Pot Roast with Root Vegetables (Gilmore Girls-Inspired)
A comforting, slow-cooked pot roast, evoking the cozy yet elegant Gilmore family dinners (imagine it in a Season 2 or 3 gathering). This tender beef chuck with root veggies in a savory gravy is perfect for fall evenings.
20m
3h 30m
| Category: | Beef & Pork |
| Seasons | |
| Tags: |
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast
| 3 pound beef chuck roast |
| 2 Tablespoons olive oil |
| 1 teaspoon kosher salt |
| 1/2 teaspoon black pepper |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme |
| 1 large onion, chopped into quaters |
| 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks |
| 3 medium parsnips, cut into 2-inch chunks |
| 4 cloves garlic, smashed |
| 2 cups beef broth |
| 1 cup red wine (or add additional broth for non-alcoholic) |
| 2 Tablespoons tomato paste |
| 2 whole bay leaves |
| 2 sprigs fresh rosemary |
For Thickening (optional)
| 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour |
For Serving
| mashed potatoes or crusty bread |
| chopped parsley for garnish |
Pot Roast with Root Vegetables (Gilmore Girls-Inspired) Directions
- Prep Roast: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat beef dry; season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Sear: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Brown roast 4-5 min per side. Remove and set aside.
Cook Veggies: In same pot, sauté onion, carrots, parsnips, and garlic 5 min until softened.
Braise: Add tomato paste; cook 1 min. Pour in broth, wine, bay leaves, and rosemary. Return roast to pot, nestling into liquid. Bring to a simmer.
Slow Cook: Cover and braise in oven 3-3.5 hrs, until fork-tender. (Alternatively, use a slow cooker on low for 8 hrs.)
Finish: Remove roast and veggies to a platter. Skim fat from liquid; simmer on stove 10 min to reduce. For thicker gravy, stir in flour slurry and cook 2 min. Discard bay leaves.
Serve: Slice or shred roast; serve with veggies, gravy, and mashed potatoes or bread. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Why Pot Roast? Its homey yet refined nature fits Lorelai and Emily’s dynamic—comfort food with a polished edge.
Tips: Choose a well-marbled chuck for tenderness. Non-alcoholic version: Use grape juice + 1 tsp vinegar for wine’s tang.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a Stars Hollow-inspired apple pie for dessert to complete the vibe
Notes: High in protein and vitamin A from carrots/parsnips. Lighter: Trim fat or use leaner cut like bottom round (~50 fewer calories).
Nutrition facts
Serving size About 5 ounces of beef plus veggies and gravy lactose free
Per Serving
| Kcal: | 480 kcal |
| Fibers (g): | 3g |
| Sodium (mg): | 650mg |
| Carbs: | 15g |
| Sugar (g): | 4g |
| Fat: | 28g |
| Saturated fat (g): | 10g |
| Cholesterol: | 110mg |
| Proteins: | 35g |
