A Holiday Recipe! Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a classic slow cooker pot roast. This hearty dish features tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, flavorful gravy—all made with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this pot roast is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious pot roast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pot Roast:

• 3-4 lbs (1.3-1.8 kg) chuck roast
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3-4 potatoes, quartered (use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best results)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp dried rosemary

For the Gravy (Optional):

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Season the roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
3. While the roast sears, prepare the vegetables by chopping the onion, carrots, and potatoes into manageable pieces.

Assembling in the Slow Cooker

1. Place the onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
2. Add the seared roast on top of the onions.
3. Surround the roast with the carrots and potatoes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the roast and vegetables.

Cooking the Pot Roast

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on:
   • Low for 8-10 hours, or
   • High for 4-6 hours.
     Cooking low and slow ensures the meat becomes fall-apart tender.
2. Check the roast after the cooking time. It should shred easily with a fork.

Making the Gravy (Optional)

1. Once the roast is done, strain 2 cups of the cooking liquid into a saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering liquid until thickened.
4. Serve the gravy alongside the roast for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This classic slow cooker pot roast is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving ideas to enhance it:

• Pair with buttery dinner rolls for sopping up the gravy.
• Serve alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
• Add a side of steamed green beans or peas for extra vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Pot Roast

• Choose the right cut of meat: Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling, which ensures a tender, juicy result.
• Don’t skip the searing: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Customize the vegetables: Add parsnips, celery, or mushrooms for variety.
• Use wine wisely: Red wine enhances the dish but can be replaced with extra beef broth if you prefer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to relax.
• Rich and comforting: A deeply satisfying meal, perfect for cozy evenings.
• Make-ahead friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this dish great for meal prep.

This classic slow cooker pot roast is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and effortless preparation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish will always deliver. Try it today and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal!

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: Smokin' & Grillin with AB

Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your Cooking Board on Pinterest!