Best Slow Cooker Recipes 2025
A timeless slow cooker pot roast recipe, featuring tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, perfect for a comforting family meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 lb beef chuck roast trimmed
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 0.5 cup red wine optional
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 large carrots cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Pat beef roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
- Add onion, celery, and garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Deglaze with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits. Pour mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle with dried thyme. Add carrots and potatoes around the roast.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.
- Carefully remove beef and vegetables to a serving platter. Cover with foil to keep warm. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Turn slow cooker to HIGH (if applicable) or transfer liquid to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until gravy thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
- Slice or shred beef. Serve with vegetables and gravy.
Notes
For extra flavor, sear the beef on all sides before adding to the slow cooker. You can substitute vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.