Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking from the start.
- Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the meat in a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown all sides (about 3 minutes per side) to lock in flavor.
- While the meat sears, peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots into thick rounds.
- In a large baking dish, layer the seared beef in the center and surround it with the seasoned potatoes, onions, carrots, and garlic.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme, then pour it evenly over the meat and veggies. Add the bay leaf.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour to keep the moisture in.
- Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 30–40 minutes until the potatoes are golden and the beef is tender.
- (Optional) Stir in frozen peas during the last 10 minutes for added sweetness and color.
- Let the beef rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired.
Notes
For best results, use a well marbled chuck roast it becomes incredibly tender after slow baking. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal since they hold their shape well and deliver a buttery texture. If you're short on time, pre-chopped stew meat works, but make sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Want extra depth of flavor? Replace part of the broth with a splash of red wine. You can also prep the dish a day ahead the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated. Don’t skip the tomato paste; it adds a rich umami base that ties everything together beautifully.
