Yankee Pot Roast is a classic and time-tested main dish that has been enjoyed by generations. Vera Burke from West Pittston, Pennsylvania, shares this traditional recipe that has stood the test of time and continues to be a family favorite. This hearty pot roast embodies the flavors and values of New England cuisine.
Made with a boneless beef chuck roast, onions, carrots, celery, stewed tomatoes, and potatoes, this dish brings together the comforting flavors of a slow-cooked meal. The chuck roast becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers with the vegetables and savory seasonings in a Dutch oven.
With just 20 minutes of preparation and a cooking time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, you can create a pot roast that serves a crowd. This recipe is perfect for Sunday dinners or gatherings where you want to savor a delicious and satisfying main course.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 boneless beef chuck roast (4 to 5 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 large onions, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 2 cans (14½ ounces each) Italian stewed tomatoes
- 1¾ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into eighths
PREPARATION:
- In a Dutch oven, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chuck roast on all sides in the hot oil. Remove the roast from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the onions, carrots, celery, stewed tomatoes (with their juice), water, salt, thyme, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Return the roast to the pan, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
- Add the potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to cook for an additional 40 minutes or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
YIELD: Makes 12-14 servings
PREP/COOK TIME: 20 minutes of preparation, 2 hours and 45 minutes of cooking
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Use a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even heat distribution and optimal cooking.
- Browning the chuck roast before simmering adds flavor and helps seal in the juices.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for additional flavor.
- Check the tenderness of the meat and vegetables before serving. They should be fork-tender and easy to cut.
TIPS:
- Serve Yankee Pot Roast with a side of crusty bread or buttered noodles to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Leftovers can be repurposed into delicious sandwiches or used as a filling for pot pies.
- For added depth of flavor, deglaze the Dutch oven with a splash of red wine or beef broth before adding the onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes.
- Customize the vegetables based on your preferences. Add parsnips, green beans, or mushrooms to enhance the variety of flavors and textures.
- Prepare the pot roast in advance and reheat gently before serving. This allows the flavors to develop further and makes for a more convenient mealtime.
Yankee Pot Roast is a timeless and comforting main dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Vera Burke from West Pittston, Pennsylvania, shares this traditional recipe that showcases the flavors and values of New England cuisine. The chuck roast, combined with onions, carrots, celery, stewed tomatoes, and potatoes, creates a satisfying and flavorful one-pot meal.
With just 20 minutes of preparation and a cooking time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, you can create a generous pot roast that serves a crowd. The slow simmering process allows the meat to become tender and infused with the rich flavors of the vegetables and seasonings.
Yankee Pot Roast is perfect for Sunday family dinners or gatherings where you want to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal. The leftovers can be repurposed into sandwiches or used as a filling for pot pies, adding versatility to this classic dish.
Embrace the flavors of New England and savor the comfort and satisfaction of Yankee Pot Roast. Share this recipe with your loved ones and create cherished memories around the dinner table with this time-tested main dish.




