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B ​Chuck Roast Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies like nothing else, then this B ​Chuck Roast Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how tender and flavorful the beef turns out, infused with aromatic herbs and cozy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making a hearty family dinner or want a dish that keeps well for leftovers, this recipe has got you covered. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything I’ve learned to make your B ​Chuck Roast experience nothing short of fantastic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, Tender Beef: The chuck roast slow-cooks until meltingly tender, making every bite pure comfort.
  • Flavor-Packed Sauce: Simmering with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs gives you a sauce that bursts with savory depth.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s easy enough for weeknights yet hearty enough for guests.
  • Great Make-Ahead Meal: It tastes even better the next day, and leftovers freeze like a dream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this B ​Chuck Roast Recipe lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in a big, comforting way. Choosing quality chuck roast and fresh aromatics will set you up for success every time.

Flat lay of fresh whole brown mushrooms, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a large chopped yellow onion, five peeled garlic cloves, a finely chopped red bell pepper, raw lean ground beef in a natural pink tone, a whole plum tomatoes cluster with one cut open to reveal juicy interior, a small white bowl filled with thick deep red tomato paste, dried oregano sprigs, scattered crushed red pepper flakes, freshly ground black peppercorns, uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, two generous handfuls of grated sharp cheddar cheese, and a smaller handful of grated pale Parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chuck Roast Recipe, hearty beef dinner, slow cooker chuck roast, tender beef recipes, comfort food ideas
  • Chuck Roast: Look for a well-marbled cut to ensure juicy, tender meat after cooking.
  • Olive Oil: Use a good-quality oil to get that nice sear on the meat and bring out flavors.
  • Onion and Garlic: These provide the savory base notes you can’t skip.
  • Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and freshness to the sauce.
  • Mushrooms: Optional but highly recommended for their earthy richness.
  • Canned Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: The tomato foundation for a deeply flavored sauce.
  • Oregano and Red Pepper Flakes: For that warm, herby kick with a touch of heat.
  • Pasta: I usually go with elbow macaroni; it holds up well and pairs perfectly with the saucy beef.
  • Cheddar and Parmesan Cheeses: Together, they create a creamy, melty cheese topping that’s irresistible.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this B ​Chuck Roast Recipe my own by switching up veggies and cheese or going bold with spices—feel free to get creative and make it suit your taste perfectly!

  • Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I add diced carrots or celery for extra texture and a hint of sweetness.
  • Spice It Up: If you like heat, adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce takes this dish to the next level.
  • Dairy-Free Option: I’ve tried this with dairy-free cheeses and it still delivers great flavor for friends with dietary restrictions.
  • Slow Cooker Adaptation: When time’s tight, slow cooker versions let you set it and forget it, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

How to Make B ​Chuck Roast Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chuck Roast for Flavor

Start by patting your chuck roast dry and seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Brown the roast on all sides, which locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust. Don’t rush this—it takes about 3-4 minutes per side. This step makes a huge difference in flavor, trust me.

Step 2: Build Your Aromatics Base

Once the roast is seared, remove it and set aside. In the same pan, toss in chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. I love stirring in mushrooms here for added earthiness—you’ll notice how they shrink and deepen the sauce’s taste.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce with Tomatoes and Herbs

Add crushed canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a bit of black pepper. Return the browned chuck roast to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Let everything simmer gently, covered, for about 3 hours or until the meat is fall-apart tender. You’ll want to keep the heat low—slow and steady wins this race.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta and Finish Casserole

About 20 minutes before the roast is ready, cook your elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and toss the pasta with some of the sauce to coat it thoroughly. Shred the chuck roast into chunks and mix it in. Transfer everything to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle generously with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

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Pro Tips for Making B ​Chuck Roast Recipe

  • Low and Slow is Key: Don’t rush the simmering; this slow cook time is what makes the chuck roast melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing locks in flavor and caramelizes the meat’s surface, adding richness.
  • Cheese Combo: Mixing sharp cheddar with Parmesan gives a perfect balance of creamy and nutty notes on top.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout cooking to keep the flavors vibrant and balanced.

