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Ultimate Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

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A cozy, melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker pot roast recipe that is easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lbs beef chuck roast
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Pat beef chuck roast dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the roast on each side for 4-5 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly colored.
  4. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in 1 cup red wine (or beef broth if skipping wine) and stir, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Add the sautéed vegetables and wine mixture over the roast in the slow cooker. Pour in 2 cups beef broth, then stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Nestle in fresh thyme, rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the roast is fork-tender and juicy.
  7. Remove the roast and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Remove herb sprigs and bay leaves. Serve with sauce and vegetables.

Notes

Searing the roast before slow cooking enhances flavor and locks in juices. Check liquid levels halfway through cooking to prevent drying. If sauce is too thin, simmer it down in a saucepan to thicken. Use fresh herbs for best flavor or reduce dried herbs by half. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce or substitute with coconut aminos. Red wine can be replaced with extra beef broth or balsamic vinegar.

Nutrition

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