There’s something magical about a kitchen that smells like orange, spice, and slow-cooked beef on a cool day. This Slow Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast recipe brings that comfort straight to your table. Each bite of this Caribbean pot roast tastes rich, a little sweet, and full of island-inspired warmth. It’s the kind of dinner that makes any weeknight feel like Sunday supper.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how easy this Slow Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast is to make. Just sear, pour, and let your slow cooker do the work. The gravy turns silky, the beef melts in your mouth, and the vegetables soak up every bit of that rich Caribbean flavor.It’s big-batch friendly, freezer-safe, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
It also reheats beautifully, which means you can make it ahead and enjoy it all week. You can even swap veggies for what you have on hand—no fuss, just flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
You’ll need a boneless beef chuck roast for its marbling and tenderness. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and onion add earthy sweetness, while garlic builds a base that makes the whole kitchen smell irresistible.
Caribbean-Style Gravy Spices
Tomato sauce forms the base, and orange juice adds a bright island twist. Cumin, oregano, and coriander give depth. Chili powder brings mild heat, and a pinch of cocoa and cinnamon adds that signature Caribbean warmth that surprises everyone at first bite.
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
Bell peppers and butternut squash bring color and a little extra sweetness. Want more heat? Add a dash of cayenne. Prefer less sweetness? Skip half the brown sugar or use lime juice instead of orange. Yukon or russet potatoes also work well if you don’t have sweet potatoes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Prep and Sear the Beef
Pat the roast dry, then coat it with flour, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven until shimmering, then brown the roast for about four minutes per side. This step adds flavor you’ll taste in every bite later.
Layer Vegetables in the Slow Cooker
Place sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. They’ll form a bed that lifts the meat and keeps it juicy while cooking.
Mix and Pour the Sauce
Whisk tomato sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and all the spices together. Pour the sauce over the roast and vegetables, making sure everything gets coated.
Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours. If using a Dutch oven, bake it at 325°F for 3–3½ hours until the beef reaches 145°F internally and falls apart easily with a fork.
Finishing Touch – Orange Zest & Serving
Before serving, sprinkle orange zest on top of your Slow Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast. It wakes up all the flavors and adds a bright, citrusy touch to the rich gravy.
Tips for Best Flavor & Texture
Browning the Roast Properly
Don’t skip this step—it locks in flavor. You want that golden crust before it hits the slow cooker.
Balancing Sweetness and Heat
Taste the gravy halfway through. If it’s too sweet, add a little lime or chili powder. If it’s too spicy, stir in a spoonful of brown sugar.
Preventing Soggy Vegetables
Keep the lid closed during cooking. Opening it releases steam and moisture that keeps your vegetables firm and tender.
Variations & Serving Ideas
Serve your Slow Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast with coconut rice, fried plantains, or soft dinner rolls to soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce. This Caribbean pot roast recipe also pairs beautifully with a side of crisp salad or roasted plantains. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes for a cozy, winter-style meal—like these creamy make-ahead Crockpot mashed potatoes.
For a holiday twist, pair it with juicy slow cooker turkey breast or make it part of a Sunday spread alongside classic beef bourguignon and slow-cooked lamb shanks in red wine sauce.
Storage, Reheating & Food Safety
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months in airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep the meat juicy. Always reheat until steaming hot and check that the beef stays above 145°F for safety.
Never leave the dish out longer than 2 hours at room temperature. For meal prep, portion into containers with rice or veggies for quick, hearty lunches.
Slow Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast | Ultimate Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast is tender beef in a bright, spiced orange-tomato gravy with sweet potatoes and carrots. It tastes bold, cozy, and perfect for easy family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 tbsp vegetable oil
5 lb boneless beef chuck roast
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2″ chunks
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2″ chunks
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Gravy Ingredients:
15 oz tomato sauce
Juice and zest of 1 large orange
2 tbsp packed brown sugar
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a dutch oven or metal slow cooker insert on high heat.
2. Coat roast in flour, salt, and pepper; brown 3–4 mins per side.
3. Add sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to slow cooker.
4. Place browned roast on top of vegetables.
5. In the same pan, whisk together tomato sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, coriander, chili powder, cocoa, and cinnamon.
6. Pour sauce over meat and vegetables.
7. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours.
8. Garnish with orange zest before serving.
Notes
Browning the meat adds depth of flavor.
Vegetables create a bed to lift the meat and help form a crust.
Adjust spices for more heat or less sweetness as you like.
Substitute or add cauliflower, bell peppers, Yukon or russet potatoes.
Dutch oven option: bake at 325°F for 3–3 1/2 hours.
Safe internal temperature for beef is 145°F per USDA.
Serving tip: Do not leave out more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Slow Cooker Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 513
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 684
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 46
- Cholesterol: 156
More Such Recipes
Try more comforting meals like:
- Creamy make-ahead Crockpot mashed potatoes
- Classic beef bourguignon with rich red wine sauce
- Juicy slow cooker turkey breast for holiday dinners
- Slow-cooked lamb shanks in red wine sauce
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Brisket or bottom round also works, though chuck roast gives the best texture for slow cooking. If using leaner cuts, reduce cooking time slightly and keep extra gravy on hand.
How do I make it less sweet or spicier?
Cut the brown sugar in half or replace it with honey for milder sweetness. To spice it up, add jalapeño slices or an extra pinch of chili powder.
Can I prepare this overnight?
Absolutely. You can sear the roast and prep the sauce the night before. Refrigerate everything in the slow cooker insert, then set it to cook in the morning. You’ll come home to a house that smells amazing.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast brings a taste of the islands to your family table. It’s hearty, colorful, and perfect for days when you want warmth and flavor without the work. Serve it with love, share it with friends, and enjoy the comfort it brings every time.
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