Ultimate Slow-Cooked Pot Roast: A Comfort Food Classic

There’s something truly magical about a pot roast simmering for hours, filling the home with its irresistible aroma. This slow-cooked pot roast is the perfect meal for cozy family dinners, special gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The tender beef, infused with herbs and aromatics, melts in your mouth, while the potatoes and carrots absorb the rich flavors of the broth.

Using simple pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The secret? Low and slow cooking, allowing the beef to develop deep flavors and turn incredibly tender. Whether you choose a slow cooker, oven, or stovetop method, this recipe will guarantee a delicious and satisfying meal.

Let’s dive into the details!

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-8 hours (depending on the method)
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes – 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) beef chuck roast (or brisket)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1 large onion (quartered)
• 4 cups beef broth (or more to cover the roast)
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but enhances flavor)
• 6-8 medium potatoes (peeled and quartered)
• 4-5 large carrots (peeled and cut into large chunks)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the gravy)

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels to help it brown properly.
2. Generously season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on all sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes per side until it develops a deep brown crust. This step locks in the flavors and enhances the final dish.
5. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the quartered onions and cook for 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
2. Add crushed garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Transfer everything to the slow cooker (or Dutch oven if using an oven or stovetop method).

Step 3: Add Liquids and Herbs

1. Place the seared beef on top of the onions and garlic.
2. Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using) until the roast is partially submerged.
3. Add dried thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Slow Cooker Method:

• Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Oven Method:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and cook for 3-4 hours.

Stovetop Method:

• Simmer over low heat, covered, for 3-4 hours, occasionally checking the liquid level.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

1. Halfway through cooking, add potatoes and carrots around the beef.
2. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Make the Gravy (Optional)

1. Once cooked, remove the beef and vegetables, placing them on a serving platter.
2. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid.
3. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then whisk it into the liquid.
4. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice the beef against the grain for the most tender bites.
• Drizzle with gravy and serve with the potatoes and carrots.
• Pair with buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer taste: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
• Want extra tenderness? Use a bone-in chuck roast for more flavor.
• No slow cooker? You can use an Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

This slow-cooked pot roast is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping, or preparing for a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

With minimal hands-on effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Try it today and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that feels like home!