There’s something truly comforting about a classic beef pot roast simmered low and slow with a medley of fresh vegetables. This slow cooker recipe takes the guesswork out of making a tender, juicy roast that falls apart at the touch of a fork.
The magic lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the beef to absorb all the rich flavors from the broth, herbs, and vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe promises a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to make a delicious, flavorful beef pot roast in your slow cooker, paired perfectly with carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions. Let’s dive in and get that slow cooker working its magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker beef pot roast is the epitome of comfort food—simple, flavorful, and effortlessly tender. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
- Hands-off cooking: Just prep your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and come back to a ready-to-eat meal.
- Flavor-packed: The slow cooking process melds the herbs, spices, and veggies into a rich, savory broth that infuses the beef perfectly.
- Nutritious and balanced: Incorporates a variety of fresh vegetables, adding fiber, vitamins, and texture to your meal.
- Perfectly tender beef: Cooking low and slow breaks down tough connective tissue, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- Versatile: Great for casual family dinners, meal prepping, or even entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute extra broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Large skillet or frying pan (for searing the beef)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or slotted spoon (for handling meat and vegetables)
- Mixing bowl (optional, for combining spices)
Instructions
- Prep the roast: Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When hot, add the roast and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the final dish.
- Prepare vegetables: While the beef is searing, peel and cut the carrots and potatoes into large chunks. Chop celery and slice the onion.
- Layer vegetables in the slow cooker: In the slow cooker, spread carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion evenly across the bottom. Mince the garlic and sprinkle it over the veggies.
- Add the roast on top: Place the seared beef roast on top of the vegetables.
- Make the cooking liquid: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour over roast and veggies: Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaf.
- Cook on low: Cover and cook on the low setting for 8-10 hours (or on high for 4-6 hours) until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Rest and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Carefully transfer the roast to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Use a slotted spoon to remove the vegetables to a serving platter.
- Optional gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, pour the remaining liquid into a saucepan and simmer on medium heat. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk into the simmering liquid until thickened.
- Garnish and enjoy: Slice the roast against the grain, serve with the vegetables and drizzle with gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, don’t skip searing the beef. It adds a beautiful crust and enhances the richness of the pot roast.”
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or pearl onions for extra flavor and variety.
- Herb variations: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can be used instead of dried for a brighter taste.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a subtle kick.
- Slow cooker liner: Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze, especially after cooking a hearty roast.
- Leftovers: Use leftover pot roast to make sandwiches, tacos, or beef stew for a second meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 38 g |
Fat | 20 g |
Saturated Fat | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 550 mg |
Vitamin A | 2500 IU |
Vitamin C | 15 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This beef pot roast is a meal in itself, but here are some ideas to elevate your dinner experience:
- Serve with warm, crusty bread or soft gluten free vegan bread to soak up the savory juices.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed green beans for a lighter side.
- For a twist, add a dollop of horseradish sauce or grainy mustard on the side for dipping.
- Leftovers can be shredded and used in hearty sandwiches or wraps.
Conclusion
Making a beef pot roast in your slow cooker is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy a home-cooked meal packed with flavor and nutrition. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you get a tender, juicy roast accompanied by perfectly cooked vegetables that absorb all the savory goodness of the broth.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe is designed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs or vegetables to make it your own, and remember that the slow cooker truly does the heavy lifting here. If you enjoyed this recipe and love easy, wholesome meals, check out our Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals for more slow cooker inspiration, or explore A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion to add variety to your dinner plans.
For spice lovers, our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend is a must-try complement to any meal.
📖 Recipe Card: Beef Pot Roast Slow Cooker Recipe with Vegetables
Description: A tender and flavorful beef pot roast cooked slowly with hearty vegetables. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H20M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Season beef roast with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the roast on all sides.
- Place roast in slow cooker.
- Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic around the roast.
- Mix beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary; pour over roast and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until meat is tender.
- Remove roast and vegetables; let rest before slicing.
- Serve warm with vegetables and sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 | Protein: 40g | Fat: 25g | Carbs: 20g
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