Classic Pot Roast with Carrots and Mac and Cheese

A comforting, hearty meal featuring a tender, juicy pot roast cooked low and slow with carrots and herbs—served alongside rich, creamy mac and cheese.

👉Ingredients:

🔸️For the Pot Roast:

3–4 lbs beef chuck roast

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups beef broth

1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)

3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dried rosemary

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening the sauce)

🔸️For the Mac and Cheese:

1 lb elbow macaroni

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

👉Instructions:

🔹️1. Prepare the Pot Roast:

◾️1. Brown the beef:

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the roast with salt and pepper. Brown it on all sides (about 4–5 min per side). Remove and set aside.

◾️2. Sauté the vegetables:

In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

◾️3. Add liquids & seasonings:

Pour in the beef broth and wine (if using). Add carrots, celery, thyme, and rosemary. Stir gently to combine.

◾️4. Return the beef:

Place the roast back into the pot, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Cover tightly and simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.

◾️5. Thicken the sauce (optional):

Remove the roast and veggies temporarily. In a small bowl, mix flour with a little cold water, then whisk into the broth. Simmer until thickened. Return the roast and veggies and keep warm.

🔹️2. Prepare the Mac and Cheese:

◾️6. Cook the pasta:

Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.

◾️7. Make the roux:

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes.

◾️8. Add milk:

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until it thickens.

◾️9. Add cheese:

Stir in cheddar and Parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once cheese is melted and sauce is smooth, mix in the cooked pasta.

👉To Serve:

Plate the pot roast with tender carrots and spoon the savory sauce on top. Add a generous side of creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

🔸️Prep Time: 15 min

🔸️Cook Time: 3–4 hours

🔸️Servings: 6–8

Perfect for: Cozy family dinners, Sunday meals, or anytime you crave classic comfort food.