Print

Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Root Vegetables

slow cooker pot roast - featured image

A cozy, easy slow cooker pot roast recipe featuring tender beef chuck roast and root vegetables simmered to perfection for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds beef chuck roast, well-trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), cut into halves or quarters
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • Optional: 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and onion into roughly equal-sized pieces for even cooking. Set aside.
  2. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Generously season all sides with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of dried thyme and rosemary.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the roast in the pan and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
  4. Place the chopped root vegetables and onion in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
  5. Set the seared roast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
  6. Sprinkle minced garlic over the roast and veggies. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce evenly over everything.
  7. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  8. Remove the roast and veggies carefully to a serving platter. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
  9. Optional: Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and thicken with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water). Stir until glossy and thickened, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.

Notes

Searing the meat before slow cooking adds deep flavor and a richer color. Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add brightness; dried herbs should be added early in cooking. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check broth labels. Optional gravy can be made by thickening cooking liquid with cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pot roast, beef chuck roast, root vegetables, cozy dinner, easy pot roast, slow cooker recipe, comfort food