Weeknight Wonder Pot Roast
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
40
minutesTotal time
0
minutesIngredients
2 lbs Chuck roast
4 Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4 Potatoes: medium Yukon Gold or red, quartered
1 Onion, large and quartered
4 cloves Garlic
1 ¼–1 ½ cups Beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Soy sauce
1 tbsp Tomato past
Salt to taste
1 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 – 2 Bay leaves
Butter: 2 tbsp optional, for richness
Cornstarch optional: 1 tbsp (plus 2 tbsp water, for thickening the gravy)
Optional Addition:
Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base: 1 tbsp
Directions
- Layer the crockpot by adding the carrots, potatoes, and onions to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the chuck roast evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Place it on top of the vegetables.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), and tomato paste. If using Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base, add it here and mix until fully dissolved.
- Taste the sauce. Adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic over the roast and veggies. Add the bay leaves. If using butter, place it on top of the roast.
- Cover and set the crockpot to low for 8–10 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
- After 8 hours on low or 5 hours on high, the roast should be fork-tender and the vegetables soft.
- Optional Sauce Thickening (Last 30 Minutes):
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove 1 cup of liquid from the crockpot. Mix it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Simmer this mixture on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes until thickened, then return it to the crockpot.
- Serve:
- Shred the roast with forks if desired. Serve with the potatoes, carrots, and gravy spooned over the top.
Equipment
Slow CookerHamilton Beach Slow Cooker
Camille’s Notes
- The Sauce is Key: Taking a few extra minutes to mix and taste the sauce before adding it to the crockpot ensures balanced, rich flavors. This small step is worth it!
- No-Sear Success: Skipping the sear saves time and still delivers a delicious pot roast.
- Cornstarch Option: If you like a thicker gravy, the optional cornstarch slurry will take the sauce to the next level.
- Bouillon Bonus: Adding the Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic (or any bouillon flavor of your choice) Base adds depth to the gravy, but it’s completely optional
- Crockpot Liners: If you’re a busy mom like me, crockpot liners are a lifesaver for quick and easy cleanup.