A heartwarming classic, this slow cooker pot roast is the perfect comfort food for chilly days or family dinners. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
3 to 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large pieces
1 large yellow onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Optional: 1/2 cup red wine
Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Optional: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Pat the chuck roast dry and season it with salt and pepper.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Place the carrots, potatoes, and onions in the bottom of a slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, garlic, red wine (if using), and balsamic vinegar (if using).
Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
Place the seared roast on top and add the bay leaves.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
For a thicker gravy, remove the roast and vegetables, then transfer the liquid to a saucepan. Whisk in a slurry of flour and water, bring to a boil, and simmer until thickened.
Serve roast with vegetables and drizzle with the thickened gravy if desired.
Searing the meat is optional but adds extra flavor.
Use large vegetable chunks to prevent them from getting mushy.
Substitute cornstarch for flour to make it gluten-free.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.