Pikes Peak Roast: 5 Secrets to the Best Flavor

The Pikes Peak roast proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t require premium prices. This complete guide transforms an affordable cut into a restaurant-quality centerpiece through proper technique, timing, and seasoning. With slow braising and careful attention to doneness, your Pike’s Peak roast will deliver tender, flavorful results every time.

What is Pikes Peak Roast

The “heel of round roast,” or Pike’s Peak roast, is a lean, boneless cut of beef that comes from the round primal’s bottom portion. It is typically slow-cooked in liquid to prevent drying out and to tenderize the meat, making it ideal for dishes like pot roast .

Why You’ll Love This recipe

You’ll love this Pike’s Peak roast recipe because it delivers juicy, fork-tender meat with minimal effort, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Slow cooking infuses rich, complex flavors, producing a savory, fall-apart roast ideal for comforting meals. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile, hearty family favorite

To Make Pikes Peak Roast You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 3-4 lb Pikes Peak roast (the star of our dish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing and moisture)
• 1 large onion, sliced (adds sweetness and depth)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (aromatic foundation)
• 2 cups beef broth (for braising liquid)
• 1 cup red wine (optional, adds complexity)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (enhances natural flavors)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (classic heat)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds smoky depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (earthy notes)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (amplifies garlic flavor)

Recipe Options & Substitutions

• Wine alternatives: Substitute with additional beef broth or apple cider
• Herb variations: Fresh rosemary or oregano work beautifully
• Spice adjustments: Add cayenne for heat or brown sugar for sweetness

Time Needed to Make Pikes Peak Roast

Time Breakdown

How to Make Pikes Peak Roast

Step 1: Prepare the Pikes Peak Roast

Remove the roast from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, pat dry with paper towels, season generously with salt, pepper and seasoning mix and allow the seasoning to penetrate for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, Grill the Pike’s Peak roast on all sides (2-3 minutes per side), You want to get a deep golden brown color for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Build the Braising Base

In the same saucepan, add the sliced onions and simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until they are soft and have a hint of caramel. After that, sauté for one more minute after adding the minced garlic. Next, deglaze the pot with wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate their flavor into the dish.

Step 4: Braising Process

Return the Pike’s Peak roast to the pot, then add enough beef broth to submerge about two-thirds of the roast. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, cover the pot tightly, and transfer it to a 325°F oven. Cook the roast for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Test the roast with a fork; it should easily shred when it’s ready. The internal temperature should reach between 195 and 205°F for optimal tenderness. If the roast is not yet tender, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes before testing again.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. For optimal tenderness, cut the meat against the grain. Serve the roast with the cooking liquid as a natural gravy.

Tips for the Best Pikes Peak Roast

Expert Advice for Perfect Results

• Don’t skip the searing: This creates the flavor foundation for your Pike’s Peak roast
• Low and slow wins: Maintain oven temperature at 325°F for even cooking
• Test completion correctly: Precise temperature is not as crucial as fork-tender.
• Cut against the grain to facilitate simpler chewing by breaking down muscle fibers.
• Save the braising liquid: It makes an excellent natural gravy

Advanced Techniques

• Dry brine overnight: Salt the roast 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor penetration
• Add vegetables in stages: Root vegetables added in final hour prevent overcooking
• Without opening the oven, use a probe thermometer to check the inside temperature.

What to Serve Pikes Peak Roast

Classic Pairings

Use these complimentary sides to turn your Pike’s Peak roast into a full meal:

• Rich braising liquid is ideal for soaking up creamy mashed potatoes.
• Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts)
• Fresh herb salad (brightens the rich flavors)
• Crusty sourdough bread (ideal for sauce dipping)

Creative Serving Ideas

• Shredded sandwich filling (perfect for game day gatherings)
• Grain bowl topping (over quinoa or rice with fresh herbs)
• Breakfast hash component (diced and pan-fried with potatoes)
• Taco or burrito filling (Mexican-spiced variation)

Similar recipes you’ll want to try

• Pikes Peak Roast Beef recipe
• Smoke a Brisket on a Pellet Grill
• Lamb Shoulder Chops
• Best Lamb Vindaloo

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Profile per 4 oz serving

Pikes Peak Roast: 5 Secrets to the Best Flavor

By Nancy

Elevate your beef dinners with a tender Pikes Peak Roast. Simple ingredients and slow cooking bring out deep, savory flavor. Discover how!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3-4 lb Pikes Peak roast the star of our dish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing and moisture
• 1 large onion sliced (adds sweetness and depth)
• 4 cloves garlic minced (aromatic foundation)
• 2 cups beef broth for braising liquid
• 1 cup red wine optional, adds complexity
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt enhances natural flavors
• 1 teaspoon black pepper classic heat
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky depth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme earthy notes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder amplifies garlic flavor

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Pikes Peak Roast

• Remove the roast from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, pat dry with paper towels, season generously with salt, pepper and seasoning mix and allow the seasoning to penetrate for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

• Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, Grill the Pike’s Peak roast on all sides (2-3 minutes per side), You want to get a deep golden brown color for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Build the Braising Base

• In the same saucepan, add the sliced onions and simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until they are soft and have a hint of caramel. After that, sauté for one more minute after adding the minced garlic. Next, deglaze the pot with wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate their flavor into the dish.

Step 4: Braising Process

• Return the Pike’s Peak roast to the pot, then add enough beef broth to submerge about two-thirds of the roast. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, cover the pot tightly, and transfer it to a 325°F oven. Cook the roast for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

• Test the roast with a fork; it should easily shred when it’s ready. The internal temperature should reach between 195 and 205°F for optimal tenderness. If the roast is not yet tender, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes before testing again.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. For optimal tenderness, cut the meat against the grain. Serve the roast with the cooking liquid as a natural gravy.

Notes

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Profile per 4 oz serving

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Iron: 15% DV
• Zinc: 25% DV
• Vitamin B12: 45% DV

Keyword beef roast, slow cooked, comfort food, family dinner, Sunday roast, fall recipe, winter meal, Pikes Peak Roast

FAQ About Pikes Peak roast