Name: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491982H36M3S
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 lb chuck roast; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 packet onion soup mix (or 1 tbsp onion powder and 1 tbsp garlic powder); 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 yellow onion, sliced; 4–5 medium carrots, cut into chunks; 1½ lbs baby potatoes (or halved gold potatoes); 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf

I love making this slow cooker pot roast when I want a comforting, hearty dinner without spending all day in the kitchen. The beef turns incredibly tender, the vegetables soak up all the rich flavor, and the savory broth ties everything together into a cozy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3–4 lb chuck roast

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

1 packet onion soup mix (or 1 tbsp onion powder and 1 tbsp garlic powder)

3–4 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, sliced

4–5 medium carrots, cut into chunks

1½ lbs baby potatoes (or halved gold potatoes)

2 cups beef broth

1 tsp dried thyme

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Directions

I start by seasoning the chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. If I have a few extra minutes, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast for about 3–4 minutes per side. I find this step adds a deep, rich flavor to the final dish.

Next, I place the roast in the slow cooker. I add the minced garlic, sliced onion, carrots, and potatoes around the roast. Then I sprinkle the onion soup mix (or the onion and garlic powders) over the top.

I pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Then I cover and cook the roast on LOW for 8–9 hours for the most tender result, or on HIGH for 4–5 hours if I am short on time.

Once it is done, I remove the bay leaf and shred the roast with two forks. I gently stir everything so the meat mixes with the flavorful juices before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6–8 servings, which I find perfect for a family dinner or for enjoying leftovers the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8–9 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH

Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 15 minutes on LOW

Variations

I sometimes add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef. If I want a deeper, more robust taste, I replace about ½ cup of the beef broth with red wine. When I prefer a thicker gravy, I stir in a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

To reheat, I warm the pot roast gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the meat seems dry, I add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I skip searing the roast?

I can skip the searing step if I am short on time, but I find that searing adds a deeper, richer flavor to the finished dish.

What is the best cut of meat for pot roast?

I prefer using chuck roast because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Other well-marbled cuts like brisket or round roast can also work, but chuck gives me the most consistent results.

Can I cook this overnight?

I can cook this overnight on the LOW setting as long as my slow cooker is in good working condition. I make sure there is enough liquid to prevent drying out.

How do I thicken the gravy?

If I want a thicker gravy, I stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking and let it cook for an additional 20–30 minutes until thickened.

Can I make this without potatoes?

I sometimes skip the potatoes and serve the roast over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles instead. The flavors still come together beautifully.

Conclusion

I love how this slow cooker pot roast turns simple ingredients into a rich and comforting meal. With minimal effort, I get tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth that feels like classic home cooking. It is a reliable recipe that I return to whenever I crave something warm, hearty, and satisfying.

📖 Recipe:

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (LOW)
Yield: 6–8 servings
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

A comforting and hearty slow cooker pot roast with tender chuck roast, flavorful vegetables, and a rich savory broth, perfect for an easy family dinner.