would have the radio blasting classic rock, and we’d be serve ourselves large platters of what would start out as something resembling a ‘proper’ antipasto with cured meats and various cheeses, but which would invariably become a deliciously chaotic medley of ‘anything remotely tasty’ piled together from the pantry and fridge. These platers would often be devoured before I had even finished cooking, mind you. This would lead into something big coming from the oven, with oven fried chicken, herbed rib or pork roasts, and pasta with red sauce all being our weekend favorites.

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Naturally, that’s where the inspiration for today’s recipe came from.

Now, for this particular recipe we’ll be using a simple chuck roast, and this is for a couple of reasons. First off, this particular cut has a relatively high fat to meat ratio, often in realm of about 20%, and we want that to give both flavor and body to the sauce. Since this cut of meat is from the animal’s shoulder (not to be confused with shoulder roast), that means it’s one of the most thoroughly exercised cuts, and while that does mean it’s tougher than most, that same process of exercising also means it’s one of the more flavorful.

These qualities make it ideal for stewing, braising, slow cooking, or whole roasting, since these cooking methods allow for a full and even extraction of its plentiful flavors, and a thorough tenderization of the meat – and that’s precisely what we’re doing here today.

How Long to Cook a 2.5lb Chuck Roast in the Oven?

While we’re simmering our chuck roast stove top for this recipe, you can certainly cook yours in the oven to achieve similar same results. Here’s how.

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Sear it: Heat a Dutch oven or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, and sear the chuck roast on all sides until it develops a nice brown crust. Searing helps to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor.
3. Braise it: Place the seared chuck roast back in the Dutch oven or a roasting pan. Add any desired vegetables, herbs, and liquid, such as beef broth or tomatoes. Ensure that the liquid partially covers the roast.
4. Roast it: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
5. Cooking Time: Roast the chuck roast for approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The exact cooking time can vary depending on factors like your oven's accuracy, the chuck roast's thickness, and your desired level of doneness.
6. Internal Temperature: To determine when the roast is done, use a meat thermometer. For a chuck roast, a safe internal temperature is around 190°F (88°C). However, for a medium-rare roast, you can aim for an internal temperature of around 135-140°F (57-60°C).

It's essential to check the internal temperature periodically to ensure it's reached your desired level of doneness.

Remember that chuck roast is a cut of meat that benefits from slow, low-temperature cooking to become tender and flavorful. The longer cooking time at lower temperatures helps break down the connective tissues, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Always allow the roast to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.

Slow Cooker Adaptation: If you prefer a more hands-off approach for this pot roast recipe, or need to let the dish simmer for an extended period, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Here's how:

• After searing the chuck roast on the stovetop, transfer it to your slow cooker.
• Add all the remaining ingredients as per the original recipe below.
• Cover the slow cooker and set it to your desired temperature and cooking time. Generally, for a chuck roast, low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours is recommended.
• The slow cooker allows for long, slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. It's an excellent option if you have a busy day ahead and want a delightful meal ready when you return.

Using a Meat Thermometer: Regardless of the cooking method, using a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure your chuck roast is cooked to perfection. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding contact with the bone if applicable. For medium-rare meat, aim for an internal temperature of around 135-140°F (57-60°C). For well-done, tender meat, target a temperature of 190°F (88°C).

By following these cooking methods and monitoring the internal temperature, you'll achieve a succulent, fork-tender chuck roast with pan juices that make a delectable pasta sauce. Whether you choose to braise in the oven or opt for the convenience of a slow cooker, the result is a comforting chuck roast with pasta that's perfect for a hearty family meal or a cozy gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Chuck Roast Recipe

1. Tender Chuck Roast: Using the right cut of meat, the chuck roast, ensures a tender and succulent result that melts in your mouth.
2. Beefy Flavor: The chuck roast's robust, beefy flavor infuses the entire dish, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.
3. Classic Comfort Food: This recipe is the epitome of classic comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or Sunday gatherings.
4. Easy Recipe: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, it's an easy recipe for both beginners and experienced cooks.
5. Versatile Pot Roast: The chuck roast can be enjoyed not only on the day it's cooked but also as delicious leftovers the next day.
6. Time-Tested Classic: Sunday roasts are timeless favorite, bringing together the whole family for a hearty and comforting meal, and this recipe is no exception.
7. Set it and forget: Okay, don’t actually forget it, but really once you’ve set the ingredients to simmer, you’re pretty much done, allowing you to tend to other tasks – or simply relax.
8. Flavorful Ingredients: The addition of garlic, fresh herbs, and tomato paste comes together beautifully, making this a lovely dish for the colder weather.
9. Savory Broth: The beef broth and crushed tomatoes create a savory broth that complements the beef beautifully.
10. Good News for Leftovers: Leftover chuck roast can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or as a filling for other creative recipes. To store, simple pop the leftovers in an airtight container, and they can sit in the fridge for about four days.