How to Serve B ​Chuck Roast Recipe

A blue plate holds a serving of baked macaroni and cheese with visible pieces of mushrooms and ground meat under a layer of melted golden-yellow cheese on the left side; on the right side of the plate, there is a fresh green salad made of mixed leafy greens with different shades of green and purple. A silver fork rests on the plate's left edge underneath the macaroni. In the background, a white baking dish filled with more macaroni and cheese sits on a white marbled surface along with a small clear glass of light pink drink. Another plate with leafy greens and another glass of pink drink are partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chuck Roast Recipe, hearty beef dinner, slow cooker chuck roast, tender beef recipes, comfort food ideas

Garnishes

I love finishing this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves—they add a bright pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This hearty B ​Chuck Roast Recipe pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the meal. For extra comfort, I sometimes serve it with buttery garlic bread to soak up all that savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a cheesy breadcrumb crust. It’s a fun way to elevate the presentation and makes guests feel like you went the extra mile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep incredibly well refrigerated for up to 4 days. I store mine in airtight containers to preserve moisture and prevent fridge odors from sneaking in.

Freezing

I’ve frozen whole casseroles and single servings with great results. Just make sure to cool completely before wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you thaw it, the texture and flavor hold up beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through to prevent drying out. Microwaving works for quick meals, but oven reheating preserves flavors and texture best.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this B ​Chuck Roast Recipe?

    Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can substitute beef brisket or even short ribs if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

  2. Is it okay to use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?

    Yes, dried mushrooms work well—just rehydrate them in warm water before cooking, and reduce the liquid in the sauce slightly to keep balance. They add a lovely umami hit, especially in a rich dish like this.

  3. Can I make the B ​Chuck Roast Recipe in a slow cooker?

    Definitely! After searing the meat and sautéing veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender. This hands-off method is perfect for busy days.

  4. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

    Cook the pasta just until al dente and drain it well. Tossing it immediately with the sauce helps prevent clumping. Also, bake the casserole uncovered so excess moisture evaporates, keeping the texture just right.

  5. How can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

    You can prepare the sauce and meat layers the day before, then assemble and bake when ready. The flavors actually deepen overnight. Just store the unbaked casserole covered in the fridge to keep everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

This B ​Chuck Roast Recipe is truly one of my go-to comfort dishes—it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and rewarding to make. I love how it brings people together around the table, sharing stories over hearty, cheesy goodness. Give it a try and enjoy every tender, flavorful bite—you’ll want to make it again and again, just like I do.

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B ​Chuck Roast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 136 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 75 min
  • Total Time: 90 min
  • Yield: 8 servings, 1 (9×13-inch) casserole
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a classic American comfort food featuring a hearty blend of ground beef, mushrooms, bell peppers, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This baked casserole is perfect for family dinners, offering a delicious, satisfying meal with layers of savory flavors.


Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 12 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and chopped or sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and cored, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste

Protein and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90:10 is good)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes in juice
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 ounces (2 3/4 cups) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese (2 generous cups), divided
  • 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 cups), divided


Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside for later use.
  2. Cook the mushrooms: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat without oil. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, slightly browned, and most of their liquid has evaporated, about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper: Wipe out the skillet, return to heat, add oil, and when shimmering, add chopped onion. Cook until translucent, approximately 6 minutes. Add garlic and bell pepper and cook for another minute. Season generously with salt.
  4. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook while breaking it up with a spoon into small clumps. Cook until no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
  5. Prepare the tomato sauce: Use your hands to crush the whole plum tomatoes directly into the skillet (wear an apron), making sure to include all juices. Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and becomes saucy, about 20 minutes.
  6. Add mushrooms to sauce: Return the reserved mushrooms to the sauce and simmer an additional 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  7. Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Drain well.
  8. Combine pasta and sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot, add the cooked sauce, and toss well to combine. Stir in half of the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
  9. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
  11. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
  12. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers tightly covered for up to 4 days or freeze the baked casserole for longer storage. The casserole can also be frozen before baking and reheated later.

Notes

  • Johnny Marzetti pasta casserole with a beefy tomato sauce and cheese remains a beloved comfort dish, enjoyed for over a century.
  • Using lean ground beef helps reduce fat content while maintaining flavor and texture.
  • Sautéing mushrooms without oil allows them to release their moisture and develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
  • Make sure to cook pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Feel free to adjust the type of cheese to your preference, but cheddar and Parmesan offer traditional flavor and texture balance.
  • Freezing the casserole either before or after baking makes this a great make-ahead meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
  • Calories: 407 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 564 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 86 mg

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