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Best Pot Roast Crock Pot Recipe
There is nothing like opening the front door after a long day and being greeted by the tantalizing aroma of a hearty crock pot chuck roast letting you know dinner is served. And what a dinner it is! This crockpot pot roast recipe is an explosion melt-in-your-mouth succulent beef, tender veggies and creamy gravy – all in one bite and SO incredibly easy. Here is what makes it the best crock pot roast recipe: Flavor! I experimented with this slow cooker pot roast several times. The first time, I kept the ingredients similar to my baked pot roast recipe but discovered crockpot pot roasts require TONS more seasonings or they taste pathetically bland. The potatoes and the carrots release a large quantity of water which dilutes the flavor of the roast. The crockpot also doesn’t reduce liquid like the oven method. In the end, I slathered the chuck roast with a rub of kosher salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder and seared to golden perfection, then created a cooking bath of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard and a bevy of hand-picked seasonings: oregano, thyme, basil, and bay leaf. Now this crockpot pot roast is bursting with delectable flavor in every addicting bite. Thick gravy. This rich, flavorful gravy will have everyone swooning! Many crockpot roast recipes create a sad, thin, watery “gravy” by adding cornstarch to the crockpot, but this will never thicken the beef broth to a lusciously thick, satisfying gravy which I find essential for any pot roast recipe. Instead, this crock pot roast recipe uses the simple 3-ingredient technique of melting butter, whisking in flour followed by incredibly flavorful liquid from the crockpot. It takes less than 5 minutes and the payoff is HUGE. Crockpot does the work. While roast for dinner looks and sounds elegant, it is SO EASY! The crockpot pot roast cooks all day to juicy tender perfection filling your home with the aroma of anticipation so all that’s left to do is sit down to dinner! To make the pot roast, all you have to do is sear the chuck roast, prep the veggies and pour over the delectable blend of broth/seasonings, then go about your day and come home to the best crockpot roast and tender potatoes, carrots drenched in flavor! Crowd pleaser. Although this crock pot roast recipe is wonderfully easy, it looks and sounds elegant, perfect for Sunday dinner, company or holidays. It’s like classy comfort food that wraps everyone in its deeply satisfying, fall-apart tender, melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful hug. Meal-in-one. This slow cooker pot roast is loaded with hearty beef and tender veggies so it’s a complete meal with no additional sides needed – all made in your crockpot! You can skip additional sides all together or serve it with no-fuss sides like a simple green salad and bread which can be whipped up while your chuck roast cooks on. Less Expensive. This crock pot roast recipe is more expensive than chicken, but far less expensive than dining out. You can feed the whole family for dinner and enjoy tantalizing leftovers! Make Ahead. This slow cooker pot roast recipe can be started in the morning and then welcome your bellies at night OR it can be made in advance and reheated because it tastes even better the next day! Freezer friendly. You can freeze easy crock pot roast and let it come to the rescue on those busy nights or whenever you’re craving comforting pot roast!
What is a Pot Roast?
Now for all the crock pot roast recipe details. You can read on or use the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page. Pot roast is a braised beef dish made with a large, tough cut of beef such as chuck roast, chuck steak, shoulder steak, chuck shoulder pot roast, chuck seven-bone pot roast, beef chuck arm, rump roast or bottom round. These less expensive cuts of beef are seared, then slow cooked in a Dutch oven, covered baking dish or slow cooker with liquid, often beef broth and wine along with herbs and vegetables. Cooking these cuts low and slow breaks the down the collagen which turns into gelatin tenderizing the meat so it’s fall apart tender and bursting with rich flavor. The beef further releases its juices into the broth, which combines with flour to create deeply flavorful gravy.
