This Easy Crock Pot Pot Roast is a real comfort food hero! With tender beef, tasty veggies, and a rich gravy, it makes dinner a breeze!
Throw everything in the pot, let it cook, and then enjoy the amazing smell wafting through your home. I love serving it with some mashed potatoes to soak up that yummy gravy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes super tender. If you can’t find chuck roast, a brisket or round roast will work too. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes are classic choices. You can mix it up with parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes if you like. Feel free to use frozen veggies if you’re short on time!
Beef Broth: You want a good flavor base. If you don’t have beef broth, use chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Red Wine: It adds depth, but you can skip it or substitute with an extra cup of beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for some acidity.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sear on the Roast?
Searing the roast enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction, which creates a rich, brown crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a hot skillet and add olive oil. Wait until it’s shimmering before adding the roast.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if it’s too crowded, the meat will steam instead of brown.
- Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned, then remove it promptly to keep it juicy.
What’s the Best Way to Make Gravy from the Cooking Liquid?
Making gravy adds so much flavor! Here’s a simple method:
- After removing the roast and veggies, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan to catch the bits of flavor.
- Skim off any excess fat from the top to keep it light.
- Mix flour with a little cold water to create a smooth slurry to avoid lumps, then whisk it into the liquid over medium heat.
- Simmer until thickened, stirring constantly. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Remember, always taste and add seasoning as needed to make it just right!
Easy Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe with Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then you’ll let the crock pot do the work! Cook it on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, making it a convenient meal for busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Roast:
Start by generously seasoning the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides. This helps to enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Sear the Roast:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. This step adds flavor! Remove the roast from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
In your crock pot, lay down the sliced onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes as the base layer. These will cook beautifully alongside the roast.
4. Add Garlic:
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables. This will infuse your pot roast with delicious flavor.
5. Place the Roast in the Crock Pot:
Put the seared roast right on top of the vegetables in the crock pot. It’s going to soak up all those tasty flavors!
6. Make the Liquid Mixture:
In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, red wine (if you’re using it), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour this mixture evenly over the roast and veggies.
7. Let It Cook:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and let it cook. Choose the low setting for 8 to 9 hours or the high setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until the roast is tender and the veggies are done.
8. Remove and Keep Warm:
After cooking, carefully remove the roast and vegetables from the crock pot. Place them on a serving dish and keep warm while you make the gravy.
9. Strain the Cooking Liquid:
Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and strain out any solids. Skim off any excess fat floating on top.
10. Make the Gravy:
In a small bowl, mix the flour with just enough water to create a smooth slurry. Bring the strained cooking liquid to a simmer over medium heat and whisk in the flour mixture slowly, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
11. Taste and Adjust:
Give your gravy a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
12. Serve It Up:
Slice the pot roast and serve it with the cooked vegetables. Drizzle generously with the homemade gravy.
13. Garnish and Enjoy:
To finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a lovely touch. Enjoy your hearty, comforting Crock Pot pot roast with gravy!
FAQ About Easy Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe with Gravy
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just note that cooking times may vary depending on the cut.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pot roast and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. If the gravy thickens too much upon refrigeration, add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen it up.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Let the pot roast cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Pot Roast?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted vegetables. To keep it lighter, you can serve it over leafy greens or alongside a fresh salad!