Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast is comfort food at its finest. Fall-apart tender beef and classic vegetables are cooked low and slow in a flavorful, savory broth. Get ready for your house to smell amazing!

This pot roast recipe checks all the boxes for a simple, wholesome meal. It’s hassle-free—with no braising and minimal prep work. Simply chop your veggies and add all of your ingredients into a Crockpot. Then walk away and enjoy the fact that dinner is ready to go.

Make slow cooker pot roast for your family tonight, meal prep it for a busy week, or host an easy dinner party. You can’t go wrong with this classic dish.

overhead image of pot roast on a black plate with two slices of baguette bread and gold silver wear sitting on the side.

Why KJ Loves

Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast

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Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast

What’s not to love about a pot roast simmering in a slow cooker? It’s comfort and fulfilling – it brings the home together! I love to dunk some chunky garlic bread into the au jus from the pot roast and dig in. This is a family favorite recipe!

An overhead photo of baby carrots, potatoes, rosemary and a dish of garlic on a sheet pan.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast Ingredients:

1

4 lb chuck roast

The chuck roast is a lean, beefy cut of meat from the cow’s shoulder. By cooking it low and slow, you’ll make this cut of beef mouth-wateringly tender.

2

Beef stock

By adding a little liquid to the bottom of the slow cooker, you’ll keep the roast juicy.

3

Worcestershire sauce

This addition adds a slight tang to the pot roast recipe.

4

Fresh herbs

Rosemary and thyme make this pot roast delightfully aromatic and flavorful. If you need to use dried herbs, use 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1 teaspoon dried thyme

5

Carrots

Peel three large carrots and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Or use baby carrots (about 1.5 cups) to make things easy!

6

Baby Yukon gold potatoes.

Wash the potatoes, cut them in half, and leave the peels on for better texture in your dish.

7

Onion

Cut your onion into 1-inch pieces for depth of flavor.

8

Garlic, salt, and pepper

An overhead shot of chuck roast, baby potatoes, carrots, onions and herbs in a crockpot.

How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast

01) Arrange the ingredients.

First, you’ll want to add all the pot roast ingredients to your slow cooker. Make sure you use a 6-quart slow cooker. Anything smaller, and you’ll be dealing with an overflow!

Place the chuck roast in the bottom of the slow cooker. (No need to brown the meat beforehand.)

Pour the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce over the top. Arrange the onion, carrots, and potatoes all around.

Then season everything with salt, pepper, and garlic. Tie the herbs together with cooking twine and place them on top.

02) Cook low and slow.

Cover the Crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours, high heat for 6 hours or until fall-apart tender.

03) Serve and enjoy!

Remove the herb bundle before serving. Serve the pot roast with the carrots and potatoes. I like to spoon the sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the top to infuse extra flavor into each serving!

an overhead shot of a chuck roast, baby potatoes, carrots and herbs cooking in a crockpot.

What To Serve With Pot Roast

The great thing about slow cooker pot roast is that it’s an entire meal, ready to go. So easy.

But if you want to add a little something extra, a side of bread never hurt. Whip up some Cheesy Garlic Bread or pick up a baguette from the store. Plus, some Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies would be a great classic dessert to follow this classic meal.

A close up photo showing a cooked chuck roast with cooked carrots, baby potatoes and herbs.

Crock-Pot Roast FAQs:

Can I cook this on high?

You can! The name of the game is low and slow. When you cook a leaner cut of meat like this on high, it won’t be as tender. If you are cooking it on high to speed up the process, I recommend letting it cook for 6 hours.

What if my chuck roast is still frozen?

If you haven’t thawed out your roast yet, no need to spring for takeout yet. This recipe still works. If you’re cooking your pot roast on high, add another hour or so. If you’re cooking it on low, add another 2-4 or so hours. Always check the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it has reached 145 degrees in the thickest part of the roast and is fall-apart tender.

What size slow cooker should I use for pot roast?

I use this 6-quart slow cooker. A smaller slow cooker will not work, as it would be too full. If you’re not cooking for a crowd, you might as well make enough for leftovers!

What’s chuck roast?

Chuck roast is meat that comes from the cow’s upper shoulder. It has a full, beefy flavor—and when cooked over low heat in a slow cooker, it is fall apart-tender and delicious.

How long does it take to cook a roast in a slow cooker?

If you cook a 4 lb roast on low, it should take around 8 hours to cook in the slow cooker, or 6 hours on high heat.

Do you have to brown a roast before putting it in the Crock-Pot?

No, it’s not necessary. We’re making this pot roast recipe easy and quick to prep. Just put the whole roast in as is!

an up close photo of a slice of chuck roast surrounded by carrots, baby potatoes and two slices of baguette bread.

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