Crock Pot Roast ingredients
The BEST slow cooker pot roast recipe starts with simple ingredients in perfect proportions. You will need:
Chuck roast: use boneless chuck roast with rich marbling trimmed of excess fat. Try and choose a cut of beef that is wider and shorter verses long and skinny so it comfortably fits the shape of your slow cooker. Oil: use a high smoking point oil such as vegetable oil to sear the roast and not olive oil. Beef Broth: use low sodium beef broth so we can control the salt level and add salty beef bouillon for more concentrated beef flavor. Worcestershire sauce: adds a depth of complex savory, slightly tangy flavor. Soy sauce: is my secret weapon, I even add it to my marinara sauce! It adds additional salty, savory flavor and helps tenderize the beef. Use reduced sodium or the chuck roast beef will be too salty. Dijon mustard: adds a slight tanginess to awaken the earthy flavors. Dried minced onions: are dried onions that deliver a concentrated flavor – and save you chopping! They are located next to the other spices at the grocery store. Beef bouillon: adds a depth of concentrated beefy flavor. You may also use an equal amount of better than bouillon. Seasonings: we make our own Italian seasoning blend with dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, table salt and pepper. Garlic: a combination of fresh garlic and garlic powder delivers optimal flavor in every bite.
What is the best cut of meat for Slow Cooker Pot Roast
If you’ve ever wondered why your crockpot pot roast isn’t emerging buttery tender, it is likely you aren’t using the best cut of beef. There are many different cuts that can be used for crockpot roast from bottom round, to rump roast, to shoulder roast to chuck roast, but for the best crockpot pot roast, use the boneless chuck roast. Boneless Chuck roast has a melt-in-your mouth texture and succulent, beefy flavor due to its rich marbling and is considered the Mercedes of roasts. The marbling creates a self-basting effect as it breaks down and drips over the meat, resulting in tender beef every time! A few notes about the crockpot chuck roast:
This recipe calls for 3-5 pounds of chuck roast because the seasonings and liquid are very forgiving – so don’t worry too much about the weight. Use boneless beef chuck roast that is thick cut and not rolled and tied with a string. If you use a larger chuck roast, you may need to cut it into two portions to fit into your slow cooker. If so, take care you sear all sides of each portion. I purchase my chuck roast at Costco, use one roast for this slow cooker pot roast recipe and freeze the other. That way you get to enjoy pot roast NOW and have it stocked and ready for the future for an other roast OR Some of my other favorite beef chuck recipes such as Mississippi Pot Roast, Beef Barbacoa, French Dip Sandwiches, Italian Beef Sandwiches, Beef Tips and Gravy, and Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
What type of carrots for this Pot Roast Slow Cooker recipe?
My favorite type of carrots for this slow cooker pot roast recipe are medium, thicker carrots. You want to choose thicker carrots so they cook up tender but not mushy. Try and choose carrots that are relatively the same size so they cook evenly.
CAN I USE BABY CARROTS?
Baby-cut carrots that come in the bag would be my last choice for this crockpot pot roast recipe. I don’t think they have nearly as much flavor when cooked or as an appealing texture. But if they’re your thing, go for it, just make sure you use thick baby carrots and not thin ones.
Can I Add Wine?
You may add ½ cup red wine to this slow cooker pot roast recipe along with the beef broth – but I don’t think it needs it! No need to reduce the beef broth or other liquid.
Crock Pot Roast variations
Add potatoes: use Yukon Gold potatoes(NOT Russets!), quartered (about 1 1/2-2 inch wedges). Add them on top of the carrots the last 2 ½ hours of baking. Add other vegetables: swap out the carrots for other hearty vegetables such parsnips, turnips, celery, or butternut squash,, or a combination of vegetables. Seasonings: get creative with the seasonings and swap them for Italian, Cajun, Chinese inspired with soy sauce, ginger and Chinese 5 spice, Japanese inspired with soy sauce, mirin, star anise, Mexican inspired with chili powder, ground cumin and smoked paprika or Caribbean inspired with dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, unsweetened cocoa powder and ground cinnamon. Flavorings: feel free to add other flavorings to the braising beef broth such as Dijon mustard, soy sauce, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, pepperoncini juice, beer, red wine, diced tomatoes, or pepperoncini.
How to make Pot Roast in a Crock Pot
Step 1: Season roast
Trim roast of excess fat then pat it dry with paper towels so the seasonings will stick to it. Finally, sprinkle roast evenly all over with kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper and rub into roast. Time permitting, allow the roast to rest for 60 minutes to let the salt tenderize the meat.
