Pot Roast and Mac and Cheese

Combining pot roast with creamy mac and cheese makes for a comforting and hearty meal! Here’s a recipe to make both dishes that pair beautifully together.

Pot Roast Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3-4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3-4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. Sear the Meat:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove the roast and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Add the onion to the pot and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in a cup of beef broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Return the roast to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, carrots, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Cook the Roast:
   • Cover and cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
6. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the roast rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the carrots and potatoes.

Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to create a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
3. Combine:
   • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
4. Optional Baking:
   • If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serve Together

Serve slices of pot roast alongside a generous scoop of mac and cheese for a delicious, comforting meal! Enjoy!