Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe - Only 5 Ingredients! (+ Video) (2024)

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This easy slow cooker pot roast takes less than 10 minutes to load into your crockpot, and dinner practically cooks itself. Make this melt-in-your-mouth tender beef roast for a special family dinner, or any time! Serve with a simple salad and dinner is DONE!

Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe - Only 5 Ingredients! (+ Video) (1)

Does your family have a big Sunday dinner?

Maybe you all gather around the table, have a meat-and-potatoes kind of meal, and just enjoy each other’s company.

I love extra time with the family, but do you want to know a secret? I don’t always want to spend a ton of time cooking a big meal for the family on a Sunday evening.

That’s why I love this slow cooker pot roast recipe – it only looks and tastes like it took a lot of effort! But it’s actually super easy to make.

SLOW COOKER POT ROAST RECIPE

This is the BEST crock pot roast recipe and it keeps showing up on our weekly meal plan. Here’s why:

  • Hands-off. You dump everything in one pot and cook it.
  • Cheap. Chuck roast, potatoes, and carrots are some of the cheapest real foods at the store.
  • Great as leftovers.
  • 10 minutes of hands-on prep (i.e. dumping everything in the pot).
  • Really, really good.
  • Tastes like Mom’s cooking. There’s nothing like a classic pot roast!
  • Comfort food made easy.
  • Perfect for serving to company!
  • Freezer-friendly (both for a future freezer meal or as leftovers)
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INGREDIENTS FOR POT ROAST SLOW COOKER

  • Beef. Boneless chuck roast works the best, but a round roast will work as well. (Brisket is a tougher cut and not ideal for this recipe.)
  • Carrots. You can use baby carrots or make this with large carrots cut into 1” pieces.
  • Potatoes. Use baby red potatoes or quartered russet potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes are also good.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup. I highly recommend Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup, which takes LITERALLY 5 MINUTES and tastes a million times better than any canned soup ever will. If you’re pressed for time, make it the night before.
  • Dry Onion Soup Mix. Again, I highly recommend making the Dry Onion Soup Mix yourself. It takes 2 minutes and it’s WAY healthier than the store-bought packets.

Notice that you DON’T need beef broth, black pepper, flour, olive oil, or garlic cloves (or garlic powder) in this recipe for a roast in the crock pot. All of these ingredients are already in the dry onion soup mix and the mushroom soup!

Psst! Want to kick this recipe for a roast in a crock pot up a notch? Try finishing this recipe with a pinch of finishing salt! I love Ava Jane’s Kitchen because it doesn’t have microplastics (gross, right?) and it’s SO GOOD! Plus, you can get a free 8oz. bag of sea salt (just pay shipping and handling!). Add a pinch before serving or incorporate it into your dry spice mix to bring out the drool-worthy savory flavor of your roast!

EASY POT ROAST SLOW COOKER SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Don’t like carrots? Try different veggies like parsnips, turnips, daikon radish, rutabaga, yams, or sweet potatoes. Cut whichever veggies you choose into 1-inch pieces.
  • Don’t like cream of mushroom soup? Make Cream of Celery Soup instead OR make Cream of Beef (substituting beef stock for chicken stock). If you’re going store-bought, you need one can.
  • Don’t want to make dry onion soup mix? Store-bought is fine. You need one packet.

THE BEST BEEF FOR YOUR SLOW COOKER POT ROAST

Grass-fed beef is very important to my family, so we joined Butcher Box a few years ago and LOVE having quality meat shipped to our front door every month.

They offer subscriptions of grass-fed beef, organic chicken, heritage-breed pork, and wild-caught seafood, and you can choose what cuts you want AND how often you want your box delivered. Obviously, you’ll want to choose beef for this slow cooker pot roast!

If you’ve never heard of Butcher Box, read my honest review here and how to make Butcher Box worth the cost here! I love to get large cuts like pork roast and chuck roast!

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The search for high-quality meat ends here. Amazing taste. Humanely raised and delivered to your door. Sign up today! Click this link to claim the current offer!

RECIPE FOR POT ROAST IN THE CROCK POT

Step 1. Place half the potatoes and carrots in the bottom of the slow cooker. (If you’re in the market for a slow cooker, this one is highly recommended.)

Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe - Only 5 Ingredients! (+ Video) (3)

Step 2. Next, place the chuck roast on top of the vegetables. (There is no need to sear the meat first!)

Step 3. Place the remaining vegetables on top of and around the chuck roast.

Step 4. Pour the dry onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup over the top. (There’s no need to add any water to the slow cooker.)

Step 5. Cover with a lid and cook on low for at least 8 hours, preferably 10, until fork-tender.

Note: I strongly recommend NOT reducing the cook time. In my testing, I made this recipe for pot roast in the crock pot both ways – at a high temperature for fewer hours, and a low temperature for more hours – and the longer cooking time was significantly more meltingly tender and flavorful.