How to season Crock Pot Pot Roast
The seasonings in this crock pot chuck roast recipe are one of the key factors that elevate it to a league of its own and make it so utterly divine. As I previously mentioned, it is important to generously season a crock pot roast or it will taste incredibly bland due to all of the extra liquid from the potatoes and carrots which dilute all of the seasonings. Both the roast needs to seasoned and the crockpot liquid. The chuck roast is seasoned with kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder and garlic cloves sandwiched in the crevices of the meat. The large grains of kosher salt distribute easily and cling well to the meat’s surfaces as opposed to table salt. If you only have table salt, you will want to use half of the amount or your crockpot roast will be too salty. The onion powder and garlic powder infuse the roast with aromatic flavor on the outside which is complimented by garlic cloves placed into the crevices of the meat which season the roast from the inside out. The liquid in the crockpot isn’t just beef broth, but is seasoned with layers of flavor from soy sauce which grounds the sauce and adds a savory, salty depth that enhances the other flavors but doesn’t taste like “soy sauce,” and Worcestershire sauce and Dijon for a subtle awakening tang. I then use beef bouillon and dried minced onion for a DIY Lipton onion soup along with earthy dried oregano, dried basil and dried thyme, salt and pepper. The resulting crockpot pot roast is wonderfully flavorful, well rounded and restaurant delicious.
STEP 2: Prep vegetables
While the roast is resting, prep your vegetables by washing and drying your potatoes and slicing any large potatoes in half. Peel your carrots, trim off the ends and chop them into thirds. Transfer vegetables to the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker.
STEP 3: SEAR ROAST
Sear the roast on all sides to develop flavor and to seal in the juices. I recommend a cast iron skillet because it gets piping hot and cooks more evenly. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use a quality nonstick pan (if it’s not quality, the high heat can ruin the seal). Make sure you use vegetable oil because we need an oil with a high smoking point – don’t substitute olive oil. Make sure you brown the chuck roast on all sides until deeply golden. You can use tongs or two forks to rotate your roast.
STEP 4: Transfer roast to slow cooker
Transfer chuck roast to slow cooker on top of the vegetables. Add whole garlic cloves into the crevices of the roast (usually where there is a seam of fat) on both the top and the bottom.
STEP 5: add beef broth mixture
In a mediums bowl, or I like to use a large measuring cup because it has a handy pouring spout, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and all seasonings; evenly pour over the roast and vegetables.
STEP 6: Cook
Cook on low for 8-10 hours (recommended) or on high for 4-6 hours OR until roast is super tender and easily sheds with a fork.
STEP 7: SHRED AND SOAK
Once tender, shred chuck roast into small pieces and continue to cook on low for 20-30 minutes for the roast to absorb juices. You can also let the beef soak longer at this point if needed for meal planning purposes. You can shred the roast directly in the crockpot or I prefer to remove the beef to a cutting board because it is easier to discard the excess fat. The now shredded beef is thin enough to soak up even more flavor in every nook and cranny. This is when the magic really happens and your beef emerges buttery tender and exploding with flavor.
how long to cook roast in crock pot?
Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. I suggest checking your beef on the earlier end of the cooking spectrum but don’t be alarmed if it takes another two hours. There are many factors when it comes to cooking times – the size and thickness of the beef, the shape/size of your crockpot and your actual slow cooker (they all cook differently!). If your beef is not tender, then cook on, it just needs more time. Even 30 minutes can make the difference between okay crockpot chuck roast and melt-in-your-mouth crockpot chuck roast.
HOW TO MAKE GRAVY FOR SLOW COOKER POT ROAST
Every crockpot pot roast needs luscious, rich gravy and this gravy is especially fantastic because the braising juices from the slow cooker we use are so flavorful. To make our easy gravy, we first want to skim off the fat because nothing kills a roast like fatty gravy that separates as you pour and eat. The easiest way to do this is by pouring the slow cooker liquid into a fat separator with a spout. If you don’t have a fat separator, no fear, you can still separate the fat with a freezer bag! To separate fat with a freezer bag:
Add the slow cooker liquid to the freezer bag. Allow the fat to separate to the top. Seal the bag and hold over a 2+ cup measuring cup so that one bottom corner tip is facing down into the measuring cup like a spout. Make a small cut in this corner with scissors. The bottom liquid will flow through the cut into the bag without the fat and into the large measuring cup. Stop when you reach 2 cups or the fat. Eazy peazy!
