Prep the beef: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the salt and brown sugar. Season the roast generously on all sides with the mixture and plenty of fresh cracked black pepper.
1 tablespoon Morton kosher salt, Freshly cracked black pepper, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 4 pounds beef chuck roast
Sear the roast: Heat the olive oil in a large 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the roast and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Transfer the roast to a plate and set aside.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauté the vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and celery to the pot and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
1 large yellow onion, 4-5 celery stalks, 10 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Deglaze the pot: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly reduced.
1 cup dry red wine
Add the liquids and roast: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef broth. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the pot. Return the roast and any accumulated juices to the Dutch oven. Bring the liquid just to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2–2½ hours.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 cups beef broth or stock, ¼ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup cold water
Add the vegetables: Carefully remove the pot from the oven and add the potatoes and carrots, nestling them around the roast. Cover and return to the oven for 1½–2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
2 pounds yellow potatoes, 1 pound whole carrots