I love how this Apple Butter Pot Roast combines deep, caramelized flavors with tender beef and crispy, herb-infused potatoes.
It’s a perfect cozy meal that feels special but comes together with simple ingredients, either in the oven or slow cooker.
Why I Love This Recipe
Rich, caramelized beef with a subtle sweetness from apple butter.
Tender potatoes smashed and roasted with fresh sage and garlic.
Flexible cooking method: oven or slow cooker.
Layers of flavor from onions, shallots, apple cider, and wine.
Perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Beef chuck roast — slow-cooked until meltingly tender.
Apple butter — adds unique sweet-savory glaze.
Yellow onions and shallots — develop a deep caramel flavor.
Apple cider and dry white wine — balance acidity and sweetness.
Fresh thyme and sage — aromatic herbs that brighten the dish.
Small potatoes — roasted crispy with garlic and butter.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pat the roast dry before seasoning for better browning.
Don’t skip the flour rub; it helps form a flavorful crust.
Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and taste.
Smash potatoes gently for a rustic texture with crispy edges.
Add broth or wine if onions start to dry during roasting.
How to Make Apple Butter Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Potatoes
Oven Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Season and Brown
Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. Rub with flour to coat evenly.
Step 3: Cook Onions and Shallots
In a large oven-safe Dutch oven over high heat, melt butter.
Add sliced onions and cook 5 minutes until softened.
Add shallots and apple cider, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Cook 5 more minutes until onions are golden.
Step 4: Add Roast and Liquids
Add fresh thyme, nestle roast into the onions, and spread apple butter on top.
Pour in remaining cider and wine.
Arrange potatoes around the roast.
Step 5: Roast Low and Slow
Cover and roast for 2½ to 3 hours until meat and potatoes are very tender.
Step 6: Crisp the Potatoes
Increase oven temp to 425°F (220°C).
Remove potatoes to a baking sheet.
Smash each with a fork or masher.
Top with butter, garlic powder, and sage.
Roast 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Step 7: Caramelize the Roast
Return uncovered roast to oven.
Roast 20–30 minutes until deeply caramelized.
Add broth or wine if onions dry out.
Step 8: Serve
Serve roast with onions and pan juices, potatoes on the side, sprinkled with flaky sea salt.
Slow Cooker Method:
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Season roast and rub with flour.
Layer butter, onions, and shallots in slow cooker.
Add roast on top and spread apple butter.
Add thyme, apple cider, and wine. Arrange potatoes around roast.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Step 3: Crisp Potatoes
Follow the same oven roasting steps for crispy smashed potatoes (425°F for 20–25 minutes with butter, garlic powder, and sage).
Step 4: Serve
Serve pot roast with onions, gravy, and crispy potatoes.
What to Serve It With
Roasted or steamed green vegetables
Creamy mashed potatoes (if you want extra)
Crusty artisan bread
A fresh green salad
Variations / Substitutions
Use red wine instead of white for richer flavor.
Swap apple butter for fig jam or apricot preserves.
Add whole garlic cloves to the roast for more depth.
Use fingerling potatoes or Yukon Gold instead of baby potatoes.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in airtight containers.
Reheat gently in oven or stovetop with added broth.
Freeze cooked meat and potatoes separately for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast is best, but brisket or rump roast works too.
Do I have to roast potatoes separately?
For crispy edges, yes—it’s best to roast smashed potatoes at high heat.
Can I make this entirely in the slow cooker?
Yes, but you’ll lose the crispy potato texture without oven finishing.
What if I don’t have apple butter?
Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or even honey as a glaze substitute.
How do I know when the roast is done?
It should be fork-tender and easily shredded or sliced.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely, it tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Separate meat and potatoes, store in airtight containers in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Potatoes is a comforting, elegant meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Whether you use the oven or slow cooker, the tender beef, savory onions, and crispy herby potatoes will satisfy any appetite and impress at the dinner table.
