boneless bottom round roast slow cooker recipes no vegatables Boneless Bottom Round Roast Slow Cooker Recipes No Vegetables

Updated On: October 8, 2025

If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to prepare a boneless bottom round roast using your slow cooker, you’ve come to the right place. This cut of beef, known for its lean texture and budget-friendly price, can sometimes be tricky to cook without drying out.

But with the right slow cooker technique and seasoning, you’ll achieve a juicy, tender roast that melts in your mouth—all without the need for any vegetables. Perfect for meat lovers who prefer their roasts straightforward and hearty, this recipe focuses purely on the rich, savory taste of the beef enhanced with classic seasonings and a slow, gentle cook.

Whether you’re preparing a comforting family dinner or a weekend meal that requires minimal hands-on time, this slow cooker boneless bottom round roast recipe is a winner. It’s simple, fuss-free, and yields consistently delicious results.

Plus, no vegetables mean you can easily pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or bread. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering roast the star of your next meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal without the hassle of chopping vegetables or prepping multiple ingredients. The slow cooking process tenderizes the bottom round roast beautifully, turning a typically tougher cut into a flavorful, juicy dish.

Because it’s vegetable-free, it’s ideal for people who prefer their roast served plainly or want to customize their sides separately. The seasoning is simple yet effective, highlighting the natural beef flavor with hints of garlic, herbs, and spices.

Additionally, this recipe is budget-friendly and requires minimal prep time, making it accessible for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking. It also allows for easy customization if you want to experiment with different spice blends or cooking liquids.

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 pounds boneless bottom round roast
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for gravy)

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (Crock-Pot), 6-quart or larger
  • Large skillet or frying pan for searing
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
  • Small bowl for mixing cornstarch slurry (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the roast: Pat the boneless bottom round roast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear.
  2. Season the meat: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this seasoning mix evenly all over the roast, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Sear the roast: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the roast and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it develops a rich, brown crust. Use tongs to turn carefully.
  4. Transfer to slow cooker: Place the seared roast into your slow cooker insert.
  5. Add liquids: Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce around the roast in the slow cooker. This will keep the meat moist and add depth to the flavor.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model and the thickness of the roast.
  7. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium doneness, aim for 135°F to 140°F before resting. The roast will continue to cook slightly after removal.
  8. Remove and rest: Carefully lift the roast out and place it on a cutting board. Tent with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Optional gravy: Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. If desired, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
  10. Slice and serve: Slice the roast thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with the gravy on top or on the side.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, don’t skip the searing step—it locks in the juices and adds a beautiful crust.”

  • Make it spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for a subtle heat.
  • Use different herbs: Swap rosemary and thyme for oregano or sage depending on your preference.
  • Slow cooker liner: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
  • Make it a meal: Though this recipe is vegetable-free, you can add cooked sides like mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread.
  • Leftovers: Thinly slice leftover roast and use in sandwiches or wraps for a quick, delicious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (4 oz cooked)
Calories 220
Protein 35 g
Total Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 95 mg
Sodium 450 mg
Carbohydrates 1 g
Fiber 0 g
Sugar 0 g

Serving Suggestions

This boneless bottom round roast pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, especially those that complement its rich, meaty flavor without overpowering it. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for classic comfort food vibes.

For something lighter, a simple garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect to soak up the delicious juices and optional gravy. You can also add a warm grain like rice pilaf or quinoa for a more filling meal.

If you want to explore vegetable sides separately, check out some of our vegetarian recipes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or try a spice twist with our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to add a flavorful kick to your side dishes.

More Slow Cooker Boneless Bottom Round Roast Recipes

Classic Garlic and Herb Bottom Round Roast

Season your roast with fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then slow cook with beef broth and a splash of red wine for a timeless, flavorful dish. The herbs infuse the meat as it cooks, leaving you with a tender, aromatic roast perfect for any occasion.

Slow Cooker Bottom Round Roast with Au Jus

Cook the roast in a mixture of beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich au jus. Serve the roast sliced thin and spoon the au jus over for a luscious, diner-style meal.

This recipe is fantastic for sandwich lovers!

Spicy Bottom Round Roast with Mustard Glaze

Rub the roast with a blend of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili flakes before slow cooking. This spicy mustard glaze adds a tangy heat that complements the beef beautifully, offering a bold flavor profile without any vegetables involved.

Bottom Round Roast with Balsamic Reduction

Slow cook the roast with balsamic vinegar, garlic, and a touch of honey. The balsamic reduction creates a slightly sweet, tangy glaze that enhances the meat’s natural flavors.

This recipe is elegant yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.

For more ideas on hearty slow cooker meals, you might enjoy exploring our Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals and Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals, which provide plenty of inspiration for your next dinner.

Conclusion

Preparing a boneless bottom round roast in the slow cooker without vegetables is a straightforward and rewarding experience. With simple seasoning and a long, slow cook, this lean cut transforms into a tender, juicy centerpiece that’s perfect for any meat lover.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize seasoning and sides to suit your palate and occasion.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this roast recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic cut of beef with minimal effort. Plus, with the optional gravy and serving suggestions, you can easily elevate your meal to special occasion status or keep it casual for a comforting family dinner.

Don’t forget to explore other recipe ideas on our site for more culinary inspiration!

📖 Recipe Card: Boneless Bottom Round Roast Slow Cooker

Description: A simple and tender slow-cooked boneless bottom round roast without vegetables. Perfect for a hearty meal with rich, savory flavors.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H15M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs boneless bottom round roast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Season roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear roast on all sides until browned.
  3. Place roast in slow cooker and pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over it.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
  5. Remove roast and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  6. Mix cornstarch and water to make slurry, stir into slow cooker juices and cook on high until thickened.
  7. Serve sliced roast with the thickened sauce.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 45g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 3g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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