Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it comfort food: beef chuck braised low and slow with carrots, potatoes, and onions until it falls apart, all in a rich savory gravy. Come home to a dinner that tastes like it took all day — because it did.

Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

8 hrs

Total time

8 hrs 20 mins

Servings

6 servings

Calories

640

Ingredients

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, halved
• 4 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Instructions

1. Pat the chuck roast dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in the flour, shaking off the excess.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
3. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker. Scatter the onion, garlic, potatoes, and carrots around it.
4. Whisk the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl and pour over the meat. Add the thyme.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 1/2 hours), until the meat shreds easily with a fork.
6. Transfer the roast and vegetables to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm.
7. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid. For a thicker gravy, simmer the liquid in a saucepan for 10 minutes until reduced.
8. Shred or slice the roast, spoon the vegetables alongside, and ladle the rich gravy over everything.

Pro tips

• Cooking on LOW gives more tender results than HIGH — save the high setting for when you are short on time.
• Do not lift the lid during cooking; each peek can add 15 to 20 minutes to the cook time.
• Cut the carrots and potatoes in large chunks so they do not turn to mush over 8 hours.
• The gravy thickens beautifully on its own as it reduces — taste and re-season at the end.

Frequently asked questions