A Tender Southern Pot Roast with Coffee-Infused Gravy
Pot Roast is a classic Southern comfort meal featuring a slow-simmered beef roast cooked with onions, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and an unexpected touch of black coffee that adds richness and depth to the savory gravy. This hearty one-pot meal is ideal for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for comforting home cooking.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe reflects the Southern tradition of creating flavorful meals from simple ingredients while making the most of slow cooking.
Ingredients
- 2-1/2 pounds beef (roast)
- 2 Tablespoons fat
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup black coffee
- 1 cup tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 5 carrots
- 2 cups potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serves: 5–7
Instructions
- Heat the fat in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef roast on all sides until well seared.
- Pour the water and black coffee over the roast.
- Season with salt and pepper, then bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes.
- Add the sliced onion and carrots, then continue cooking for another 20 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and potatoes.
- Continue simmering until the vegetables are tender and the roast is cooked through.
- Slice or shred the roast and serve with the vegetables and pan juices.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- Coffee adds a subtle richness that enhances the beef without overpowering it.
- Browning the roast well creates a deeper, more flavorful gravy.
- Serve with warm cornbread or homemade biscuits to soak up the savory juices.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be served over mashed potatoes the next day.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
