Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Featured in: Comfort Food

This comforting dish features a beef chuck roast seasoned and seared before slow cooking with aromatic vegetables and savory broth until fork-tender. The rich gravy is enhanced by herbs like thyme and rosemary, while the accompanying mashed potatoes are creamy and buttery, made from Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Garnished with fresh parsley, this meal delivers warm flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite, ideal for a relaxed, hearty dinner.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:13:00 GMT
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast paired with creamy mashed potatoes, a comforting classic.  Pin
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast paired with creamy mashed potatoes, a comforting classic. | garlicgroove.com

A classic, comforting dish featuring tender beef pot roast slow-cooked with vegetables and rich gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes.

This pot roast has been a family favorite for years and always brings everyone to the table with a smile.

Ingredients

  • Beef chuck roast: 3 lbs (1.4 kg)
  • Kosher salt: 1 tbsp
  • Black pepper: 1 tsp
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Onion: 1 large, sliced
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Carrots: 4 large, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Celery stalks: 3, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml), gluten-free if needed
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp, gluten-free if needed
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp
  • Dried rosemary: 1 tsp
  • Bay leaves: 2
  • Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g), peeled and cut into chunks
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
  • Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml), plus more as needed
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Chopped fresh parsley: Optional garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season all sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3 4 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 3:
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery around the roast in the slow cooker.
Step 4:
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour over the roast and vegetables.
Step 5:
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 6:
About 40 minutes before serving, prepare the mashed potatoes 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) Drain well 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 if needed for desired consistency.
Step 7:
Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes Discard bay leaves Shred or slice the beef.
Step 8:
Serve pot roast and vegetables over a bed of mashed potatoes Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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| garlicgroove.com

Our family gathers every Sunday to enjoy this meal, sharing stories and laughter around the table.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger), large skillet, chef's knife and cutting board, large pot, potato masher or ricer, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, milk). Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies (fish). Gluten-free if using gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 520 calories, 23 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 44 g protein.

Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pot Roast garnished with fresh parsley and rich gravy, satisfying delight.  Pin
Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pot Roast garnished with fresh parsley and rich gravy, satisfying delight. | garlicgroove.com

This slow cooker pot roast is perfect for meal prep or a comforting dinner any day of the week.

Recipe Questions

What cut of beef is best for slow cooking?

Beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and connective tissues, which break down, creating tender, flavorful meat.

How do I achieve creamy mashed potatoes?

Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes boiled until tender, then mash with butter and whole milk until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk for consistency.

Can I make the gravy thicker?

Yes, remove some cooking liquid, whisk with cornstarch, and stir back into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10 minutes to thicken the gravy.

Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing the beef develops a rich, caramelized crust, enhancing flavor and sealing in juices before slow cooking.

What herbs complement this beef and vegetable dish?

Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves add aromatic depth and complement the savory profile of the beef and vegetables.

Can red wine be used in place of broth?

Yes, substituting part of the broth with red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon adds richness and complexity to the dish.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Classic slow-cooked beef with vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for an easy, hearty dinner.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
480 min
Complete duration
500 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary requirements No gluten

Components

Pot Roast

01 3 lbs beef chuck roast
02 1 tbsp kosher salt
03 1 tsp black pepper
04 2 tbsp olive oil
05 1 large onion, sliced
06 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
08 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
09 2 cups gluten-free beef broth
10 2 tbsp tomato paste
11 1 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
12 1 tsp dried thyme
13 1 tsp dried rosemary
14 2 bay leaves

Mashed Potatoes

01 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
02 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 ½ cup whole milk
04 1 tsp salt
05 ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish

01 Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 01

Season the Meat: Pat the beef chuck roast dry and evenly season all sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; sear the roast on each side for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 03

Add Vegetables: Arrange sliced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery around the roast inside the slow cooker.

Step 04

Prepare and Add Broth Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour the mixture evenly over the roast and vegetables.

Step 05

Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the beef becomes fork-tender.

Step 06

Cook Potatoes: About 40 minutes before serving, place potato chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until tender.

Step 07

Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes well; return them to the pot. Add unsalted butter and whole milk, then mash until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; add more milk for desired consistency.

Step 08

Rest and Slice Meat: Remove roast from slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves, then shred or slice the beef.

Step 09

Serve: Plate the shredded beef and vegetables over mashed potatoes, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

  • 6-quart or larger slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains dairy: butter and milk.
  • Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies (fish).
  • Can be gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce; verify labels.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 520
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Protein: 44 g