Best Ever Pot Roast Crock Pot

The Best Ever Pot Roast Crock Pot recipe came into my life during one of those chaotic weekdays when I needed a warm dinner but didn’t have the time to stand in the kitchen. I tossed everything into the slow cooker in the morning before rushing out the door and when I came back home the aroma that greeted me was unbelievable. The meat was so tender it shredded with a fork and the vegetables were perfectly soft and flavorful.

Because this crock pot version is so hands-off and still packed with rich slow-cooked flavor I’ve made it part of my regular rotation especially during colder months. The beef cooks low and slow with potatoes carrots and a savory gravy that thickens naturally in the pot. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table and somehow there are never leftovers.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chuck roast – The ideal cut for a pot roast thanks to its marbling and tenderness.
• Olive oil – Used for a quick sear to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
• Garlic – Delivers a rich aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Carrots – Provide color and a natural sweetness as they cook.
• Baby potatoes – Soak up all the juices and round out the dish.
• Beef broth – Creates the savory braising liquid.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep umami richness.
• Tomato paste – Helps to build a flavorful and slightly thickened gravy.
• Balsamic vinegar – Cuts through the richness with a hint of tanginess.
• Flour – Lightly coats the roast for extra flavor and natural thickening.
• Salt and pepper – For perfectly balanced seasoning.
• Dried thyme – Gives earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef.
• Bay leaf – Adds subtle herbal notes during the slow cooking process.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet – I use it to sear the roast before transferring it to the crock pot.
• Slow cooker (crock pot) – The star of the show that slow-cooks everything to perfection.
• Tongs – Helpful for turning and moving the roast safely.
• Wooden spoon – Great for mixing and scraping up flavorful browned bits.
• Chef’s knife – Makes prepping veggies quick and easy.
• Cutting board – Essential for chopping your ingredients safely and cleanly.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by seasoning the chuck roast with salt pepper and a light dusting of flour to help with browning and thickening later.

Step 2:

In a hot skillet I sear the roast in olive oil on all sides until it forms a golden brown crust then transfer it to the crock pot.

Step 3:

In the same pan I sauté the onions and garlic until softened then stir in tomato paste and balsamic vinegar cooking it down for about 2 minutes.

Step 4:

I add in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen all those flavorful bits.

Step 5:

Next I pour the mixture over the roast in the crock pot then add the carrots potatoes thyme and bay leaf.

Step 6:

I cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 7:

Once done I remove the roast and shred or slice it then return it to the crock pot to soak up that rich flavorful gravy.

Tips

For best flavor don’t skip searing the roast it really builds depth into the final dish.

I use baby potatoes because they hold up well and don’t get mushy.

To thicken the gravy more I sometimes remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This dish freezes beautifully so I often make a double batch and freeze half for later.

Ways to Serve

I love serving this over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.

It pairs perfectly with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

For a lighter option I sometimes serve it with a side salad or steamed green beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip searing the roast for the Best Ever Pot Roast Crock Pot?

You can but searing adds a deeper richer flavor to the finished dish.

How do I store leftovers of the Best Ever Pot Roast Crock Pot?

I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I add other vegetables to the Best Ever Pot Roast Crock Pot?

Absolutely! Mushrooms celery and parsnips all work great in this dish.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Best Ever Pot Roast Crock Pot recipe soon it’s one of those meals that takes almost no effort but gives you all the cozy comfort you’re craving. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a stress-free dinner it never fails to impress. Don’t forget to save it and let me know how yours turns out.

Happy Cooking!

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