Name: Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 pounds beef chuck roast; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons paprika; 8 ounces tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks; 15 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 3/4 cup peas, thawed if frozen; 1 cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty dish that bursts with rich, comforting flavors combined with a delightful Indian twist, then the Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection in a luscious blend of tomato sauce, creamy butter, and fragrant spices like cumin and paprika, all coming together in one cozy pot. This recipe turns a classic pot roast into an exotic celebration of Indian-inspired tastes that will warm your soul and wow your dinner guests with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish is served in a white bowl with a dark rim, filled with many layers. In the center, there is a thick, cooked meat piece, topped lightly with white salt crystals. Around the meat, on the left side, there are light brown chickpeas floating in a brown broth. On the far left edge, there’s a small pile of fresh green herbs. At the top, there are small heaps of brown and dark red spices, and a dollop of green chopped vegetables near the meat. On the right side, there is a bright red sauce spread thickly, and more chickpeas near the edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are surprisingly straightforward but essential in creating the deep, vibrant flavors and satisfying textures that make the Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe so unforgettable. Each one plays a key role—from the tenderizing power of the chuck roast and the creaminess of the heavy cream, to the subtle heat and fragrant aroma brought by garlic, jalapeno, and cumin.

4 pounds beef chuck roast: The star of the dish, known for its perfect marbling that breaks down beautifully during slow cooking.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For searing the beef to lock in all those juices and create a rich crust.
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided: Enhances flavors and brings out the savory notes in the beef and vegetables.
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the richness.
1 tablespoon butter: Infuses the dish with creaminess and helps soften the spices.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that’s essential in Indian cooking.
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped: Provides a gentle heat that livens up every forkful without overwhelming it.
2 teaspoons ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that’s a hallmark of Indian cuisine.
2 teaspoons paprika: Adds vibrant color and a subtle smoky sweetness.
8 ounces tomato sauce: Offers a rich base with just the right amount of acidity.
2 cups beef broth: Keeps the meat moist and creates the flavorful cooking liquid.
4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks: Sweet and tender, carrots add wonderful texture and color.
15 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed: For earthy texture and a boost in protein and fiber.
3/4 cup peas, thawed if frozen: Bursting with sweetness and a fresh pop of color.
1 cup heavy cream: Gives the dish a luscious finish, balancing spices with its richness.

How to Make Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast with half of the kosher salt and the black pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and carefully sear the beef on all sides until it develops a beautiful, deep brown crust—typically 6 to 8 minutes per side. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and lays down the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Remove the seared beef from the pot to rest while you create the aromatic base. Lower the heat a bit and add the butter, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapeno to the Dutch oven. Stir in the ground cumin and paprika and cook just until everything becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. This quick burst of cooking spices releases their essential oils, which make this Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe unforgettable.

Step 3: Combine Liquids and Vegetables

Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to mix all those flavor-packed bits you just cooked. Next, add the carrots and chickpeas, followed by carefully placing the seared beef back into the pot. Sprinkle the remaining kosher salt over everything, cover with the lid, and transfer the Dutch oven to a preheated 325 degree oven. Let it cook low and slow for three hours, allowing the beef to become fork-tender and the spices to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Peas and Cream

Once the three-hour mark hits, stir in the peas and heavy cream. Return the pot to the oven uncovered and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. This final step enriches the broth with creamy texture and a subtle sweetness from the peas, balancing the bold spices perfectly and elevating this Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe to pure comfort food magic.

How to Serve Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe

A white bowl is filled with a rich, creamy orange-brown stew. The stew has two main layers: one side shows chunks of tender brown meat with visible strands and texture, and the other side has orange carrot slices, light yellow chickpeas, and a few bright green peas mixed in the thick sauce. The sauce looks smooth with specks of black pepper and herbs throughout. A silver spoon rests in the bowl at the top right corner. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your presentation pop and add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or a handful of toasted cashews on top. These garnishes bring freshness and crunch that complement the rich, creamy texture of the pot roast wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple, fragrant basmati rice or buttery naan bread to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. For a lighter contrast, try a crisp cucumber raita or a side of roasted cumin-spiced potatoes. These sides offer balance and help round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, serve this Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe in individual mini Dutch ovens or rustic cast iron skillets for a cozy, artisanal touch. Alternatively, arrange slices of the beef over a bed of saffron rice and drizzle some of the creamy sauce on top for a delightful plating that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from the Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it perfect for easy weeknight meals or lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze the pot roast along with the sauce and vegetables for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best taste and texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the dish’s luxurious texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for the Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just remember these cuts benefit from slow cooking to break down connective tissue and become tender.

Is the Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe very spicy?

The recipe has a mild, pleasant heat from the jalapeno and spices, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the jalapeno amount or omit the seeds to tone it down according to your heat tolerance.

Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the beef and building the flavor base on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add peas and cream in the last 30 minutes for that creamy finish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, full-fat coconut milk works great and adds a hint of tropical richness that complements the Indian spices beautifully.

How do I know when the roast is done?

The roast is done when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. This usually takes around three hours in the oven at 325 degrees, but you can test during cooking to ensure it reaches your desired tenderness.

Final Thoughts

Once you try the Indian Butter Pot Roast Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its unique combination of comfort and exotic flavor. This dish is truly a dinner party winner or a cozy family meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Don’t wait to make it your own—your taste buds will thank you.