Bavarian Pot Roast is a hearty, slow-cooked dish that combines tender beef with the bold flavors of onions, mustard, vinegar, and warm spices. This classic German-inspired comfort food is perfect for cold evenings, offering melt-in-your-mouth texture and a savory-sour gravy that pairs beautifully with potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
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3 pounds beef chuck roast
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 large onions, sliced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup beef broth
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¾ cup apple cider vinegar
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½ cup dry red wine (optional)
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3 tablespoons brown sugar
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon ground allspice
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1 bay leaf
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3 carrots, cut into chunks
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3 small potatoes, cut into pieces (optional for serving)
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 3 hours
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Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Serving
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Serves 6
Instructions
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Prepare the beef:
Pat the roast dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. -
Sear the meat:
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides for about 8–10 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside. -
Cook the onions and garlic:
In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook until golden and soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. -
Add liquids and seasoning:
Stir in beef broth, apple cider vinegar, wine (if using), brown sugar, mustard, tomato paste, allspice, and bay leaf. Mix well. -
Combine and simmer:
Return the beef to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2½ to 3 hours, turning the roast occasionally, until tender and easy to shred. -
Add vegetables:
In the last 45 minutes of cooking, add carrots and potatoes to the pot and continue simmering until they are soft. -
Serve:
Remove the bay leaf. Slice or shred the beef and serve with vegetables and the rich sauce spooned on top.
Tips
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For a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the sauce at the end.
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The flavor improves overnight—reheat gently for even richer taste.
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Serve with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or buttered spaetzle for an authentic touch.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 410
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Sugar: 8g
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Fiber: 2g
Bavarian Pot Roast is rich, tangy, and comforting — the kind of meal that fills the house with warmth and delivers deep, old-world flavor in every bite.
