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.
Why This Recipe Works As The Ultimate Comfort Food
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.
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 perfect for any family dinner. You can also use a bottom-round roast or brisket for pot roast.
Ingredients For This Easy Beef Roast Recipe
- Beef Roast – I use a beef 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.)
Can I Use Rump Roast Instead?
Yes, you can use a rump roast instead of a chuck roast for your slow cooker beef roast. While the flavor profile may vary slightly, a rump roast can still yield a tender and juicy result with a fantastic depth of flavor when cooked low and slow. Just keep in mind that it might require a bit more cooking time to achieve the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Be sure to adjust your spices and liquid accordingly to enhance the beefy flavor!
Change It Up: 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 the beef chuck roast 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 flavorful gravy, and serve.
How To Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Gravy
- 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.
What To Do With Leftover Slow Cooker Beef Roast
- Refrigerate: Store leftover roast beef in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Ensure it’s cooled and consume within 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in small portions in freezer-safe airtight containers, allowing for easy defrosting later.
- Reinvent Meals: Use leftover beef in sandwiches, salads, or soups for quick, delicious meals for busy weeknights.
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 it in the crock pot to ensure it is even cooking and prevent food safety risks.
If the beef is not tender, it has most likely not been cooked long enough. If possible, cook the roast on low so it has time to become fall-apart tender.
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 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
- 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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Christine
Yes, it is delicious. I make it all the time.
I’m so glad you are here! Thank you for your amazing review! ~Donya
Peg
The only thing different I do is add potatoes and carrots. I use corn starch for the gravy and serve nice crusty rolls to slop up the gravy. LOL .