Chuck Roast – A Brief Primer

Chuck Roast: A Classic Choice for Pot Roasts

• When it comes to low and slow cooking, chuck roast is the way to go. Economically priced, and flavorful due being cut from the shoulder area of the cow, this is a cut of meat that everyone should learn to love.

The ‘Why’ Behind the Flavor:

• Plentiful marbling, and plentiful connective tissue. While marbling imparts richness and flavor, the connective tissue, when cooked slowly, breaks down infusing itself into the meat, making it meat tender and succulent.

Preferred Cooking Methods:

• However, plentiful marbling and plentiful connective tissue also makes chuck roast exceptionally tough. What’s more, its location on the shoulder of the cow means it is constantly being exercised, further adding to its toughness. As such, chuck roast thrives when subjected to slow-cooking methods, such as braising, roasting, or stewing, as this tenderizes the meat. It benefits from low and slow cooking as these cooking methods allow the connective tissue to melt down, resulting in a juicy and tender pot roast.

Ideal for Dutch Ovens and Roasting Pans:

• Chuck roast shines in Dutch ovens and roasting pans. These heavy, thick-bottomed vessels help distribute heat evenly, ensuring that the roast cooks uniformly and becomes tender and juicy.

It’s all in the Cooking Liquid:

• Chuck roast recipes typically call for adding ingredients like beef broth, aromatics, and fresh herbs. As the roast simmers or roasts, it absorbs these flavors from the broth, which also serve to further tenderize the meat.

Budget-Friendly Choice:

• Chuck roast is budget-friendly and readily available at most grocery stores. This makes it an excellent choice for feeding a family or preparing a hearty, comforting meal for a gathering.

Boneless Chuck Roast:

• In this recipe, we utilize boneless beef chuck roast. This choice simplifies preparation and carving, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

To summarize, the chuck roast's distinct characteristics, budget-friendly nature, and its response to slow cooking methods make it the preferred cut for classic pot roast recipes like this one. Its marbling and connective tissue, when cooked right, create a roast that's not only juicy but also packed with flavor.

Whether you're making a comforting family meal or hosting a special occasion, boneless beef chuck roast is indeed the right cut of meat for crafting a memorable meal.

Super Simple Variations

• Herb-Infused Roast:
  • Enhance the flavor of the chuck roast by marinating it with a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. This infusion adds aromatic complexity to your dish.
• One-Pot Delight:
  • To simplify cleanup and create an all-in-one meal, add vegetables such as baby potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pot with the chuck roast. They'll absorb the savory braising liquid and become tender, flavorful side dishes.
• Wine-Infused Gravy:
  • After searing the chuck roast, deglaze the pan with red wine to capture those delicious browned bits. This creates a robust, wine-infused gravy that complements the beef beautifully.
• Hearty Tomato Twist:
  • Add a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the braising liquid. This imparts a slightly tangy, tomatoey flavor to the roast and enriches the sauce, making it perfect for ladling over pasta.
• Tender Rib Roasts:
  • While chuck roast is a fantastic choice, experiment with other cuts like rib roast or bottom round roast for variations in flavor and texture.
• Asian-inspired Flavors:
  • Infuse an Asian twist by using soy sauce, ginger, and star anise in the braising liquid. Serve with steamed jasmine rice and bok choy for an exotic touch.
• Herbaceous Pot Roast:
  • Intensify the herbaceous notes by adding fresh thyme, basil, or marjoram to the braising liquid. These aromatic herbs contribute a refreshing layer of flavor.

These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences and the occasion. Whether you're aiming for a classic pot roast or an innovative one-pot meal, these adjustments offer diverse ways to enjoy this chuck roast with pasta while making it your own.

See Also

Steak au Poivre Recipe

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If You Enjoyed Our Chuck Roast…

Try out our Herbed Top Round Roast, which we’ve paired with a thick brown gravy. This classic combination is perfect for small holiday gatherings or as a satisfying Sunday dinner. This recipe is shockingly easy to pull together, and a delight for senses.

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