Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy Recipe

Fall-Apart Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy Recipe

Tender, succulent beef melts in your mouth when you craft this mouthwatering slow cooker pot roast with gravy that promises comfort in every bite.

Hearty meals like these connect us to cherished memories of home-cooked dinners.

The aroma of slow-simmered meat fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, this pot roast turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Rich, savory gravy adds depth and luxurious flavor to each tender slice of meat.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, creating a meal that feels like a loving embrace.

Dive into this classic recipe and savor a dish that promises pure, soulful satisfaction.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 7

Pot Roast with Gravy Ingredients (Slow Cooker Version)

For The Star Of The Dish:
  • Chuck Roast: A marbled, flavorful cut perfect for slow cooking, delivering melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich beef essence.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Herb and Garlic Seasoning, Minced Garlic: Infuse deep, aromatic notes that penetrate the meat with savory warmth.
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Create a golden-brown sear and add luxurious richness to the roast.
For Vegetable Base:
  • Baby Carrots: Sweet, tender companions that absorb the meaty juices and provide vibrant color.
  • Potatoes: Hearty and starchy, transforming into creamy, flavor-soaked morsels during slow cooking.
  • Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the overall dish's background flavor profile.
For Gravy And Liquid Components:
  • Beef Broth: Provides a robust liquid foundation that tenderizes and intensifies the roast's flavor.
  • Red Wine: Optional ingredient that introduces complex, slightly tangy undertones.
  • Tomato Paste: Contributes rich, concentrated umami and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Tapioca Pearls: Natural thickening agent that creates silky, smooth gravy texture.
  • Cornstarch: Final thickening agent for achieving perfect gravy consistency.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and subtle grassy note.

Equipment for Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for tenderizing the roast and cooking vegetables evenly.
  • Large Skillet: Perfect for searing the meat and creating a golden-brown crust.
  • Mixing Bowl: Needed for whisking the broth, wine, and thickening ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Used for slicing or shredding the cooked roast.
  • Whisk: Great for blending the liquid ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for the perfect recipe.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for cutting vegetables and slicing the roast.

Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy

Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
  • Seasoning Preparation

Lovingly coat the chuck roast with a blend of herb and garlic seasoning, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance across the meat’s surface.

  • Searing Magic

Create a golden crust by sizzling the roast in a skillet with olive oil and butter, transforming the meat into a flavor-packed centerpiece.

  • Slow Cooker Setup

Nestle the roasted meat into the slow cooker, surrounding it with a colorful medley of carrots, potatoes, garlic, and onions for a rustic, comforting meal.

  • Liquid Love

Whip up a delectable braising liquid by combining beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and tapioca pearls, then lovingly pour over the meat and vegetables.

  • Slow and Tender

Let the slow cooker work its magic for 8-10 hours, transforming the tough meat into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that falls apart at the touch of a fork.

  • Gravy Finishing Touch

Whisk together a quick cornstarch slurry to give the cooking liquid a luxurious, velvety consistency that will make everyone’s mouth water.

  • Serving Spectacular

Slice or shred the incredibly tender roast, arranging it with its vegetable companions and drizzling with the rich, glossy gravy for a show-stopping meal that speaks comfort and love.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
  • Flavor Boosting Tricks: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar to the broth for deeper, richer taste complexity.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, then start the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless dinner.
  • Veggie Swap Possibilities: Replace baby carrots with parsnips, sweet potatoes, or rutabaga for unique flavor profiles and nutritional variety.
  • Wine Wisdom: If avoiding red wine, substitute with additional beef broth, grape juice, or non-alcoholic red wine to maintain moisture and depth of flavor.
  • Meat Alternative Journey: Try this recipe with beef chuck roast, pork shoulder, or beef brisket for different protein experiences while keeping similar cooking techniques.

Serving Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy

Serving Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
  • Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this pot roast as the star of your evening meal, gathering loved ones around the table to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors together.
  • Rustic Platter Presentation: Arrange the sliced roast and colorful vegetables on a large wooden board, allowing everyone to serve themselves family-style with warm, crusty bread on the side.
  • Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform remaining pot roast into delicious sandwiches, shepherd's pie, or beef hash the next day, stretching your meal's versatility and maximizing flavor.
  • Weekend Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with a bold red wine or craft beer, creating a relaxed dining experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Leftover Planning for Pot Roast with Gravy

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pot roast in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Keep portions separate from gravy to maintain meat's optimal texture and prevent soggy edges.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Transfer cooled roast into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Flat storage maximizes space and ensures faster, more even defrosting. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated roast in microwave or oven with splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Low and slow heating prevents meat from becoming tough or dried out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
  • Meal Prep Wizardry: Slice or shred meat before storing for quick weeknight meals. Create delicious sandwiches, shepherd's pie, or taco fillings from leftover roast. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days, ensuring versatile dining options.
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Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Rich, hearty slow cooker pot roast with gravy promises comfort in each tender bite. Slow-simmered beef melds with robust herbs, creating a classic meal you’ll savor with deep satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chuck roast
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 16 oz (454 g) gold potatoes (halved or quartered if large)
  • 8 oz (226 g) baby carrots
  • ½ sweet yellow onion (sliced)
  • ½ cup red wine (optional; can substitute with additional beef broth)
  • 2 tbsps tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp herb and garlic seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup tapioca pearls (for thickening)
  • ¼ cup cornstarch (for slurry)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning: Thoroughly massage chuck roast with herb and garlic seasoning, ensuring deep flavor penetration throughout the meat.
  2. Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, meticulously browning each side of the roast for 4-5 minutes to develop rich caramelization and complex flavor profiles.
  3. Layering: Strategically place seared roast in slow cooker, surrounding with baby carrots, potatoes, minced garlic, and sliced onions to create a robust flavor foundation.
  4. Liquid Preparation: Whisk together beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and tapioca pearls, gently pouring the mixture over meat and vegetables to establish a savory cooking environment.
  5. Slow Cooking: Cover and simmer on low heat for 8-10 hours, transforming the meat into a tender centerpiece while infusing vegetables with rich, meaty essence.
  6. Gravy Finishing: Blend cornstarch with water to create a slurry, stirring into cooking liquid during the final 30 minutes to develop a luxurious, velvety gravy consistency.
  7. Serving: Carefully slice roast, plate with caramelized vegetables, and drizzle with glossy gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley to add vibrant color and herbal brightness.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Tip: Choose a well-marbled chuck roast with good fat content to ensure tenderness and rich flavor during slow cooking.
  • Searing Secret: Never skip the browning step, as it develops a complex flavor foundation and locks in delicious caramelized notes that transform the entire dish.
  • Slow Cooker Magic: Low and slow cooking breaks down tough muscle fibers, guaranteeing a melt-in-your-mouth texture that turns inexpensive cuts into gourmet meals.
  • Gravy Perfection: Whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that elevates the entire pot roast experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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