Crockpot Pot Roast Recipe

The Best Sunday Crockpot Pot Roast Recipe for Family Dinners

Beef melts like butter when slow-cooked in this incredible crockpot pot roast recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chunks of meat swim in rich, savory gravy that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

Weekend meals deserve something special, and this pot roast delivers every single time.

Ranch seasoning and beef broth create magic inside the crockpot, infusing each bite with deep, robust flavors.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for home cooks seeking a delicious, stress-free dinner solution.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it a staple in your meal rotation.

Pot Roast Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Chuck Roast: A tender, flavorful cut of beef perfect for slow cooking and creating a melt-in-your-mouth main dish.
Vegetables:
  • Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Mushrooms: A classic combination of hearty vegetables that absorb the rich flavors of the roast and create a complete one-pot meal.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the meat.
  • Beef Stock: Provides a rich, savory base for the cooking liquid and helps tenderize the roast.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the dish.
  • Minced Garlic: Brings a sharp, aromatic element to the overall taste profile.
  • Onion Powder, Oregano, Thyme: Dried herbs and spices that contribute complexity and traditional pot roast seasoning.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Creates a thickening slurry to transform the cooking liquid into a rich, smooth gravy.

Easy Steps for Slow Cooked Pot Roast

Easy Steps for Slow Cooked Pot Roast

Step 1: Prepare the Roast

Season chuck roast with salt and pepper.

For enhanced flavor, sear the roast in a hot skillet until golden brown on all sides.

This step develops a rich, caramelized exterior that intensifies the meat’s taste.

Step 2: Arrange Vegetable Base

Create a flavorful foundation in the crockpot by adding:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced onions

These vegetables will absorb the roast’s delicious juices during cooking.

Step 3: Create Flavor Liquid

Combine the following ingredients in a bowl:
  • Beef stock
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme

Whisk thoroughly and pour over the roast and vegetables.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set crockpot to low temperature and cook for 7-8 hours (or high for 6-7 hours).

Resist opening the lid frequently to maintain consistent cooking temperature and preserve moisture.

Step 5: Enhance Gravy and Finish

Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing:
  • Cornstarch
  • Water

Pour into crockpot and stir.

Add sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until gravy thickens.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer pot roast to serving platter.

Spoon vegetables and rich gravy around the meat.

Serve hot and savor the tender, flavor-packed dish.

Pot Roast Tips for Tender Results

Pot Roast Tips for Tender Results
  • Brown the chuck roast in a hot skillet before slow cooking to develop rich, caramelized flavors and create a slightly crispy exterior.
  • Scatter vegetables randomly around the roast, allowing them to absorb the meat's delicious juices during cooking for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Use cornstarch slurry in the final 15 minutes of cooking to create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps or extra effort.
  • Cook on low heat for maximum tenderness, allowing the meat to become incredibly soft and easily shredded with a fork.
  • Add sliced mushrooms towards the end of cooking to preserve their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy while absorbing the rich gravy flavors.

How to Store and Warm Up Pot Roast

  • Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Transfer pot roast to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Place pot roast in covered baking dish with splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally to maintain tenderness.

Sides to Serve with Pot Roast

  • Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah perfectly complements the rich, tender meat's deep flavors, cutting through the roast's hearty texture with its bold tannins.
  • Elevate with Hearty Bread Companion: Crusty sourdough or rustic French bread becomes the ideal sidekick, helping soak up the flavorful gravy and providing a delightful textural contrast to the tender roast.
  • Create Zesty Herb Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top adds a bright, fresh note that lifts the entire dish, introducing a light counterpoint to the meal's deep, comforting warmth.
  • Match with Crisp Side Salad: A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser that balances the pot roast's intense, slow-cooked flavors.

Different Ways to Make Pot Roast

  • Vegetarian Pot Roast Alternative: Replace chuck roast with a plant-based roast made from seitan or jackfruit, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap potatoes for low-carb alternatives like cauliflower or turnips, and increase fatty cuts of meat to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free, and verify all seasonings are gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and sage or add fresh thyme and parsley for a more complex, aromatic profile that elevates the traditional recipe.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different cut of meat for this pot roast?

While chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness, you can substitute with bottom round or rump roast. Just remember that leaner cuts might be slightly less tender and require careful monitoring to prevent drying out.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

A standard crockpot or slow cooker is all you need. No fancy gadgets required. If you don’t have a crockpot, you can adapt this recipe for oven cooking at 325°F in a covered Dutch oven.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is mostly gluten-free, but check your Worcestershire sauce label, as some brands contain gluten. Use a gluten-free version if needed. The cornstarch slurry is naturally gluten-free.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season the meat and chop vegetables the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply assemble everything in the crockpot and start cooking.

Why Crockpot Pot Roast Feels Like Home

Why Crockpot Pot Roast Feels Like Home
  • Crockpot magic transforms a tough cut of meat into a tender, mouthwatering feast with minimal hands-on cooking. Toss ingredients in, set the dial, and walk away while deliciousness develops.
  • This classic pot roast delivers ultimate home-style comfort that brings families together. Hearty, rich flavors and perfectly cooked vegetables make everyone happy from kids to grandparents.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or meal prepping. Adaptable recipe works for various dietary preferences and can be easily customized with different herbs or vegetable combinations.
  • Transforms affordable chuck roast into a restaurant-quality meal that stretches your grocery budget. Minimal ingredients and simple technique guarantee a gourmet-tasting dish without breaking the bank.
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Crockpot Pot Roast Recipe

Crockpot Pot Roast Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot pot roast brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to modern dinner tables. Tender beef slowly simmers with savory herbs, creating a mouthwatering meal that welcomes hungry families around the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms) chuck roast

Vegetables:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) potatoes (diced)
  • 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced mushrooms

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Generously coat the chuck roast with salt and pepper. For enhanced flavor, quickly sear the meat in a hot skillet until golden brown, creating a flavorful crust before transferring to the crockpot.
  2. Distribute diced potatoes, carrots, and onions evenly around the roast, allowing vegetables to absorb the meat’s rich cooking juices.
  3. Create a flavor-packed liquid mixture by combining beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Carefully pour this aromatic blend over the roast and vegetables.
  4. Cover and cook on low temperature for 7-8 hours or high temperature for 6-7 hours. Resist opening the lid frequently to maintain consistent heat and cooking environment.
  5. Prepare a thickening agent by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crockpot, then gently add sliced mushrooms. Allow the gravy to thicken for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Once meat is tender and vegetables are perfectly cooked, carefully transfer to a serving platter. Ladle generous amounts of rich gravy over the roast and accompany with the deliciously soft vegetables.

Notes

  • Searing the roast beforehand creates a flavorful crust and enhances the overall taste of the dish, even though it’s optional.
  • Cutting vegetables into uniform sizes ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the meal.
  • Using a cornstarch slurry helps thicken the gravy without creating lumps, giving a smooth and glossy finish to the sauce.
  • Low and slow cooking method breaks down tough meat fibers, resulting in incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth pot roast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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