A slow cooker pot roast is a classic, easy-to-make meal where a beef chuck roast is cooked slowly with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions in a flavorful broth or sauce until tender. The beef becomes meltingly tender and infused with rich flavors, and the vegetables are soft and savory. Typical cooking times are 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high in a slow cooker.
Basic Method
- Season and optionally sear the chuck roast for more flavor.
- Place the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Add beef broth, wine, or a mix of seasonings and liquids.
- Cook low and slow until the beef is tender and easily shreddable.
- Optionally, thicken the cooking liquid into a gravy using cornstarch or arrowroot slurry.
Ingredients Commonly Used
- Beef chuck roast (about 3-5 pounds)
- Salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, bay leaves
- Carrots, celery, onions, baby potatoes
- Beef broth and often red wine
- Optional: onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup for a richer sauce
Cooking Tips
- Searing the roast before slow cooking develops deeper flavor.
- Adding vegetables on top or around the roast during cooking prevents over-softening.
- Thicken the juices at the end for a delicious gravy.
This dish is praised for its simplicity and the comforting, hearty meal it provides with minimal active cooking time, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep with leftovers.
