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Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast


🍖 Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes

This classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal. Made with tender chuck roast, hearty vegetables, and a savory gravy, it’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner for busy weekdays or cozy Sundays.


🛒 Ingredients

🥩 For the Roast

  • 4–5 lb chuck roast

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

🥕 Vegetables

  • 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

🥣 For the Gravy

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 tbsp cold water

🌿 Optional Garnish

  • Minced parsley


👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season the Roast

  • Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels.

  • Season all sides with salt, pepper, and thyme. (Tip: You can omit or reduce salt if you're watching sodium.)


2. Sear the Meat

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet (or directly in your slow cooker insert if it allows browning) over medium-high heat.

  • When the oil is shimmering, add the roast and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until deeply browned. This builds flavor.


3. Layer the Slow Cooker

  • Add carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker.

  • Place the browned roast on top of the vegetables.

  • Pour in the beef broth.


4. Cook

  • Cover and cook:

    • On LOW for 8 hours

    • Or on HIGH for 5 hours


5. Thicken the Gravy

During the last hour of cooking:

  • Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry.

  • Stir into the slow cooker and cook for the remaining hour to let the sauce thicken.

Alternative method:

  • Remove meat and vegetables once done.

  • Pour cooking liquid into a saucepan.

  • Stir in the slurry and simmer over high heat for 2–3 minutes, until thickened.


6. Serve

  • Slice or shred the roast.

  • Spoon the thickened gravy over the meat and vegetables.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.


📌 Recipe Tips

  • Don't skip the sear: It adds a deep, rich flavor that slow cooking alone won’t replicate.

  • Broth note: Use low-sodium broth if you're sensitive to salt or want to control the saltiness.

  • Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.


🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve your pot roast with:

  • Warm dinner rolls

  • A crisp green salad

  • Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans


🧊 Storage & Leftovers

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

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