Name: pot roast crock pot recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 375 min
Ingredients: 3-4 lb. Chuck Roast (or other cuts like brisket or round roast; see notes for cut options); 2 tablespoons flour; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon each: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cups beef broth; 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon); 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce); 2 ¼ lbs baby potatoes (See notes for sizing options); 2 lbs. whole carrots (cut into halves or thirds); 3 tablespoons corn starch (combined with 3 tablespoons cold water to thicken); 2-3 drops Kitchen Bouquet browning and seasoning sauce (optional for color); 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter (to enrich the gravy)

Craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? This slow-cooked pot roast recipe is perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners.

With tender meat, rich gravy, and perfectly cooked potatoes and carrots, this pot roast is a classic favorite.

Using a crock pot makes it incredibly easy, allowing the flavors to develop slowly, leaving you with a succulent roast every time. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers satisfying results every time.

Ingredients List

Pot Roast Ingredients

3-4 lb. Chuck Roast (or other cuts like brisket or round roast; see notes for cut options)
2 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons olive oil

Meat Seasoning

2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon each: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper

Gravy Ingredients

1 cup chicken broth
2 cups beef broth
1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon)
1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)

Sides

2 ¼ lbs. baby potatoes (See notes for sizing options)
2 lbs. whole carrots (cut into halves or thirds)

For the End

3 tablespoons corn starch (combined with 3 tablespoons cold water to thicken)
2-3 drops Kitchen Bouquet browning and seasoning sauce (optional for color)
1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter (to enrich the gravy)

These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious, savory pot roast that will melt in your mouth. Ready to start cooking? Let’s move on to the next step!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools to ensure everything goes smoothly while preparing your pot roast. Here’s a list of the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:

Large Skillet or Pan: You’ll need a large pan to sear the roast before placing it in the crock pot. This step enhances the flavor and locks in the juices.
Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): A reliable slow cooker is key to achieving that fall-apart tender roast. Choose one with a capacity that can easily accommodate your roast and vegetables.
Whisk: Use a whisk to combine the gravy ingredients and ensure everything is smooth before adding it to the pot.
Silicone Spatula: A spatula is perfect for scraping up any delicious fond (brown bits) left in the pan after searing the roast, which will add even more flavor to your gravy.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right balance of seasonings and broth, so make sure you have these tools handy.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping your potatoes and carrots into uniform pieces, a sharp knife and cutting board will be essential.

Having these tools on hand will make the cooking process easier, ensuring you achieve a perfectly cooked pot roast with all the flavors sealed in.

Cooking the Pot Roast

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to start cooking! The process is simple and hands-off, thanks to the slow cooker, which allows the flavors to meld while you go about your day.

1. Season and Sear the Roast

Start by patting your roast completely dry. This step ensures a better sear. Next, mix together the meat seasoning ingredients: brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, and black pepper. Massage this seasoning mix onto all sides of the roast for maximum flavor.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned roast to the pan and sear it for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it develops a nice brown crust. This caramelization adds depth to the flavor and helps keep the roast juicy. Once the roast is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Gravy

In the same skillet, whisk together the chicken broth, beef broth, beef bouillon cube (or Better than Bouillon), onion powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce). Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step is crucial because it adds incredible flavor to the gravy. Transfer the gravy mixture into your slow cooker.

3. Add the Vegetables

Now, prepare your potatoes and carrots. If you’re using baby potatoes, you can leave them whole or cut them in half, depending on their size. For carrots, peel and slice them into halves or thirds. Arrange the potatoes and carrots around the roast in the slow cooker, creating a cozy veggie bed for the roast.

Once everything is in the slow cooker, place the lid on securely and resist the urge to peek inside while it cooks. Opening the lid too often can let heat escape and affect the cooking time.

4. Slow Cook the Roast

Cook the pot roast on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, depending on your preference and how much time you have. The slow cooker does all the work here, slowly braising the meat until it’s incredibly tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once your pot roast has cooked to perfection, it’s time to finish it off and serve. The tender roast will practically fall apart, and the vegetables will be infused with rich flavor.

1. Thicken the Gravy

Before serving, let’s thicken that delicious gravy. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high to thicken up. If you’d like to deepen the color of the gravy, add 2-3 drops of Kitchen Bouquet browning sauce, which will give it that rich, dark finish.

Finally, stir in the cold butter to enrich the gravy and give it a silky texture.

2. Serve the Pot Roast

Carefully remove the roast, carrots, and potatoes from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. Tent with foil to keep them warm while you finish up the gravy.

Serve the pot roast with the luscious gravy poured over the top. The roast is perfect alongside the tender potatoes and sweet carrots that have absorbed all the savory flavors from the broth.

3. Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the roast and vegetables in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep everything moist.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pot roast and gravy for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat until piping hot.