A slow cooker pot roast is a classic, easy-to-make meal where a beef chuck roast is cooked slowly with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions in a flavorful broth or sauce until tender. The beef becomes meltingly tender and infused with rich flavors, and the vegetables are soft and savory. Typical cooking times are 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high in a slow cooker.

Basic Method

• Season and optionally sear the chuck roast for more flavor.
• Place the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker.
• Add beef broth, wine, or a mix of seasonings and liquids.
• Cook low and slow until the beef is tender and easily shreddable.
• Optionally, thicken the cooking liquid into a gravy using cornstarch or arrowroot slurry.

Ingredients Commonly Used

• Beef chuck roast (about 3-5 pounds)
• Salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, bay leaves
• Carrots, celery, onions, baby potatoes
• Beef broth and often red wine
• Optional: onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup for a richer sauce

Cooking Tips

• Searing the roast before slow cooking develops deeper flavor.
• Adding vegetables on top or around the roast during cooking prevents over-softening.
• Thicken the juices at the end for a delicious gravy.

This dish is praised for its simplicity and the comforting, hearty meal it provides with minimal active cooking time, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep with leftovers.