Description
This Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe delivers a tender, flavorful beef chuck roast cooked low and slow with potatoes, carrots, and onions. Enhanced with garlic, thyme, and a savory broth, this hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a family dinner. The optional homemade gravy thickens up beautifully to complement the rich flavors of the meat and vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 ½- to 3-lb beef chuck roast
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into ½-inch thick slices
- 1 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6-7 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 ounces baby yellow potatoes (cut any larger ones in half)
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces (can use baby carrots)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (may use chicken broth)
Optional for Gravy
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Sear the Roast: In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Once hot, place the beef chuck roast in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned to lock in flavors.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Arrange the sliced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared roast on top of the onions to form the base for cooking.
- Season the Roast: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and minced garlic evenly over the top and sides of the roast, rubbing the seasoning into the meat for full infusion.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Place the baby yellow potatoes and carrot pieces around the outside of the roast in the slow cooker. Pour the low-sodium beef broth over the vegetables and meat as the cooking liquid.
- Slow Cook: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6-7 hours until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the roast from the slow cooker onto a large platter or cutting board. Use two forks to shred or pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces. Serve with the cooked onions, potatoes, and carrots.
- Make Optional Gravy: Transfer about 1 ½ cups of liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth to make a slurry.
- Thicken the Gravy: Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering liquid in the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer, whisking continuously for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Season and Serve Gravy: Remove the saucepan from heat, season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it warm over the shredded beef and vegetables for extra flavor and moisture.
Notes
- For best results, sear the roast before slow cooking to enhance flavor.
- You can substitute chicken broth for beef broth if desired.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Using a leaner cut of beef may require less cooking time or additional broth to prevent drying.
- To save time, prepare the cornstarch slurry while the meat is cooking and make the gravy just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American