Name: Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Ingredients: 3 lbs chuck roast; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 large carrots, cut into chunks; 1 lb baby potatoes, halved; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 tbsp tomato paste

When life gets busy, nothing beats coming home to the comforting aroma of a perfectly cooked pot roast waiting for you. This recipe for Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast is the definition of “set it and forget it.” All you have to do is prep the ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let time work its magic. After a few hours, you’ll be rewarded with a melt-in-your-mouth roast surrounded by flavorful carrots, potatoes, and a rich broth.

Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

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Why This Pot Roast is a Must-Make

Hands-off Cooking: You get all the rich, savory flavors of a traditional pot roast with barely any active cooking time. The slow cooker does all the hard work!
Perfect for Busy Days: Prep it in the morning, let it cook low and slow all day, and come home to a hearty, ready-to-eat meal.
One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together the tender roast, flavorful carrots, and creamy potatoes, all in one dish. Fewer dishes to wash = win!
Classic Comfort: Pot roast is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for family dinners or Sunday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Pot Roast:

3 lbs chuck roast: This cut of beef becomes super tender after slow cooking, making it perfect for pot roast.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the meat.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for searing the roast before it hits the slow cooker, which adds depth of flavor.
1 onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and flavor to the broth.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds richness to the roast and broth.
4 large carrots, cut into chunks: They’ll soak up the flavors while becoming tender and slightly sweet.
1 lb baby potatoes, halved: Creamy potatoes that pair perfectly with the savory broth.

For the Flavorful Broth:

2 cups beef broth: The base of the delicious, savory liquid that flavors the entire dish.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami-rich flavor.
1 tsp dried thyme: Earthy herbs that complement the beef.
1 tsp dried rosemary: Aromatic and savory, perfect for roast dishes.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a subtle richness to the broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Season and Sear the Roast

Before the slow cooking begins, it’s essential to sear the roast. This step locks in the flavor and gives the meat a beautiful caramelized crust.

Generously season the chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the roast on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. This will take around 12 minutes total. Once it’s beautifully browned, transfer the roast to your slow cooker.

Tip: Searing adds a depth of flavor that really takes the roast to the next level, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

To add even more flavor, you’ll want to sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the leftover drippings from the roast.
Sauté for about 2 minutes, just until softened. This step releases all those lovely onion and garlic flavors into the dish.
Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker, right on top of the roast.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Liquid

Now it’s time to arrange the vegetables and liquid that will make this pot roast extra flavorful.

Arrange the carrots and potatoes around the roast in the slow cooker. They’ll absorb the flavors from the meat and broth as everything cooks together.
Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker, ensuring it covers the vegetables and part of the roast.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and tomato paste. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the broth!

Step 4: Let It Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, depending on how much time you have. Low and slow is the best method to get that tender, fall-apart texture, but if you’re in a rush, the high setting will still do the trick.

As it cooks, the beef becomes tender and juicy, while the vegetables absorb the savory broth. Your house will smell incredible as the flavors meld together!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the roast is done cooking, it will be fork-tender and easily shred apart. Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and slice or shred it. Serve it hot with the carrots, potatoes, and a generous ladle of the savory broth over everything.

For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Recipe Notes

Make It Ahead: This pot roast is perfect for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze this pot roast for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store the meat and vegetables separately from the broth to prevent them from getting mushy when reheated.
Side Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious broth. A side of green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts would complement this dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast is the perfect solution when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending all day in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have a meal that’s rich, tender, and full of flavor. Plus, the leftovers are just as good if not better the next day!

Whether you’re serving this on a cold winter night or for a family gathering, it’s sure to become a go-to comfort dish in your household. Enjoy! 🍽️