Easiest Slow Cooker Pot Roast
A comforting and easy pot roast recipe made in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. Minimal hands-on time with delicious, tender results.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large skillet For searing the roast
- paper towels For drying the roast
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3 lb Chuck Roast This is your star! Chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking because it has great marbling that breaks down into tender, juicy deliciousness.
- 1 tbsp Sea Salt A good quality salt makes all the difference in bringing out the natural flavors.
- 0.75 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground black pepper is always best for that extra punch.
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which is perfect for searing. Any neutral oil like vegetable or canola will work too.
- 2 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes peeled and diced into 1.5-inch pieces. These potatoes get wonderfully tender and soak up all the yummy juices. (Low-Carb Swap: If you're watching carbs, swap these out for 2 lbs of halved radishes! They get surprisingly soft and have a mild, pleasant flavor when cooked this way.)
- 1 lb Carrots peeled and sliced diagonally into 1.5-2 inch long pieces. Sweet and colorful, carrots are a pot roast staple.
- 1 large Onion cut into 1.5-inch squares. Onion adds a depth of savory flavor that's essential.
- 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary That piney, herbaceous aroma is just divine.
- 6 sprigs Fresh Thyme Thyme brings a subtle earthy, slightly floral note.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Beef Broth This forms the flavorful liquid base for your roast.
Instructions
- Prep Your Roast: Grab your chuck roast and pat it nice and dry with paper towels. This is a super important step for getting a good sear! Once it’s dry, give it a generous sprinkle all over with your sea salt and black pepper. Don't be shy; you want that seasoning to really penetrate.3 lb Chuck Roast
- Get Searing: Heat up your avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned roast in the hot skillet. Sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This browning adds a fantastic depth of flavor to the final dish – it's called the Maillard reaction, and it’s your best friend for deliciousness!3 lb Chuck Roast
- Into the Slow Cooker: Gently transfer that gorgeous, seared roast into your slow cooker. It’s already looking like a million bucks!3 lb Chuck Roast
- Add the Veggies: Now, arrange your prepared potatoes (or those radishes, if you’re going low-carb!), carrots, and onion pieces all around the roast in the slow cooker. Try to get them nestled in there nicely.3 lb Chuck Roast
- Herbalicious Touches: Tuck those lovely sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme right on top of everything. They’ll infuse the whole pot with their amazing aromas as it cooks.3 lb Chuck Roast
- Pour in the Broth: Open up that can of beef broth and pour it evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. This liquid is going to help steam and tenderize everything, creating a luscious sauce.3 lb Chuck Roast
- Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Pop the lid on your slow cooker nice and tight. Now you have two choices for cooking time: Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours. This is my preferred method if I have the time, as it results in the most fall-apart tender roast. OR Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours. This is a great option if you need your pot roast a bit sooner. Either way, you’ll know it’s ready when the roast is super tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. The veggies should be tender-crisp or fork-tender, depending on your preference.
Notes
Don't skip the sear for flavor. Cut veggies evenly for consistent cooking. Check for tenderness with a fork. You can prep vegetables and sear the roast ahead of time. Ensure the slow cooker is not overcrowded.