Cider-Braised Pot Roast
This cider-braised pot roast is prepared by browning beef and slow-cooking it in apple cider, onions, and spices until tender. The final dish features fork-tender meat coated in a rich, flavorful gravy with a hint of sweetness and autumnal aroma, accompanied by caramelized vegetables.
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Calories: 480kcal
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or slow cooker
- Kitchen Tongs
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast trim excess fat if desired
- 2 cups apple cider preferably unfiltered for richer flavor
- 2 large yellow onions sliced into wedges
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large carrot peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery ribs chopped
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt, pepper, and cinnamon on all sides.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Add sliced onions, chopped carrot, and celery to the same pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and release fragrant aromas.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Return the seared beef to the pot, laying it on top of the vegetables. Pour the apple cider over the meat, making sure it's about halfway covered.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Once cooked, transfer the beef to a cutting board and shred it into chunks or slices, depending on preference.
- Optional: Skim any excess fat from the surface of the gravy, then stir to incorporate the caramelized vegetable juices.
- Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of extra cider if you wish for more tang.
- Serve the shredded beef topped with the rich cider gravy and cooked vegetables, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 850mg | Potassium: 1200mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 4mg