Amazing Pot Roast Recipe

Indulge in this unforgettable Amazing Pot Roast, boasting a deep, rich mole-inspired sauce thanks to the magic of dark beer and cocoa chili spices. Tender, fall-apart beef is infused with smoky bacon, sweet raisins, and a hint of peanut butter for an unexpected twist. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, with delicious leftovers guaranteed! Easily adaptable for stovetop, oven, or slow cooker.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 200 mins
Calories 299.6 kcal
Protein 78g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Amazing Pot Roast 100

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Amazing Pot Roast

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for slurry)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 lb boneless beef chuck pot roast
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (12-ounce) bottle dark beer
  • 2 tablespoons McCormick Cocoa Chili Blend
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (as part of McCormick Cocoa Chili Blend substitute)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • Not specified in recipe
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley + fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (as part of McCormick Cocoa Chili Blend substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (as part of McCormick Cocoa Chili Blend substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (as part of McCormick Cocoa Chili Blend substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (as part of McCormick Cocoa Chili Blend substitute)
  • Water (enough to come about halfway up the roast)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for slurry)
  • Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1/4 cup broken tortillas (optional, for thickening)

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How to Make Amazing Pot Roast

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Generously season the 3-4 lb pot roast with the flour mixture.
  4. In a heavy cast iron pot or Dutch oven, cook 6 slices bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
  5. Wipe out most of the remaining bacon fat from the pot, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
  6. Sear the pot roast over high heat for 4 minutes per side, until well-browned.
  7. Add 1 large chopped onion and 4 cloves minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  8. Crumble the reserved bacon and add it to the pot along with the following: 2 tablespoons McCormick Cocoa Chili Blend (or substitute: 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp brown sugar), 1/2 cup raisins, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
  9. Pour in 1 (12-ounce) bottle of dark beer and add enough water to come about halfway up the roast.
  10. Bring to a simmer. For stovetop cooking, cover tightly and simmer gently over low heat for approximately 45 minutes per pound, or until the beef is fork-tender. For oven cooking, cover tightly and braise in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes per pound, or until fork-tender. For slow cooker, place browned roast and remaining ingredients in your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
  11. If desired, thicken the cooking liquid with 1/4 cup broken tortillas, a slurry of 1 tablespoon flour and 2 tablespoons cold water, or cornstarch mixed with cold water to desired consistency. Reduce for a richer gravy or sauce.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  13. Serve over your favorite noodles, mashed potatoes, or sliced for an open-faced sandwich.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

6 g

Sugar

7g

Fat

26g

Carbs

2g

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