Slow-Cooker Pot Roast Recipe

Introduction

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. With tender beef and rich gravy, it’s simple to prepare and lets the slow cooker do most of the work. You’ll love the savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon beef base
• 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the warm water and beef base until combined. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the beef chuck roast with pepper and place it into the slow cooker over the vegetables. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce evenly over the roast.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.
4. Step 4: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and set it on a serving platter. Tent with foil to keep warm.
5. Step 5: Strain the cooking juices, reserving the vegetables. Skim off any fat from the juices.
6. Step 6: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and salt until smooth, then gradually whisk in the cooking juices.
7. Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in the cooked vegetables, then pour the gravy over the roast before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sear the roast in a hot skillet for 1 minute on each side before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Add quartered potatoes, carrots, or celery to the slow cooker for a more complete meal—cut them large to prevent overcooking.
• Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy for added aroma and taste.
• When layering ingredients, place the meat closest to the heat source, then add vegetables on top for even cooking.
• Cooking on low heat develops deeper flavor and tenderizes the meat better than cooking on high.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The gravy may thicken after cooling; add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for slow-cooker pot roast?

Chuck roast, brisket, or round are ideal because their connective tissue breaks down slowly during cooking, making the meat tender and flavorful.

Can I cook the pot roast on high instead of low?

Yes, cooking on high can work if you’re short on time, but slow cooking on low heat for 6 to 8 hours yields more tender meat and richer flavor.

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

This Slow-Cooker Pot Roast is a comforting, tender beef dish cooked low and slow with mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Richly flavored with beef base and Worcestershire sauce, the roast is cooked to perfection in a slow cooker and finished with a luscious homemade gravy made from the cooking juices, butter, and flour. Ideal for a hearty family meal, this recipe yields melt-in-your-mouth meat with a savory vegetable accompaniment.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Roast and Vegetables

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon beef base
• 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Gravy

• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Whisk the base: In a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker, combine warm water and beef base by whisking until the base is dissolved. Add sliced mushrooms, coarsely chopped onion, and minced garlic to the mixture.
2. Prepare the roast: Lightly sprinkle the beef chuck roast on all sides with pepper. Place the roast directly into the slow cooker over the vegetable mixture. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce evenly over the top of the meat for added flavor.
3. Slow cook the roast: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
4. Remove and tent the meat: Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter. Tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
5. Strain and prepare vegetables: Strain the cooking juices from the slow cooker into a bowl, reserving the cooked vegetables. Skim off any fat from the surface of the juices.
6. Make the gravy: In a large saucepan, melt the cubed butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt, mixing until smooth to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the strained cooking juices, stirring constantly until completely incorporated.
7. Thicken the gravy: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the gravy thickens.
8. Combine and serve: Stir the cooked vegetables back into the gravy. Pour the finished gravy and vegetables over the roast on the serving platter. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For best results, place the meat at the bottom of the slow cooker since it requires longer cooking time.
• Cooking on low for 6-8 hours develops deeper flavors and tenderizes the meat better than cooking on high.
• Use chuck, brisket, or round roast cuts as they are ideal for slow cooking and become tender but not mushy.
• Optional: Sear the roast in a hot skillet with oil for about one minute per side before slow cooking to enhance flavor.
• Adding hearty vegetables like russet potatoes, carrots, or celery cut into large chunks can make the meal more complete without overcooking the veggies.
• Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil can be added to the gravy for extra aroma and flavor.

Keywords: slow cooker pot roast, beef chuck roast, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, easy pot roast, slow cooked beef, homemade gravy, mushroom pot roast