Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Printable version)
A classic, comforting beef pot roast. Slow-cooked with vegetables, herbs, and savory broth for tender meat and a rich, hearty gravy.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 3 lb chuck roast
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Vegetables
04 - 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
05 - 3 medium potatoes, cut into large chunks
06 - 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
07 - 1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges
→ Aromatics & Herbs
08 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
10 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried rosemary
11 - 2 bay leaves
→ Liquids
12 - 2 cups beef broth, gluten-free if needed
13 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Optional
14 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
15 - 2 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
# Directions:
01 - Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned, approximately 4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
03 - Place carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion around and beneath the beef in the slow cooker insert.
04 - Scatter minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves over the meat and vegetables.
05 - Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste if using. Pour the mixture evenly over the roast and vegetables.
06 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 8 hours, or until the beef pulls apart easily with a fork and vegetables are completely tender.
07 - Transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving platter. Discard the bay leaves and herb stems.
08 - For a thicker consistency, whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water until smooth. Stir into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes until thickened.
09 - Serve the beef sliced or shredded, accompanied by vegetables and gravy.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- This recipe is your personal cheat code for incredible flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for those days when time is short but you crave something truly satisfying.
- It's a culinary hug in a bowl, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out and impress anyone lucky enough to share a meal with you.
02 -
- Don't be tempted to lift the lid repeatedly during cooking; every peek releases precious heat and moisture, extending the cooking time.
- Searing the roast beforehand is a game-changer for flavor and texture; it creates a delicious crust and deepens the overall taste profile.
03 -
- Always let your pot roast rest for at least ten to fifteen minutes after removing it from the slow cooker; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist outcome.
- For an extra depth of flavor, use a good quality, low-sodium beef broth, as this forms the foundation of your delicious gravy.