With just a few minutes of prep, you can make this simple Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe with amazing results! Thanks to the crock pot, it’s fall-apart, fork tender, flavorful, and juicy. This is comfort food done right.
Served with Stuffed Baked Potatoes, Roasted Carrots, and Broccoli, this pot roast recipe makes a delicious and fuss-free meal.
In This Post
Grab your crock pot because today, I’m not beating around the bush. It’s time to learn how to make a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast.
What Is Crock Pot Beef Roast?
Crock pot beef roast is a main dish made by slow-cooking a chuck roast cut of beef in a slow cooker. The crock pot, which cooks on low and consistent heat, allows the meat to cook slowly over several hours, resulting in a fork-tender and succulent roast.
Ingredients For Easy Recipe
- Beef Roast – I use a chuck roast.
- Onion – red onion, yellow onion, or Vidalia are all good choices.
- Beef Broth.
- Roast Seasoning – Kosher Salt, Fresh Cracked Black Pepper, Garlic Salt (minced fresh garlic can be used,) Dried Thyme (fresh thyme can be substituted.)
What Is The Best Cut Of Beef For Pot Roast?
I recommend using a chuck roast for this recipe. This cut of meat tends to have a good amount of marbling and connective tissues, which break down during the long cooking process, resulting in a tender and flavorful roast. You can also use a bottom-round roast or brisket for pot roast.
Variations And Additions
While this is the best crock pot roast recipe, you can get creative. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a couple of tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and a package of onion soup mix for a more intense flavor.
- Yukon gold potatoes can be added for a classic meat and potatoes meal.
- Substitute red wine for the beef broth.
- Add dried rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning for additional flavoring.
How To Cook Melt In The Mouth Roast Beef In The Slow Cooker
- Prep the roast by patting it dry with paper towels.
- Slice the onions and layer them on the bottom of a 6 or 8-quart crock pot, then place the roast on top of the onions and season.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes. Place it on a serving platter, spoon over the drippings or gravy, and serve.
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How Long Do I Cook Beef Roast In The Slow Cooker?
There are two different cooking times to make a tender pot roast in the crock pot.
- LOW – for 8 hours
- HIGH – for 6 hours
Frequently Asked Questions With Answers
This recipe doesn’t require searing the meat before putting it into the slow cooker. Some recipes include Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, where searing helps render fat and seal in juices.
It is not recommended to use frozen meat in the slow cooker. Thaw the beef in the fridge before cooking in the crock pot to ensure even cooking and prevent food safety risks.
If the beef is not tender, it has most likely not been cooked long enough. If at all possible, cook the roast on low so that it has time to become fall-apart tender.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How To Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Gravy
- Skim off the fat and pour the drippings into a sautĆ© pan. Heat pan to medium-low and reduce liquid by ā .
- If needed, thicken the gravy with a slurry made with two tablespoons of flour and Ā¼ cup of cold water. Whisk the slurry into the drippings and bring it up to a simmer to thicken. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
What To Serve With Pot Roast
- Weeknight Dinners – Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, Fried Corn, Broccoli Casserole
- Sunday Supper – Southern Candied Yams, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Skillet Green Beans, Parmesan Garlic Rolls
- Leftover Chuck Roast – Roast Beef And Cheese Sandwiches
Craving More? Try These Crock Pot Recipes
If you tried this Slow Cooker Beef Roast Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a š star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 2-3 lb beef roast
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Ā½ teaspoon garlic salt
- Ā½ teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Take the roast out of the packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
- Cut onion into thick slices and place in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place roast on top of onions.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme. Pour beef broth around the sides of the roast.
- Put the lid on the crock pot and, cook on high for 6 hours or 8 hours on low.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker, and let it rest for 15 minutes. Place on a serving platter and spoon over drippings or gravy, then serve.
To Make Gravy
- Skim off the fat and pour the dripping into a saute pan. Heat pan to medium-low and reduce liquid by ā . If needed, thicken the gravy with a slurry made with two tablespoons of flour and Ā¼ cup of cold water. Whisk the slurry into the drippings and bring it up to a simmer to thicken. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
Video
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
The post was originally published in September, 2012, and updated in June, 2023.
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Daisy
This is a great recipe. The meat comes out juicy and tender. It’s easy, but tastes like you spent a lot of time prepping and cooking it
Thank you so much, Daisy!
~Donya
alexia
Extremely comfortable cooking in the kitchen; rarely do I refer to recipes, until it’s a giant beautiful cut of red meat š I found myself drawn to your recipe bcz I already knew how I wanted to make it but I really needed a bit of guidance on the best appropriate method in arranging ingredients inside crockpot…& your’s got straight to it which I value immensely āŗļø I’m positive you are talented in the beauty/flavors of cooking. I’ve got my meat atop the layers of multi onions drizzled w/ touch of š« oil š I’m excited simple seasonings were noted (they’re favs & I rarely keep it simple & savory) so thank u. I do wonder if I should add the fresh rosemary in sprigs or pulled leaves?! Anyways, this recipe is š„
Thank you so much, Alexia! I appreciate your kind words.
~Donya
Erica C.
This was the easiest and most delicious pot roast recipie ever! My whole family loved it. The only thing I did different was sear the roast before putting it in the crock pot. Definitely my go to recipie now.
Wonderful! Thanks.
~Donya
K. Payne
I made this last night in the crock pot and it was delicious! I believe it benefitted from being a quality piece of meat from a 1/4 cow we purchased from a local purveyor.
I seasoned the night before and put all the sliced onions over it before refrigerating, assuming the flavors would penetrate the meat a little more. I lightly steamed some carrots and celery and added to them to the crock pot 2 hours before the 8-hour low-temp time frame was up. Used about half of the broth with corn starch for gravy, over the meat and mashed potatoes. Fed 6 people and the plates were cleaned of every delicious bite! Will make again when we get more beef.
Ashley
Thank u so Much gonna try to make it tonight I added some red wine to it also and garlic for the cooking
Kate
This was super easy and was nice and tender! I added some small potatoes and carrots to the crock pot too for a full meal.
Karen
Very delicious. Good for a leftover.
Thanks, Karen!
Judy
I found the onions were too greasy to eat. I poured the stock into a defatter and made gravy adding a cornstarch slurry to thicken. Next time, I’ll add vegetables on top of the meat – carrots, celery, onion and small whole potatoes so it is a complete meal. Onions gave the broth a great flavor.
That could happen depending on the amount of fat in the roast. Sounds like you did a great job making the recipe your own! Way to go, Judy.
~Donya
Rob
Great recipe that is easy to make