Southern-Style Pot Roast with Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens & Cornbread

Nothing says comfort like a Southern-style pot roast dinner, complete with baked mac and cheese, tender collard greens, and warm cornbread muffins. This meal is the definition of soul food—a hearty, slow-simmered beef roast with bold flavor, paired with Southern staples that turn your plate into a down-home feast.

This full spread is ideal for family dinners, Sunday gatherings, or holidays where the food speaks louder than words.

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🌟 Why I Love This Recipe

This Southern dinner delivers:

• Fall-apart tender pot roast in a rich, savory gravy
• Golden baked mac and cheese with a creamy cheddar base
• Flavorful collard greens simmered with bacon and broth
• Buttery cornbread muffins that round it all out

Every bite is full of tradition, comfort, and flavor.

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🛒 Ingredients

🥩 For the Pot Roast:

• 3 lb chuck roast
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

🧀 For the Baked Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (for topping)

🌿 For the Collard Greens:

• 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
• 2 slices bacon or ½ cup diced ham
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

🌽 For the Cornbread Muffins:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup melted butter

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Pot Roast

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Add onions and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes.

Add:

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika, salt, pepper

Return roast to the pot. Cover and simmer on low for 3–4 hours, or until fork-tender.

Optional: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into the pot and simmer until thickened.

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2. Bake the Mac and Cheese

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain.

In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux.
Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened.

Stir in:

• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper

Combine cheese sauce with pasta and pour into a baking dish.
Top with ½ cup shredded cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

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3. Cook the Collard Greens

In a large skillet or pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.

Add:

• Butter
• Garlic
• Chopped collard greens

Stir until wilted. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes until tender.

Stir in bacon before serving.

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4. Bake the Cornbread Muffins

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

Spoon into muffin liners and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

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💡 Tips for Success

• Use chuck roast for the most flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth result.
• Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• For even more flavor in your greens, add a dash of hot sauce or vinegar.
• Make extra muffins—you’ll want them for soaking up pot roast gravy!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Plate everything family-style or assemble dinner plates with:

• Shredded pot roast and gravy
• A scoop of baked mac and cheese
• A serving of collard greens
• A warm cornbread muffin with a pat of butter

Serve with:

• Blueberry Lemonade
• Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls
• Or Big Family Banana Pudding for dessert

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store each component in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat pot roast and mac and cheese gently on the stove or in the oven
• Cornbread muffins can be frozen for up to 2 months

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🥄 Final Thoughts

This Southern-Style Pot Roast Dinner is what comfort food dreams are made of. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with tradition, from the savory roast to the creamy mac and golden cornbread.

Make it for Sunday dinner or a holiday table, and watch every plate come back clean.

Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac on Instagram and show off your Southern spread! Subscribe for more full-plate comfort food recipes made with love.