Easy Crock Pot Beef Roast Recipe

With just a few minutes of prep, you can make this simple slow cooker pot roast recipe with amazing results!
4.90 from 48 reviews

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.

Sliced beef pot roast cooked with onions on a white platter served with carrots and steamed broccoli.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission. (Privacy Policy)

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

Whole beef roast seasoned with salt and pepper and other seasoning on a layer of onions.
  • 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

Beef pot roast cooked in the crock pot with onions and seasoned perfection until tender and juicy.
  1. Prep the roast by patting it dry with paper towels.
  2. 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.
  3. Cook the beef chuck roast on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours.
  4. 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 sautΓ© pan. Heat pan to medium-low and reduce liquid by β…“.
  • If needed, thicken the gravy with a slurry made with two tablespoons of flour and ΒΌ 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

Do I have to brown the meat before putting it in the crock pot?

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.

Can a frozen chuck roast be used in the crock pot?

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.

Why is my beef roast not tender?

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.

Whole cooked beef pot roast cooked until perfectly done with onions in the crock pot sliced and served on a white platter with a fork.

What To Serve With Pot Roast

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!

Beef pot roast cooked in the crock pot with onions and seasoned perfection until tender and juicy.

Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast

4.90 from 48 reviews
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 426kcal
Print Pin Rate
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.

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 2-3 lb beef roast
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • Β½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • Β½ 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 β…“. If needed, thicken the gravy with a slurry made with two tablespoons of flour and ΒΌ 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

How To Store Leftovers
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Β 
Nutritional values provided are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Β· Calories: 426kcal Β· Carbohydrates: 3g Β· Protein: 45g Β· Fat: 26g

The post was originally published in September, 2012, and updated in June, 2023.

Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!

Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




19 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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 .

Clicky