Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Learn how to make a tender, flavorful pot roast in your slow cooker with carrots, potatoes, and a rich homemade gravy. Just season, sear, and let the crockpot do the rest.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
- 2-3 pound chuck roast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion cut into large pieces
- 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the roast and pat it dry. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary together, then rub the seasoning over all sides of the roast.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use tongs to sear the shorter edges as well.
- Place carrots, onion, garlic, and potatoes into the slow cooker. Set the seared chuck roast on top of the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the roast is fork-tender.
- Transfer the meat and vegetables to a serving platter. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth, then pour the slurry into the slow cooker. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on high for about 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Serve meat and vegetables with gravy spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
- Best cut of beef: Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking. Its fat and connective tissue break down over time, creating fork-tender, flavorful meat.
- Searing is optional but recommended. Browning the roast adds rich, caramelized flavor. If you skip it, the roast will still be tender but won't have as much depth.
- Cook time flexibility: Cook on low 8-10 hours or high 5-6 hours. Low and slow gives the best results. For a 3-4 lb roast, add about an hour.
- Vegetable timing: For firmer vegetables, add them halfway through cooking or place them on top of the roast. Cut into 2-inch chunks so they don't fall apart.
- Potato swap: Yukon Gold potatoes work well but cook faster. Add them about halfway through cooking to avoid mushiness.
- Liquid options: Beef broth gives the best flavor for gravy. Chicken broth works in a pinch. A splash of red wine (about 1/2 cup) adds depth.
- Roux gravy alternative: Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons flour, and cook 2 minutes. Pour in 2 cups strained cooking liquid and simmer 5-7 minutes until thick. Taste before seasoning.
- Make-ahead: Season and sear the meat, chop vegetables, and layer in the slow cooker insert. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add 15-30 minutes to the cook time since you're starting from cold.
- Fridge storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer storage: Cool completely. Freeze meat and vegetables in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Freeze gravy separately. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gravy on the stove and meat in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 1063mg | Potassium: 1457mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 12815IU | Vitamin C: 14.8mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 5mg
QR code
Scan this QR code with your phone's camera to view this recipe on your mobile device.
