slow cooker pot roast recipe

Are you in the mood for a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make and perfect for busy days? Look no further than this slow cooker pot roast recipe.

With tender meat, savory vegetables, and a rich gravy, it’s the ultimate family meal. Simply set it in your slow cooker, and let the magic happen while you focus on other tasks.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this pot roast recipe will not disappoint.

Ingredients List

For the Pot Roast

• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 (3 lb) chuck roast
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled, halved, and cut into thick slices
• 5 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 1/2 Tbsp)
• 1 1/4 cups beef broth
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh thyme
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary
• 2.5 lbs small Yukon gold potatoes, left whole
• 5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

For the Gravy (Optional)

• 2 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 3 Tbsp beef broth (optional, for thickening)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this slow cooker pot roast recipe, having the right kitchen tools will help you breeze through the process. Here are the essentials you’ll need:

1. Slow Cooker: The star of the show! A large slow cooker is key to cooking this pot roast slowly and evenly.
2. Large Pot: You’ll need a heavy-bottomed pot to sear the roast before it goes into the slow cooker, which locks in all the flavors.
3. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precision is key when it comes to adding broth and seasonings, so make sure you have your measuring spoons and cups on hand.
4. Fine Mesh Strainer: For straining the broth if you’re making gravy, a fine mesh strainer ensures smooth and lump-free results.
5. Serving Plates: A platter or large serving plate will be perfect for presenting your finished roast, vegetables, and gravy.

Having these tools at your disposal will help you achieve a flawless pot roast every time!

Preparing the Pot Roast: Searing the Meat and Building Layers of Flavor

Before we toss everything into the slow cooker, there’s a crucial step that makes all the difference—searing the chuck roast. This step ensures that your roast is full of rich flavor and retains moisture while it cooks. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

Searing the Chuck Roast

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the pot to be hot to get that perfect sear on the roast.
2. Season the Roast: While the oil is heating up, season your chuck roast generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
3. Sear the Roast: Once the oil is shimmering, add the roast to the pot. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it’s beautifully browned. This caramelization helps build a rich, savory flavor that will infuse the entire dish.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: After searing, carefully transfer the roast to your slow cooker. We’ll be adding more flavor in just a moment!

Sautéing the Aromatics

1. Sauté the Onion: In the same pot, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the thick slices of onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. The garlic will release a fragrant aroma and will help infuse the roast with even more flavor.
3. Deglaze the Pot:Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds even more depth to the flavor and ensures nothing goes to waste. Let it cook for about 15 seconds, just long enough to incorporate all the tasty bits.
4. Transfer the Mixture: Pour the onion and garlic mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.

Layering the Vegetables

1. Add the Potatoes and Carrots: Layer the whole Yukon gold potatoes and chopped carrots over the roast in the slow cooker. The vegetables will soak up all the flavors from the roast as they cook, making them just as delicious as the meat.
2. Season the Vegetables: Season the potatoes and carrots with a little salt and pepper. You can also sprinkle the fresh thyme and rosemary over the top for added flavor.
3. Pour Broth Over Everything: Pour the remaining beef broth evenly over the vegetables and meat, ensuring everything is covered. This will keep everything moist and tender while it cooks.

Cooking the Pot Roast: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Now that all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, it’s time to sit back, relax, and let the slow cooker do its thing. Cooking a pot roast is all about low and slow heat to get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly.

Cooking Time and Temperature

1. Cover the Slow Cooker: Place the lid on your slow cooker, making sure it’s securely in place. This will keep the heat and moisture trapped inside, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
2. Set the Cooker: Cook on low heat for 8-9 hours. This slow and steady cooking process will break down the tough fibers in the roast, making it fall-apart tender.
3. Check for Tenderness: After 8 hours, check to make sure the roast is fork-tender. If it’s still a little tough, let it cook for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Shredding the Roast

1. Remove the Roast and Vegetables: Once the roast is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker along with the vegetables. Set the vegetables aside on a platter or serving dish.
2. Shred the Roast: Using two forks, shred the chuck roast, discarding any excess fat. The meat should fall apart effortlessly, thanks to the slow cooking process.
3. Optional: Cut the Potatoes: If you’d like, you can cut the Yukon gold potatoes into smaller pieces at this point for easier serving. The potatoes should be soft and infused with the flavors of the broth and roast.

Making Gravy (Optional) and Serving the Pot Roast

If you love a rich gravy to go with your pot roast, you’re in luck! This optional step adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to your meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make from the broth that’s left behind in the slow cooker.

Making the Gravy

1. Strain the Broth: Pour the broth from the slow cooker through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepan. This helps remove any solids, leaving behind a smooth, flavorful base for your gravy.
2. Thicken the Broth: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of beef broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the strained broth.
3. Simmer the Gravy: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly as the gravy comes to a simmer. Let it cook for about 30-60 seconds, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serving the Pot Roast

1. Plate the Meat and Vegetables: Arrange the shredded pot roast and vegetables on a serving platter. The tender roast, juicy vegetables, and flavorful gravy make for a beautiful presentation.
2. Pour the Gravy: Drizzle the gravy over the top of the roast and vegetables. For an added touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over everything for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Your slow cooker pot roast is ready to serve! This dish pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the roast and the rich, savory flavors of the broth.

Conclusion

This slow cooker pot roast recipe is a true winner when it comes to comfort food. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy your whole family. The slow cooking process ensures the roast is tender and juicy, while the vegetables soak up all the savory goodness from the meat and broth. Plus, the optional homemade gravy adds the perfect finishing touch.

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this pot roast is versatile and easy to make. With a little planning and patience, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

So grab your slow cooker, follow these easy steps, and let the magic happen! Enjoy the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth results.