This Crock Pot pot roast is the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy beef slow-cooked with carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s a hassle-free, one-pot meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while the slow cooker does all the work. Serve it with homemade gravy for a truly satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless slow cooker meal with minimal prep
- Incredibly tender and flavorful roast
- Hearty and comforting, perfect for cold days
- Balanced meal with protein, veggies, and potatoes in one dish
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chuck roast
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Brown sugar
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef stock
- Carrots
- Baby gold potatoes
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Sear the roast: Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until browned. Transfer to the Crock Pot.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder until fragrant. Deglaze with Worcestershire sauce and a splash of beef stock.
- Assemble the Crock Pot: Pour the onion mixture over the roast. Add the chopped carrots and baby potatoes. Pour in the remaining beef stock and add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours, until the roast is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the herbs and bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with homemade gravy if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-6 hours (high) or 8-10 hours (low)
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (minimum)
- Servings: 6
Variations
- Add More Veggies: Include mushrooms, celery, or parsnips for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra chili powder.
- Wine-Infused Flavor: Replace ½ cup of beef stock with red wine for a richer taste.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for turnips or cauliflower.
- Thicker Gravy: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, brisket or bottom round roast also work well, but chuck roast is the most tender option.
Do I have to sear the meat first?
Searing adds depth of flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes! Cooking on low for 8-10 hours overnight will give you a perfectly tender roast by morning.
How do I make homemade gravy?
Strain the cooking liquid and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) over medium heat until thickened.
What if my roast is tough?
It likely needs more cooking time. Let it cook longer on low until it becomes fork-tender.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 60-70 minutes with natural release for a quicker version.
Can I use russet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, but cut them into large chunks so they don’t overcook.
Do I need to stir the ingredients while cooking?
No, slow cooking works best when left undisturbed. Just set it and forget it.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just skip any butter-based gravy.
What’s the best way to serve this?
Serve with warm dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Crock Pot pot roast is a classic, foolproof meal that delivers tender, flavorful beef with minimal effort. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its rich broth, hearty vegetables, and the option to make homemade gravy, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today for a stress-free, comforting meal!
Print
Crock Pot Pot Roast
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food—slow-cooked to tender perfection with rich flavors, hearty vegetables, and a delicious broth. Plus, you can make an easy homemade gravy to serve on top!
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast:
✅ 3 lb chuck roast
✅ 1 onion, sliced
✅ 4 cloves garlic, smashed
✅ 2 tbsp tomato paste
✅ 1 tbsp brown sugar
✅ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
✅ 1 tsp onion powder
✅ ½ tsp chili powder
✅ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✅ 4 cups beef stock
✅ 3 large carrots, chopped
✅ 1 lb baby gold potatoes
✅ Fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves
✅ Salt and pepper, to taste
✅ Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Roast
- Season the chuck roast with salt & pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, add:
- Sliced onions, garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Worcestershire sauce and a splash of beef stock.
3️⃣ Assemble & Cook
- Add the onion mixture to the Crock Pot.
- Place chopped carrots & baby potatoes around the roast.
- Pour in remaining beef stock.
- Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Cover & Cook:
- High: 5-6 hours
- Low: 8-10 hours
4️⃣ Shred & Serve
- Once done, the roast should be fall-apart tender.
- Remove the herbs & bay leaves.
- Shred the meat with two forks.
- Garnish with fresh parsley & serve warm.
Notes
1️⃣ Remove 2 cups of cooking liquid from the slow cooker.
2️⃣ In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
3️⃣ Whisk in 2 tbsp flour & cook for 1 minute.
4️⃣ Slowly add the reserved liquid, whisking constantly.
5️⃣ Simmer until thickened, then pour over the roast!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (high) or 8-10 hours (low)
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American