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slow cooker pot roast

Emma
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large Pot
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Fine Mesh Strainer
  • Serving Plates

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

Searing the Chuck Roast

  • 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.
  • While the oil is heating up, season your chuck roast generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  • 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.
  • After searing, carefully transfer the roast to your slow cooker. We’ll be adding more flavor in just a moment!

Sautéing the Aromatics

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Pour the onion and garlic mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.

Cooking Time and Temperature

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Keyword slow cooker pot roast