Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Featured in: Global Comfort Food

This dish features a juicy beef chuck roast slowly cooked to tender perfection alongside aromatic vegetables and herbs. The pot roast is rich with earthy flavors enhanced by tomato paste, Worcestershire, and fresh seasonings. Served with buttery, creamy mashed potatoes made from Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, this comforting meal balances tender meat and smooth sides. Ideal for a hands-off cooking experience, the slow cooker melds flavors over hours for a satisfying, homey dinner.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:56:00 GMT
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes served with rich gravy and fresh herbs.  Save
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes served with rich gravy and fresh herbs. | forkina.com

A classic comforting dish featuring tender beef pot roast slow-cooked with vegetables and rich gravy served alongside creamy mashed potatoes.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years offering warmth and satisfaction every time it’s served.

Ingredients

  • Beef chuck roast: 3 lbs (1.4 kg)
  • Kosher salt: 1 tbsp
  • Black pepper: 1 tsp
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Large onion: sliced
  • Garlic cloves: 4 minced
  • Large carrots: 4 peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
  • Celery stalks: 3 cut into 2 inch pieces
  • Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml) gluten free if needed
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp gluten free if needed
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp
  • Dried rosemary: 1 tsp
  • Bay leaves: 2
  • Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g) peeled and cut into chunks
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
  • Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml) plus more as needed
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Chopped fresh parsley: optional garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season all sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned about 3 4 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 3:
Add onion garlic carrots and celery around the roast in the slow cooker.
Step 4:
In a bowl whisk together beef broth tomato paste Worcestershire sauce thyme rosemary and bay leaves. Pour over the roast and vegetables.
Step 5:
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 6:
About 40 minutes before serving prepare the mashed potatoes Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water Add 1 tsp salt Bring to a boil reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender 15 20 minutes Drain well and return potatoes to the pot Add butter and milk mash until smooth and creamy Season with salt and pepper to taste Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
Step 7:
Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes Discard bay leaves Shred or slice the beef.
Step 8:
Serve pot roast and vegetables over a bed of mashed potatoes Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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Sharing this pot roast has created memorable family dinners reminding us of cozy weekends together.

Required Tools

Slow cooker 6 quart or larger large skillet chefs knife cutting board large pot potato masher or ricer measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains dairy butter milk Worcestershire sauce may contain fish gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and sauce Always verify labels for allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 520 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 44 g per serving

Tender beef slow-cooked in a savory sauce, paired with creamy mashed potatoes.  Pin it
Tender beef slow-cooked in a savory sauce, paired with creamy mashed potatoes. | forkina.com

This slow cooker pot roast is the ultimate comfort food perfect for easy weekend meals and special occasions alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure the beef is tender?

Slow cooking the beef chuck roast on low heat for about 8 hours breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Can I substitute ingredients for the vegetables?

Yes, carrots, celery, and onions provide aromatic depth, but you can add parsnips or turnips for different flavors and textures.

What is the best way to prepare mashed potatoes?

Boil peeled potatoes until very tender, then mash with butter and whole milk until creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

How can I thicken the gravy from the cooking liquid?

Remove half a cup of cooking liquid and whisk it with cornstarch, then stir back into the slow cooker and cook on high for 10 minutes to thicken.

Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, by using gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, the dish can be made gluten-free.

What wine pairs well with this meal?

A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors of the slow-cooked beef and creamy potatoes.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Hearty slow-cooked beef served with savory vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
480 Minutes
Total Time
500 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 servings

Dietary: None specified

Ingredients

Pot Roast

01 3 lb beef chuck roast
02 1 tbsp kosher salt
03 1 tsp black pepper
04 2 tbsp olive oil
05 1 large onion, sliced
06 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
08 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
09 2 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
10 2 tbsp tomato paste
11 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
12 1 tsp dried thyme
13 1 tsp dried rosemary
14 2 bay leaves

Mashed Potatoes

01 2 lb Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
02 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 ½ cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
04 1 tsp salt
05 ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish

01 Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 01

Season the Roast: Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season all sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.

Step 03

Add Vegetables: Arrange sliced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery around the roast in the slow cooker.

Step 04

Prepare Cooking Liquid: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour over roast and vegetables.

Step 05

Slow Cook the Roast: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.

Step 06

Cook the Potatoes: About 40 minutes before serving, place peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot. Cover with cold water and add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until very tender.

Step 07

Mash the Potatoes: Drain potatoes well and return to pot. Add unsalted butter and whole milk; mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper and add more milk if needed for desired consistency.

Step 08

Rest and Slice Roast: Remove roast from slow cooker and let rest 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Shred or slice the beef.

Step 09

Assemble and Serve: Serve pot roast and vegetables over mashed potatoes. Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker (minimum 6-quart)
  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from butter and milk.
  • Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies (fish).
  • Optionally gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 44 g