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    Home » Main Dishes

    3 Ingredient Shoulder Roast Recipe

    Published: Apr 28, 2022 · Modified: Jan 3, 2025 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you’re looking for a no-fuss, delicious meal that requires minimal effort, this 3-ingredient shoulder roast recipe is for you. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is sure to impress your family or guests with its tender, flavorful meat and simple preparation.

    A close-up of a plate with a large slice of tender roast beef, drizzled with a thick, dark gravy. The plate also features a side salad with mixed greens and a warm cornbread muffin. The photo includes a recipe for a shoulder roast recipe.

    Classic Shoulder Roast Recipe

    A roast is always a classic meal to make and enjoy. It's delicious when paired with some mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and a side of gravy or au jus!

    Jump to:
    • Classic Shoulder Roast Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Cooking
    • Cooking Temperatures
    • Storing
    • Tips
    • Serving
    • FAQ
    • 3 Ingredient Shoulder Roast Recipe

    Ingredients

    You only need a few ingredients:

    • Beef shoulder roast
    • Salt
    • Pepper

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a roasting rack.
    • Place the roast in the pan and generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    • Bake roast according to cooking and temperature directions in notes below.
    • Remove from oven and place a piece of aluminum foil lightly over the roast to tent. Allow the roast to rest for 15-20 minutes prior to carving. (Resting the meat allows for the juices to sink into the meat for a delicious tender roast!)

    Cooking

    Here are a couple of ways to cook up your shoulder roast recipe:

    • Oven Method: Cover the roasting pan with foil or a tight-fitting lid and cook in the oven at 375 degrees for 1-1 and a half hours or until the meat is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
    • Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, depending on your schedule.
    • Once the roast is done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

    Cooking Temperatures

    Here is a quick and handy guide for cooking times and temperatures:

    • Rare: 120 degree farenheit, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes of cooking time
    • Medium Rare: 125 degrees, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of cooking time
    • Medium: 130-135 degrees, approximately 1 hour 35-40 minutes of cooking time
    • Well Done: 145 degrees, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes of cooking time

    Storing

    Store the meat and gravy in an airtight container for several days.

    You can also freeze the meat by storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

    Tips

    • Choose the Right Cut of Meat
      The shoulder roast is ideal for slow cooking because it has plenty of connective tissue that breaks down over time, resulting in a tender and juicy dish. If you’re looking for an alternative, a chuck roast works well too.
    • Don't skip the resting time: Letting the meat rest after cooking helps retain
    • Experiment with flavors: While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize it by adding garlic cloves, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even a splash of red wine to the cooking liquid.

    Serving

    • Serve the shoulder roast alongside mashed potatoes, biscuits, roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
    • Use the shredded roast for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders for a versatile meal option.
    • Pair with a fresh salad for a lighter take on this hearty dish.

    FAQ

    Can I use a different cut of meat?

    Yes, you can substitute the shoulder roast with a chuck roast, rib roast, brisket, or even pork shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! This roast tastes even better the next day. Simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop with a bit of extra beef broth to keep it moist.

    How do I prevent the roast from drying out?

    Cooking the roast low and slow, keeping it covered, and ensuring there’s enough liquid in the pan are key to preventing dryness.

    Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

    Yes! Sear the roast using the “Sauté” function, then add the onion soup mix and beef broth. Cook on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

    What can I do with leftovers?

    Leftover roast can be repurposed into a variety of dishes, such as beef stew, shepherd’s pie, tacos or beef stroganoff.

    A close-up of a plate with a large slice of tender roast beef, drizzled with a thick, dark gravy. The plate also features a side salad with mixed greens and a warm cornbread muffin. The photo includes a recipe for a shoulder roast recipe.

    3 Ingredient Shoulder Roast Recipe

    Traci Wennerholm
    This 3-ingredient shoulder roast recipe is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to create a delicious, satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    15 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 hours hrs
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, english
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 305 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Roasting pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 3-4 pound beef shoulder roast
    • 3 tablespoons salt
    • 1 tablespoon pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F.
    • Lightly grease a roasting rack to prevent sticking.
    • Place the roast in the pan and generously season with salt and pepper.
    • Bake according to the cooking and temperature instructions provided below.
    • Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and loosely tent with a piece of aluminum foil.
    • Allow the roast to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a deliciously tender and flavorful result.

    Notes

    Meat is cooked when it reaches the internal temperature listed below.
    • Rare: 120 degree farenheit, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes of cooking time
    • Medium Rare: 125 degrees, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of cooking time
    • Medium: 130-135 degrees, approximately 1 hour 35-40 minutes of cooking time
    • Well Done: 145 degrees, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes of cooking time
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 0.5gProtein: 49gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 2732mgPotassium: 643mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 11IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword shoulder roast recipe, sliced roast beef
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