Now that we have removed the fat from our juices, it’s time to make our gravy:
Helpful tips for the best Pot Roast in Crock Pot
Here’s a recap of some tips and tricks for flawless, fall apart flavorful slow cooker pot roast:
You can use a 3-5 pound chuck roast because there is enough juices/seasoning to accommodate up to 5 pounds. Use boneless beef chuck roast that is thick cut and not rolled and tied with a string. If you use a larger chuck roast, you may need to cut into two portions to fit into your slow cooker. If so, take care you sear all sides of each portion. We are going to add whole, peeled garlic cloves into the crevices of the roast (usually where there is a seam of fat). You don’t have to worry about the roast being too garlicky as leaving the cloves whole allows them to release just the right amount of flavor both into the roast and the juices which makes a fabulous gravy. Don’t skip searing the roast for maximum flavor and juiciness. Use low sodium beef broth and soy sauce, otherwise your pot roast will taste too salty. Don’t be tempted to add more broth/liquid than the recipe calls for. You will be amazed at the amount of liquid released from the vegetables. You can swap the potatoes and carrots for other root veggies such as parsnips, turnips, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes. Don’t use Russet potatoes or they will fall apart and turn mealy. Cook on LOW for the most succulent slow cooker pot roast. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gravy will thicken upon standing and when refrigerated so whisk in some water before reheating.
How to store Crock Pot Roast
Once your slow cooker pot roast has cooled to room temperature, you can remove the pot from the slow cooker and put the whole insert (lid on) in the refrigerator. This works best if you are planning on cooking in advance and reheating in its entirety. If storing leftovers, transfer pot roast to an airtight container with some of the crockpot juices to keep the meat moist and transfer to the refrigerator. Refrigerate the gravy in a separate airtight container.
How long does Crock Pot Pot Roast last in the refrigerator?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, cooked chuck roast will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can even eat it straight from the fridge!
How to reheat Crock Pot Pot Roast
Easy crock pot roast reheats beautifully! Just be aware that the gravy will thicken significantly in the refrigerator, but will thin as it is reheated.
Microwave: For smaller batches or individual servings, transfer pot roast and some gravy to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Microwave for 2 minutes, stir, then continue to microwave for 30-second intervals, if needed. Stove: Alternatively, you can reheat large batches on the stove over medium low heat, stirring occasionally until the beef is heated through. You can add gravy directly to the chuck roast, or heat it separately on the stove over medium-low heat. Crockpot: If you have stored your pot roast in the slow cooker, then place the ceramic insert back into your crockpot and heat on low for 1-2 hours.
CAN I FREEZE SLOW COOKER pot roast?
You can freeze cooked pot roast without the carrots and potatoes, as these vegetables will become mushy when frozen. To freeze slow cooker pot roast:
Let shredded pot roast cool completely. Transfer beef to an air-tight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag along with some of the juices (to keep it juicy). You can also portion into many smaller container/bags. Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw pot roast in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the slow cooker, microwave or stove.
The gravy also freezes well. You can either freeze it with the shredded beef instead of the cooking liquid or freeze it separately in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
Prep ahead Slow Cooker Pot Roast
If you would like to prepare your crockpot chuck roast ahead of time, you can add the vegetables to the crockpot, season and sear the roast, and add all of the remaining ingredients to the crockpot. Transfer the ceramic slow cooker insert to the refrigerator until ready to cook (up to 24 hours.) When ready to cook, cook according to recipe directions, adding an additional hour to account forth the chill factor.
Make ahead Pot Roast (Slow Cooker)
You can make this slow cooker pot roast in its entirety, up to shredding the beef, then refrigerate it. The next day simply reheat it, shred, and make the gravy.
Cook crockpot pot roast until tender but don’t shred. Remove ceramic insert from slow cooker and let cool to room temperature (for food safety and because it can crack if placed directly in the refrigerator). Refrigerate the beef in the juices up to 24 hours. When ready to heat, skim off the hardened fat if desired. Cook on LOW in the slow cooker for 1-2 hours until warmed through. Shred beef and let soak for 30 minutes. Prepare gravy per recipe instructions.
