If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, a slow cooker pot roast with gravy is the answer. This recipe offers a perfect balance of tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich, homemade gravy. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it—ideal for busy days or when you want to enjoy a meal without constant supervision.
Let’s walk through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this incredible slow cooker pot roast with gravy.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
To prepare this flavorful and hearty meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds chuck roast: Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender as it cooks low and slow. Its marbled fat content ensures a juicy, flavorful result.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds aromatic depth and enhances the savory flavors of the roast.
- 8 ounces baby carrots: These bite-sized carrots add natural sweetness and tenderness to the dish.
- 16 ounces golden potatoes, halved or quartered if large: Potatoes make for a hearty side and absorb all the delicious flavors from the roast.
- 1/2 cup red wine: Red wine brings richness and acidity, which helps tenderize the meat and deepen the flavor of the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon herb seasoning and garlic: A pre-made seasoning blend will add savory notes and complement the roast’s natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the roast before placing it in the slow cooker, helping to seal in the juices and enhance flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and enhances the browning process when searing the roast.
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, sliced: Onions are a must-have in this recipe to add a mellow, sweet flavor to the gravy.
- 3 cups beef broth: The base for the gravy, which will become thick and flavorful after slow cooking.
- 1/4 cup tapioca pearls: Used to thicken the gravy. Tapioca pearls are a great gluten-free option for thickening sauces.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Helps create a smooth and velvety gravy once the dish is done cooking.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a subtle richness and depth of flavor to the gravy, balancing the acidity from the wine.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker pot roast with gravy:
1. Prepare the Roast
Start by seasoning your 2-pound chuck roast with a generous sprinkle of herb seasoning and garlic. This will help impart a rich flavor to the meat as it cooks. Make sure to rub the seasoning all over the roast, ensuring every surface is coated.
2. Sear the Roast
In a large skillet or multicooker, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned roast. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s beautifully browned. This step helps seal in the juices and adds a nice caramelized crust to the roast.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Once the roast is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the baby carrots and halved or quartered golden potatoes to the slow cooker as well. These vegetables will absorb the savory juices from the roast and become tender over the cooking time.
4. Prepare the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. This will act as the base for your gravy. Then, in a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch mixture with the remaining ingredients:
- Beef broth: Adds depth and richness.
- Red wine: Enhances the flavor of the gravy and tenderizes the meat.
- Tomato paste: Contributes richness and balances the flavors.
- Sliced yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness to the gravy.
Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Add to Slow Cooker
Pour the gravy mixture over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker. The liquid should almost cover the roast, but if it doesn’t, you can add a little more beef broth or water. The meat will release more juices as it cooks, creating a flavorful gravy.
6. Slow Cook the Roast
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. After this time, the roast should be fork-tender and easy to shred. The vegetables, including the carrots and potatoes, will be perfectly cooked and infused with the flavor of the gravy.
7. Shred the Roast
Once the roast is done cooking, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker or transfer it to a cutting board and shred it before returning it to the pot. The meat should be so tender that it practically falls apart on its own.
8. Serve and Enjoy
After shredding the meat, give everything a good stir to mix the flavors together. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the pot roast with the potatoes and carrots, spooning plenty of gravy over the top. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and color.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: The chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking because of its marbled fat, which keeps the meat juicy and tender. You can also use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but chuck will yield the best results.
- Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more cornstarch or tapioca pearls. Mix the thickening agents with a little bit of water before adding to the slow cooker to avoid clumping.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the pot roast rest for 10 minutes before shredding. This will help retain more juices in the meat.
- Storage: Leftover pot roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store the gravy separately to prevent it from becoming too watery when reheated.
Serving Suggestions
Slow cooker pot roast with gravy is a filling, satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a creamy side that complements the rich gravy.
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans to add more texture and flavor.
- Crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Conclusion
This slow cooker pot roast with gravy recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a rich, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. The combination of tender meat, savory vegetables, and a thick, homemade gravy makes for an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a meal for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Enjoy the ease and flavor of this slow-cooked masterpiece!