How do you cook a pot roast in a slow cooker?

Sear the meat, add aromatics, broth, and vegetables, then cook on low for 8–9 hours.

What is the difference between a roast and pot roast?

A roast can be cooked dry in the oven, while a pot roast cooks in liquid until tender.

Chuck roast is best due to its marbling and ability to become fork-tender.

Not searing the meat, cutting vegetables too small, or lifting the lid too often.

Tender slow-cooked chuck roast with garlic, herbs, potatoes, and carrots an easy, flavorful family dinner with optional rich gravy.

Scale

5 garlic cloves (minced)

1 chuck roast (3 lb, room temperature)

1 ½ tbsp olive oil

Salt and ground black pepper

1 tbsp fresh thyme

1 tbsp fresh rosemary

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 yellow onion (diced)

5 medium carrots (about 1 lb, cut into chunks)

2 ½ lb small Yukon Gold potatoes (halved)

1 ¼ cups beef broth

2 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional for gravy: 2 ½ tbsp cornstarch, 3 tbsp beef broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

1. Pat roast dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Sear in hot oil until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Place in slow cooker.

3. In the same pan, cook diced onion for 2 minutes, add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour mixture over roast.

4. Deglaze pan with broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary, scraping up browned bits. Pour this over the roast.

5. Add halved potatoes and carrot chunks on top, season again lightly.

6. Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours until beef and vegetables are tender.

7. Remove and shred the roast, discarding large fat pieces.

8. Optionally, strain slow cooker broth into saucepan and simmer. Mix cornstarch with a bit of broth, whisk in, and cook until thickened.

9. Plate meat and vegetables, drizzle with gravy, and garnish with parsley.

Searing the meat before slow cooking builds richer flavor.

Keep vegetables in large chunks to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and reduce cook time delays.

Let roast rest before shredding to retain moisture.

Optional gravy adds thickness and richness but can be skipped.