How to serve Crock Pot Roast
This crock pot chuck roast recipe can be served straight out of the slow cooker with just a simple green salad and some fruit but if you are looking for additional sides, we love it with:
Breads: go as simple as store bought French bread or amp it up with homemade Garlic Bread, Cheesy Pull Apart Pesto Bread, Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks, Award Winning Sweet Moist Cornbread or Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls. Green Salad: my Cucumber Tomato Salad with Italian Dressing is crisp and refreshing as well as my Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Ranch or sweeter Strawberry Avocado Broccoli Salad or Strawberry Spinach Salad. During the winter months, both my Apple Salad with Apple Poppy Seed Vinaigrette and Fall Salad with Pomegranate Dressing are spectacular. Fruit: sweet, refreshing fruit pairs beautifully with the robust, crockpot pot roast. Creamy Grape Salad, Berry Salad in Mascarpone, Cranberry Pomegranate Ambrosia Salad, Perfect Fruit Salad or Winter Fruit Salad are all winners. Pasta Salads: are always a fabulous, refreshing addition and I love that they are also prepped ahead of time. Some of my favorites to serve with this crock pot chuck roast recipe include: Italian Pasta Salad with Tortellini, Creamy Bacon Pea Pasta Salad with Lemon Chive Dressing. Salad and Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad. Comfort food: Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese, Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon, Slow Cooker Creamed Corn for the win!
How to use leftover Slow Cooker Pot Roast
This easy crockpot pot roast is a chameleon when it comes to leftovers. Here are just a few ideas, but don’t let these limit your imagination!
Roast Beef Melts: Butter the outsides of two slices of sturdy bread. Spread mayonnaise and some steak sauce or barbecue sauce on the inside of the bread. Top one side of the bread with shredded pot roast, followed by provolone. Melt some butter in a nonstick skillet and grill the sandwich on both sides until the cheese is melty and the bread is crispy. Italian Beef Sandwiches: the beef won’t have the same tanginess as traditional Italian Beef Sandwiches but you can still load them with all of the fixings. Split hoagie buns and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast them at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Top bottom side of buns with pot roast, followed by desired toppings (pepperoncini, roasted bell peppers, giardiniera etc.), followed by provolone cheese. Return baking tray to the oven (leaving both top and bottoms cut side up) and bake at 400 degrees F for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is completely melted. Serve immediately. Shepherd’s Pie: replace the ground beef in this recipe with shredded crockpot roast. Stir into the gravy after it is thickened. Beef Stroganoff: prepare Beef Stroganoff on the stove and don’t transfer gravy to slow cooker. Stir in crockpot pot roast into the finished gravy, adding additional broth or water to thin if needed. Fajitas: heat one tablespoon olive oil to a large cast iron skillet and heat over medium high heat. Once very hot, add 3 sliced bell peppers (any color), ½ thinly sliced red onion, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 tsp EACH ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder -optional for heat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in ½ tablespoon lime juice. Assemble fajitas by layering tortillas with cheese (optional), warmed pot roast, bell peppers and desired toppings. Soup: replace the protein in any of your favorite soup recipes with shredded pot roast. It would be delicious in: BBQ “Chicken Chili, Caldo de “Pollo,” “Chicken” Corn Chowder, Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup, Crockpot Chili, Italian Vegetable Soup, Loaded Zuppa Toscana, Philly Cheesesteak Soup. Pasta: replace the protein in any of your favorite pasta recipes with shredded pot roast. It would be tasty in: Bolognese Sauce, Buffalo Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Tortellini Al Forno, Italian “Chicken” Orzo Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine, Mushroom Orzo in Asiago Cream Sauce, Rigatoni in Tomato Cream Sauce. Nachos: Top your favorite cheesy chips with shredded pot roast and all the toppings – pepperoncini, Giardiniera, sour cream, green onions, jalapenos, etc. Mexican Favorites: crockpot pot roast is fabulous in all your favorite Mexican foods as is, or spiced up with some enchilada sauce or salsa verde. Try it in enchiladas, burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, etc. Baked Potatoes: pile beef on baked potatoes with cheese, sour cream, green onions and bacon or twice baked potatoes.
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