Description
A pot roast is more than just meat and potatoes. It’s a symphony of flavors that develop over time, and this particular recipe harnesses the power of the slow cooker to create a truly exceptional dish. The key lies in a few simple but crucial steps that elevate it from good to great. First and foremost, we don’t skip the searing step. Searing the chuck roast before it goes into the slow cooker creates a beautiful, caramelized crust. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, locks in flavor and adds a depth that you just can’t get otherwise. It’s a simple technique that makes a world of difference.
Ingredients
- Chuck Roast – 3 to 5 pounds
- Salt & Pepper – to taste
- Vegetable Oil – 2 tablespoons (for searing)
- Carrots – 1 pound, peeled and cut
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – 2 pounds, halved
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Beef Broth – 2 cups
- Dried Thyme – 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (for thickening)
- Cold Water – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Parsley – optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Season & Sear Pat the roast dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast for 4–5 minutes per side until browned.
- Layer in Slow Cooker Place carrots, potatoes, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the seared roast on top.
- Add Liquids Pour in the beef broth. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours, until the meat is tender.
- Thicken Sauce In the last hour, mix cornstarch and cold water. Stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Alternatively, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer with the slurry until thickened.
- Serve & Garnish Slice or shred the roast, spoon vegetables alongside, and drizzle with gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
This slow cooker pot roast is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich gravy. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: easy pot roast recipe, slow cooker pot roast