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, tender, flavorful, and juicy. This is comfort food done right.
Served with Creamy Cheese Tortellini, Roasted Carrots, and Broccoli, this pot roast recipe makes a delicious and fuss-free meal.
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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 You’ll Find In This Post
- Pin This Recipe For Later
- What Is Crock Pot Beef Roast?
- Ingredients For Easy Slow Cooked Beef Roast
- What Is The Best Cut Of Beef For This Recipe?
- How To Cook A Roast In The Crock Pot
- Variations And Additions
- How Long Do I Cook Beef Roast In The Slow Cooker?
- Frequently Asked Questions With Answers
- How To Make Beef Gravy
- What To Serve With Roast Beef
- Craving More? Try These Crock Pot Recipes…
What Is Crock Pot Beef Roast?
Crock pot beef roast is a main dish made by slow-cooking a 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. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and I can tell you, without a doubt, it turns out perfectly every single time.
Ingredients For Easy Slow Cooked Beef Roast
- Beef Roast – I use a chuck roast
- Onion – red onion, yellow onion, or Vidalia are all good choices.
- Beef Broth
- Kosher Salt
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
- Garlic Salt – minced fresh garlic can be used.
- Dried Thyme – fresh thyme can be substituted.
Scroll Down For Measurements And Instructions
What Is The Best Cut Of Beef For This Recipe?
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.
How To Cook A Roast In The Crock Pot
- Prep the roast by patting it dry with paper towels.
- Slice the onion and layer them on the bottom of a 6 or 8 quart crock pot.
- Place the roast on top of the onions.
- Season the pot roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- 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 on a serving platter and spoon over drippings or gravy, then serve.
Variations And Additions
While I think this is the best crock pot roast recipe, you can certainly get creative with the recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Add in 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 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
- Crock pots, also known as slow cookers, are great, super helpful kitchen appliances that I use almost every week. If you are new to using one, then make sure to read my helpful guide, Getting Started With Slow Cooking. You’ll be cooking like a pro in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions With Answers
This recipe doesn’t require searing the meat before putting it into the slow cooker. There are some recipes like Crock Pot Chicken Thighs where searing helps render fat and seal in juices.
Using frozen meat in the slow cooker is not recommended. 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, that means most likely that it has not cooked long enough. If at all possible, cook the roast on LOW so that it has time to get fall apart tender.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How To Make Beef Gravy
After cooking the roast, you’ll have lots of flavorful, yummy drippings, perfect for making gravy. Here’s how:
Skim off the fat and pour the drippings into a sauté pan. Heat pan to medium-low and reduce liquid by ⅓.
If needed, thicken the gravy with a slurry made with two tablespoons of flour and ¼ 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.
Spoon the gravy or even the drippings over your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice or pasta.
What To Serve With Roast Beef
- Weeknight Dinners – Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, Fried Corn, Broccoli Casserole
- Sunday Supper – Southern Candied Yams, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Skillet Green Beans, Parmesan Garlic Rolls
- Leftovers – Roast Beef And Cheese Sandwiches
Craving More? Try These Crock Pot Recipes…
- Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
- Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Sliders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 2-3 lb beef roast
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ 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 ⅓. If needed, thicken the gravy with a slurry made with two tablespoons of flour and ¼ 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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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.
Thank u so Much gonna try to make it tonight I added some red wine to it also and garlic for the cooking
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.
Very delicious. Good for a leftover.
Thanks, Karen!
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
Great recipe that is easy to make