Step 6. Shred meat slightly with two forks and serve hot.

Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe - Only 5 Ingredients! (+ Video) (4)

Store leftovers from this slow cooker pot roast recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You may want to put the vegetables in separate storage, as they may soften more when reheating.

RECIPE FOR POT ROAST SLOW COOKER TIPS

  • If you cut the pot roast slow cooker recipe in half, keep the SAME cooking time.
  • If you want to use a larger, 6 lb roast, make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle that size roast (like this 8.5 qt slow cooker, or an 8 qt Instant Pot with a slow cooker function). Double everything else and cook for 10 hours!
  • Don’t add any milk or water – it’s not needed.
  • Make this crock-pot pot roast in the Instant Pot using my slow cooker to Instant Pot conversion guide.
  • If you don’t want to make cream of mushroom soup or dry onion soup mix, store-bought is fine. You need one can of soup and one packet of seasoning.

MAKE A SLOW COOKER POT ROAST WITH GRAVY

You can take the liquid in the slow cooker and turn it into a brown gravy on the stovetop:

  • Pour the gravy into a saucepan or Dutch oven and bring to a low boil over medium-high heat.
  • Combine 3 Tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 Tablespoons of water in a mug and stir together.
  • Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan, and whisk constantly.
  • The sauce will thicken to a gravy to pour over your slow cooker pot roast.
  • If you like, you can substitute red wine for some of the water if you want a richer gravy.
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TO SERVE SLOW COOKER POT ROAST

  • This recipe for pot roast in the slow cooker feeds my family of 4 and makes at least 2 lunches with the leftovers! We usually pair it with an Easy Dinner Salad.
  • Try garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. (If you have extra herbs after you garnish your crockpot chuck pot roast, freeze the herbs for another time – here’s how!)
  • Use your Instant Pot for Steamed Broccoli on the side and dinner practically cooked itself! (I know you love your slow cooker, but curious if the Instant Pot is right for you? Read my review.)
  • If you don’t have an Instant Pot, Sautéed Green Beans would go great with this slow cooker pot roast!
  • Try my Easy Dinner Rolls or serve with a loaf of Simple Sourdough Bread. What a feast!
  • If you happen to have two crockpots, I definitely recommend this Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler for dessert.

SLOW COOKER POT ROAST FAQS

Do you have to brown the roast before putting it in the crock pot?

No need to brown the roast before putting it in the crockpot. Some say it helps lock in the flavor, but I’ve made this slow cooker pot roast many times and it’s always been delicious! There’s no need to dirty another pan or skillet!

How much water do you add for slow cooking a beef roast?

You do NOT need to add any water to this recipe!

Is it better to make a beef chuck roast in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot?

Instant Pot roast is YUMMY…but it turns out to be less tender when compared to the crock pot version. I like how a crockpot chuck pot roast turns out better.

Does slow cooker pot roast get more tender the longer it cooks?

Any large piece of meat that you use in the crock pot will get more tender the longer it is cooked. Cooking for 8-10 hours at a low temperature will give you melt-in-your-mouth tender roast beef!

MORE DELICIOUS SLOW COOKER RECIPES

  • The Best Slow Cooker Carnitas
  • Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
  • White Chicken Chili
  • Slow Cooker Mexican Potato Soup
  • Easy Slow Cooker Brisket
Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe - Only 5 Ingredients! (+ Video) (6)

Freezer Cooking: Dump Dinner Recipes

Sign up to get instant access to my step-by-step Freezer Cooking: Dump Dinner Recipe plan, complete with recipes, supply list, and shopping list!

WATCH HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC SLOW COOKER POT ROAST

Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe

Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe - Only 5 Ingredients! (+ Video) (7)
Print Recipe
★★★★★4.7 from 24 reviews

This easy slow cooker pot roast takes less than 10 minutes to load into your crockpot, and dinner practically cooks itself. Make this melt-in-your-mouth tender beef roast for a special family dinner, or any time! Serve with a simple salad and dinner is DONE!

  • Author: Tiffany
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 hours
  • Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main meals
  • Method: Slow cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 chuck roast (34 lbs)
  • 1 lb baby carrots (or carrots, cut into about 1″ pieces)
  • 1 ½ lbs potatoes (any variety, cut into about 1″ pieces if necessary)
  • 4 Tbsp homemade dry onion soup mix
  • 1 batch homemade cream of mushroom soup

Instructions

  1. Place half the potatoes and carrots on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Next, place the chuck roast on top of the vegetables.
  3. Place remaining vegetables on top and around the chuck roast.
  4. Pour homemade dry onion soup mix and homemade cream of mushroom soup over the top.
  5. Cover with a lid and cook on low for at least 8 hours, preferably 10.
  6. Shred meat slightly with two forks, serve hot.

