A slow cooker pot roast is one of the ultimate comfort dishes, providing a tender, flavorful meal with minimal hands-on time. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the meat, making it juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Paired with hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots and finished with a rich gravy, this pot roast is perfect for family dinners or even special gatherings. Let’s go step by step on how to make this mouth-watering dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful and hearty pot roast:
For the Pot Roast:
- 3 lb chuck roast
- 3 lbs quartered russet potatoes (or baby potatoes)
- 2 lbs quartered, peeled carrots
- 1 tsp onion powder (or 1 sliced onion)
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)
- ½ cup prepared horseradish (not the sauce version)
- 4 cups beef stock
- Oil (for searing)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups cooking liquid from the slow cooker
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Pot Roast
1. Sear the Chuck Roast
To begin, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season your 3 lb chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, sear the meat on all sides until it’s nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the roast, locking in the juices and enhancing the overall dish.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
In your slow cooker, place the quartered potatoes and carrots at the bottom. These vegetables will cook under the roast, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the meat and stock. Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
3. Add the Roast to the Slow Cooker
Once your roast is seared, place it on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. If you’re using onion powder, sprinkle it over the roast. Alternatively, add sliced onions and minced garlic for a richer flavor profile.
4. Spread Horseradish on the Roast
Now, take ½ cup of prepared horseradish and spread it evenly over the top of the roast. The horseradish adds a unique flavor and helps tenderize the meat as it cooks. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of horseradish—it mellows out during cooking, leaving a subtle, tangy flavor.
5. Add the Beef Stock
Pour 4 cups of beef stock into the slow cooker, being careful to pour it around the meat rather than directly on top. This ensures that the horseradish stays in place and continues to flavor the roast as it cooks. The beef stock will help keep the roast moist and provide the base for your gravy later on.
6. Slow Cook the Roast
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook:
- On low for 8-10 hours for a slow, gentle braise that results in incredibly tender meat, or
- On high for 4-6 hours if you’re short on time but still want a deliciously tender roast.
The meat will be ready when it’s tender enough to shred with a fork, and the vegetables are soft and flavorful.
7. Prepare the Gravy
Once the pot roast is done cooking, carefully remove the meat and vegetables from the slow cooker and set them aside. It’s time to make the gravy!
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour, whisking to form a roux. Slowly add 2 cups of strained cooking liquid from the slow cooker, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency, typically about 5-7 minutes.
8. Serve the Pot Roast
To serve, slice or shred the pot roast and arrange it on a platter alongside the potatoes and carrots. Drizzle the rich, flavorful gravy over the top of the meat and vegetables for the perfect finishing touch. For added flavor, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pot Roast
1. Tender and Juicy Meat
The slow cooking method ensures that the chuck roast becomes incredibly tender and full of flavor. The long, gentle heat breaks down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in a juicy roast that’s easy to shred or slice.
2. Rich, Comforting Flavors
The combination of beef stock, horseradish, and garlic gives the roast a deep, savory flavor with a subtle tang from the horseradish. The gravy, made from the flavorful cooking liquid, is rich and delicious—perfect for drizzling over the meat and vegetables.
3. Hearty Vegetables
The potatoes and carrots cook right along with the roast, soaking up all the juices from the meat and stock. They’re tender, flavorful, and make the perfect side to the roast.
4. Easy, Hands-Off Cooking
This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy days. Simply sear the meat, load up the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a complete meal ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker pot roast is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for sopping up the flavorful gravy.
- Green salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the roast.
- Mashed potatoes: If you prefer, serve the roast with mashed potatoes instead of the roasted ones for an extra creamy side.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a delicious, hearty dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. The tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy make it a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With easy preparation and hands-off cooking, it’s a great go-to recipe for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal.