Save A classic, comforting dish featuring tender beef pot roast slow-cooked with vegetables and rich gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
I've made this slow cooker pot roast for family dinners on countless occasions and it never fails to impress. It brings back warm memories of cozy Sunday evenings, filling the house with incredible aromas while I tend to other things.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: 3 lbs (1.4 kg), offers tender, succulent results after slow-cooking
- Kosher salt: 1 tbsp, enhances flavor
- Black pepper: 1 tsp, freshly ground
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for searing beef
- Onion: 1 large, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 4 large, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Celery: 3 stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml), gluten-free if needed
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp, adds depth to the gravy
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp, gluten-free if needed
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp, earthy flavor
- Dried rosemary: 1 tsp, herbal note
- Bay leaves: 2, for subtle aroma
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g), peeled and cut into chunks
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp, for creamy mashed potatoes
- Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml), plus more as needed
- Salt: 1 tsp, for boiling potatoes
- Black pepper: ½ tsp, for seasoning potatoes
- Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season and Sear Beef:
- Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season all sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery around the roast in the slow cooker.
- Mix and Add Broth:
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour over the roast and vegetables.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Prep Mashed Potatoes:
- About 40 minutes before serving, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are very tender (15–20 minutes).
- Mash and Season Potatoes:
- Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add butter and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more milk for desired consistency.
- Finish Roast:
- Remove roast from the slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Shred or slice the beef.
- Serve:
- Serve pot roast and vegetables over the mashed potatoes. Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with parsley if desired.
Save Every time I made this pot roast, my family gathered around the table for seconds and lively conversation. It's one of our favorite dishes for making memories together.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pot roast pairs well with a green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. Leftovers make delicious sandwiches or can be reheated for a fuss-free weeknight meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the roast the night before and store ingredients in the slow cooker insert in the fridge. Cook as directed the next day. Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Allergen Info
Per serving: 520 calories, 23 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 44 g protein. Contains dairy (butter, milk) and possibly fish (Worcestershire sauce). Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Save Enjoy this classic pot roast as a comforting centerpiece anytime you crave a warm, hearty meal. It's a dish worth making again and again.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I ensure the beef remains tender after slow cooking?
Searing the beef before slow cooking seals in juices, and cooking it low and slow allows the connective tissues to break down, making the meat tender and flavorful.
- → Can I substitute other vegetables in this dish?
Yes, vegetables like parsnips or turnips work well alongside carrots and celery, adding variety to the flavor and texture.
- → What type of potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes offer a naturally buttery texture, but Russet potatoes can also create smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes when properly cooked and mashed.
- → How can I thicken the gravy if desired?
Remove some cooking liquid, whisk in cornstarch, then stir it back and cook on high for 10 minutes to achieve a thicker gravy consistency.
- → Is it possible to add wine to enhance flavors?
Yes, substituting half a cup of the broth with red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, adds rich and complex flavors to the dish.