Beef Pot Roast

Recipe from the Wisconsin Beef Council.

Ingredients:

1 boneless beef chuck shoulder roast (3 to 3-1/2 pounds)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1-3/4 teaspoons salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 cup ready-to-serve beef broth
3/4 cup apple cider
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled, cut crosswise into 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons brandy or water

Directions:

Heat oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Place beef pot roast in stockpot; brown evenly. Remove pot roast; pour off drippings and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Add onion and thyme to stockpot; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add broth and cider; increase heat to medium-high. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until browned bits attached to stockpot are dissolved. Return pot roast to stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 2-1/2 hours.

Add sweet potatoes and garlic to stockpot; continue simmering, covered, 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes and pot roast are fork-tender.

Remove pot roast; keep warm. Remove sweet potatoes and garlic with slotted spoon to large bowl, leaving cooking liquid in stockpot.

Add maple syrup, ginger, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to sweet potatoes. Beat until sweet potatoes and garlic are mashed and smooth; keep warm.

Skim fat from cooking liquid; stir in cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1 minute or until thickened.

Carve pot roast into slices; serve with mashed sweet potatoes and gravy.