Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Name: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 225 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef chuck roast; 1 pound baby potatoes, halved; 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks; 1 large yellow onion, sliced; 2 cups beef broth; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste

This tender, melt-in-your-mouth pot roast is the ultimate comfort food, slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic vegetables. The beef becomes incredibly succulent, soaking up the savory juices of the broth and herbs.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 210 minutes
Total time: 225 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

3 pounds beef chuck roast
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 cups beef broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the roast until browned on all sides.
Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the seared beef on top of the onions.
Arrange the potatoes and carrots around the beef.
Whisk together the beef broth, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl.
Pour the liquid mixture over the roast and vegetables.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Remove the beef and vegetables, then thicken the remaining liquid with a cornstarch slurry if desired.

Tips

Searing the meat before putting it in the slow cooker is the most important step for developing a deep, rich flavor.
Do not lift the lid during the first few hours of cooking, as this lets out precious heat and steam.
For an even richer sauce, add a splash of red wine to the beef broth before pouring it over the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is best for pot roast?

Beef chuck roast is ideal because it has the right amount of fat and connective tissue to become tender over long, slow cooking.

Can I cook this on high if I am in a hurry?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours, though low and slow usually produces slightly more tender results.

How do I thicken the gravy?

Whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, stir it into the juices, and cook on high for 15 minutes.