The cooking time for a pot roast in an oven at 350°F (175°C) depends on the size of the roast and the specific recipe you are following. As a general guideline, you can estimate approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time for a 3 to 4-pound pot roast.
Here's a basic outline for cooking a pot roast in the oven at 350°F:
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds of beef chuck roast (or any other suitable pot roast cut)
- Vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions, etc.), optional
- Beef broth or stock
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the pot roast with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
- If you want to add vegetables, place them in the bottom of a roasting pan or a Dutch oven.
- Place the seasoned pot roast on top of the vegetables.
- Pour enough beef broth or stock into the roasting pan or Dutch oven to partially submerge the roast (usually about halfway up the sides of the roast).
- Cover the roasting pan or Dutch oven with a lid or foil to create a sealed environment for the meat to cook in.
- Place the roasting pan or Dutch oven in the preheated oven.
- Cook the pot roast for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the roast. You can start checking for doneness after about 2 hours.
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. For a pot roast, most people prefer a slightly higher internal temperature, around 190°F (88°C), which allows the meat to become tender and easy to shred.
Remember that cooking times are estimates, and it's essential to rely on a meat thermometer to ensure the pot roast is fully cooked and safe to eat. Cooking times may also vary based on the specific characteristics of your oven and the type of pot roast you're using.