...
Go Back
Close-up of a hearty slow-cooked pot roast with tender beef, baby potatoes, and carrots, garnished with fresh rosemary, perfect for inspiring delicious sunday dinner ideas.

Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This comforting Sunday dinner recipe features a fall-apart tender beef chuck roast slow cooked with hearty vegetables and herbs. A family-favorite meal perfect for gathering around the table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 590
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed
  • 1.5 lbs small potatoes, quartered
  • 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth or stock
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
  • ½ cup dry red wine (optional, for deglazing)

Equipment

  • 6–8 quart slow cooker
  • cast iron skillet for searing roast
  • cutting board and knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden spoon for deglazing
  • Serving platter

Method
 

  1. Wash and prep vegetables: peel and chop carrots, quarter potatoes, and chop onion. Set aside.
  2. Pat beef roast dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear in hot olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
  3. Optional: Deglaze skillet with red wine or broth, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Layer vegetables into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place roast on top. Add broth, deglazing liquid, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Remove roast and vegetables. To make gravy, strain liquid into a pan. Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water. Whisk into simmering liquid until thickened.

Notes

Use chuck roast for the best tenderness. Add mushrooms or parsnips for variety. Deglaze with red wine for deeper flavor. For gluten-free, use GF broth and thicken with cornstarch. Chop vegetables the night before for easier prep.