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Pot Roast with Caramelized Onions and Roasted Carrots

This elegant pot roast with caramelised onions and roasted carrots is a sophisticated take on a classic comfort food favourite. By using lean, well-trimmed beef short ribs and a rich sherry reduction, this dish delivers deep, savoury flavours without the need for heavy thickening agents. The slow-roasting process ensures the meat becomes exceptionally tender, while the natural sweetness of the onions and carrots provides a balanced contrast to the salty, umami-rich cooking juices.

Developed as a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high-quality proteins and fibre-rich vegetables, making it a nutritious yet indulgent choice for a family gathering. The method of roasting the carrots separately ensures they retain a bit of bite and a lovely golden colour, rather than becoming over-soft in the braising liquid. Serve this alongside steamed greens for a wholesome, complete meal that feels truly special.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Pot Roast with Caramelized Onions and Roasted Carrots

  • 120ml canola oil

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2.3kg boneless short ribs, denuded (all surface fat removed

  • have your butcher do this)

  • 130g dry sherry

  • 4 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

  • 2 large onions, peeled and roughly chopped

  • 8 stalks celery, peeled and roughly chopped

  • 8 cloves garlic, unpeeled

  • 1 bay leaf

  • About 1925ml (1.9L ) chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth

  • 6 medium carrots (about 900g ) peeled, halved lengthwise, then halved horizontally

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

  • 3 medium Spanish onions, sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 1450 to 1675ml )

How to make Pot Roast with Caramelized Onions and Roasted Carrots

Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 177°C. Season beef liberally with salt and pepper. In large Dutch oven or heavy ovenproof pot over moderately high heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add beef and sear until dark brown and crisp on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer beef to large plate. Pour off oil in pan and discard. Add sherry and simmer uncovered, scraping up browned bits on bottom of pan, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Pour reduced sherry into heatproof liquid measuring cup.

In same pan, combine carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and bay leaf. Lay beef on top of vegetable mixture and pour reduced sherry over. Add enough chicken stock to cover 3/4 of meat. Cover and transfer to lower rack in oven. Roast until fork-tender, about 3 hours.

During final hour of roasting, in large bowl, toss carrots with olive oil until well coated. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread on baking sheet and transfer to upper rack in oven. Roast until slightly tender and browned, about 45 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and keep warm.

During final 30 minutes of roasting, in heavy 12-inch skillet over moderately high heat, heat canola oil until hot but not smoking. Add onions and sauté, stirring constantly, until caramelized, about 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with kosher salt, add to roasted carrots in large bowl, and keep warm.

When beef is tender, transfer to serving platter; tent with foil. Skim fat from liquid in pot. Strain liquid through fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids with back of spoon to extract all juices, then discarding solids. Return liquid to pot, set over high heat, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to moderate and simmer, uncovered, until reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Season juices to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Pour half of juices into bowl with carrots and onions; toss to combine. Pour other half of juices into gravy dish. Arrange carrots and onions around beef on serving platter and serve immediately, with extra juices on side.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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