Notes

  • Don’t add any additional liquid – it’s not needed.
  • A longer cooking time is best – aim for 10 hours on low.
  • Chuck roast tastes best for this recipe, but a shoulder roast will work in a pinch.
  • If you don’t have time to make dry onion soup mix or cream of mushroom soup, you need one packet of dry onion soup mix and one can of cream of mushroom soup.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 1137

Keywords: slow cooker pot roast

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Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe - Only 5 Ingredients! (+ Video) (2024)

FAQs

Should pot roast be covered in liquid in crock pot? ›

Traditionally, this means the meat is partially covered in liquid and cooked for hours until it becomes juicy and tender. In this case, the steam from the slow cooker creates moisture for the meat to braise in.

What is the most tender roast to slow cook? ›

Chuck roast is one of the more popular slow-cooker options because of how tender and flavorful it becomes after several hours of cooking on low.

Why is my pot roast tough in the crock pot? ›

If your crock pot roast is tough, it is possible you didn't use a boneless chuck roast, in which cases some cuts of meat will never become fall-apart tender OR more likely, you did not cook your beef long enough. If your pot roast seems tough, cook on!

Do you have to brown the roast before putting it in a slow cooker? ›

1. Browning Is Better. Slow cooker recipes don't always instruct you to brown meat before adding it to the pot, but there are some advantages to doing so. If you sear meat to a crusty brown with a little oil in a hot skillet, the meat develops more complex flavors and improves the dish.

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in crockpot? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

When should I add potatoes to pot roast? ›

Cover and cook for 3 hours, or until the roast is very tender. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot when there's about an hour of cooking time left, turning the roast over when you do. To serve, spoon any excess fat off the surface and slice or shred the beef to serve with the veggies, drizzled with sauce.

Which beef roast falls apart when cooked? ›

A perfectly cooked beef joint makes a wonderful centrepiece for a Sunday roast or Christmas dinner. To cook it until it's so tender it falls apart, you'll need to choose a joint like chuck and blade or beef brisket and either braise, slow roast or slow cook it for at least a couple of hours.

Can you overcook a slow roast? ›

Is it possible to overcook a roast or other dishes in a crock pot on low heat for several hours? Yes, it is possible to overcook a roast or other dishes in a crockpot, even when using the low heat setting for an extended period.

What is the most flavorful roast? ›

The boneless chuck roast is among the most popular roasts on the market due to its incredible beefy taste, fat content (it's well marbled), and effortless cooking process. It comes from the shoulder primal (like the pot roast), just in front of the rib section.

Why are my potatoes still hard in the crockpot? ›

Insufficient Liquid: If there wasn't enough liquid in the crockpot, it could have caused uneven cooking. Potatoes need to be fully submerged in liquid to cook evenly. Old Potatoes: Very old or stored potatoes can become starchy and may not soften as well during cooking. It's best to use fresh, firm potatoes.

Why is my roast still tough after 7 hours? ›

There are several reasons why this could have happened even after so much cooking. First, your choice of a rump roast could be a factor since cuts from the hind quarter are very muscular and, since muscles are the most resistant to breaking, this cut is quite stubborn when it comes to becoming tender.

What to season your roast with? ›

A basic roast beef rub can include a combination of the following ingredients:
  1. Salt.
  2. Pepper (freshly cracked is best)
  3. Garlic powder or minced garlic.
  4. Onion powder.
  5. Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
  6. Olive oil or melted butter for basting.

Why do you put flour on a roast? ›

Liberally seasoning your meat is a must. Place your meat in a zip top bag with flour, salt and pepper and shake to coat. The flour will create a crust on the top of the meat when you sear it and thicken the juices for a nice gravy-like consistency.

How do I get more Flavour in my slow cooker? ›

Spice up your life

Dry, fragrant spices like cumin and coriander seeds need to be fried in oil and added at the beginning of the recipe as they take time to impart their essence. Hot chilli-based flavourings should be added to taste at the end, as the fire can multiply the over the long cooking time.

Does meat in crock pot need to be covered with liquid? ›

Water or liquid is necessary to create steam. When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full.

How much liquid should cover a pot roast? ›

Put the roast in the pot; the water should come only about 1 inch up the sides of the meat. Reduce the heat so the liquid is simmering, not boiling, and cover the pot tightly with the lid so meat braises.

Does a roast need to be covered in crock pot? ›

Searing the Roast isn't completely necessary but it adds a nice color, texture, and element of flavor. Even when I'm in a rush, I go for the sear. It's worth it! Don't open the lid of the Crock Pot during cooking, you lose a lot of heat and about 30 minutes of cooking time.

Is too much liquid in pot roast bad? ›

The dissolving gelatin and juices from the meat are what make the pot roast sauce so delicious, and too much liquid at the start means a diluted sauce with less silky mouthfeel and rich flavor. Remember that the meat and any veggies in the pot will also add to the liquid volume.

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