There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of a tender beef roast slowly simmering in your crock pot. Using vegetable broth instead of traditional beef stock adds a subtle depth of flavor and keeps the dish lighter without sacrificing richness.
This beef roast recipe with vegetable broth crock pot is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you want a hearty meal waiting for you without constant attention. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker enthusiast or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
The magic lies in the combination of fresh herbs, wholesome vegetables, and the slow-cooking method that turns even tougher cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Plus, using vegetable broth adds a gentle sweetness and a subtle umami flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
This recipe will quickly become a go-to for family dinners or special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crock pot beef roast recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Effortless preparation: Simply season, add ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Rich flavor without heaviness: Vegetable broth enhances the natural beef flavor without overwhelming it.
- One-pot meal: Meat and vegetables cook together, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfectly tender beef: Low and slow cooking breaks down connective tissue for a juicy, fork-tender roast.
- Versatile and customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies, herbs, or spices.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Crock pot (slow cooker), 6-quart or larger recommended
- Large skillet for searing the beef
- Sharp knife for prepping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional, for tossing veggies with seasoning)
Instructions
- Prep the beef: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary on all sides.
- Sear the roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef roast and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until a rich brown crust forms. This step locks in flavor and enhances the final dish.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the roast sears, chop carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Optionally, toss vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Layer in the crock pot: Place the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic at the bottom of the crock pot. Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce over the veggies.
- Add the beef roast: Set the seared roast on top of the vegetable layer in the crock pot.
- Pour in the broth: Slowly pour 2 cups of vegetable broth around the roast, ensuring not to wash off the seasoning from the meat.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
- Rest and serve: Once done, carefully remove the roast and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Stir the vegetables gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the roast and vegetables for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Tips & Variations
Always sear your roast before slow cooking—it adds incredible depth and caramelization!
- Vegetable swaps: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add parsnips and turnips for different flavors.
- Herb options: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can be used instead of dried for a brighter taste.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth for a subtle kick.
- Thicken the gravy: To make a thicker sauce, remove the roast and veggies, then stir 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water into the broth and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes.
- Meal prep friendly: This roast is perfect for leftovers—use the shredded beef in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty beef roast pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the flavorful broth.
A crisp green salad or steamed green beans add a refreshing contrast to the rich meat and vegetables.
For a complete meal, consider adding a crusty bread roll to mop up the delicious juices. If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the roast with roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple quinoa salad.
Want more comforting meal ideas? Check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals, or explore Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for budget-friendly dinner ideas.
And if you’re interested in warming soups, don’t miss the 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious.
Conclusion
This beef roast recipe with vegetable broth crock pot is the perfect example of how slow cooking can transform simple ingredients into a comforting, flavorful meal. The use of vegetable broth adds a delicate, savory base that enhances the natural richness of the beef without overpowering it.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe offers an easy, hands-off approach to a classic roast that’s tender, juicy, and packed with wholesome vegetables.
With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this dish is ideal for anyone seeking a satisfying home-cooked meal. Plus, the leftovers are fantastic for next-day lunches or dinners.
Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming a staple in your slow cooker recipe collection!
📖 Recipe Card: Beef Roast Recipe with Vegetable Broth Crock Pot
Description: A tender and flavorful beef roast slow-cooked in vegetable broth with aromatic vegetables. Perfect for an easy, hearty meal with minimal prep.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb beef chuck roast
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Season beef roast with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the roast on all sides.
- Place carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the crock pot.
- Place browned roast on top of vegetables.
- Mix vegetable broth and tomato paste, then pour over roast.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Remove roast and vegetables; thicken broth with flour if desired.
- Slice roast and serve with vegetables and broth.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 10g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Beef Roast Recipe with Vegetable Broth Crock Pot”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A tender and flavorful beef roast slow-cooked in vegetable broth with aromatic vegetables. Perfect for an easy, hearty meal with minimal prep.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT8H”, “totalTime”: “PT8H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 lb beef chuck roast”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks”, “3 celery stalks, chopped”, “1 large onion, sliced”, “4 garlic cloves, minced”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1 tsp dried thyme”, “1 tsp dried rosemary”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tbsp tomato paste”, “2 tbsp all-purpose flour”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season beef roast with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the roast on all sides.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the crock pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place browned roast on top of vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix vegetable broth and tomato paste, then pour over roast.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove roast and vegetables; thicken broth with flour if desired.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slice roast and serve with vegetables and broth.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350”, “proteinContent”: “35g”, “fatContent”: “18g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10g”}}