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!

Crock Pot Pot Roast

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Author: sara
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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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

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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