Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This classic, easy slow cooker pot roast is prepped in only 15 minutes, cooks everything in the slow cooker, and makes a hearty dinner to feed a crowd. The result is an impressive meal that takes very little time in the kitchen!

About This Recipe

This recipe is an easy way to cook pot roast and your slow cooker does all the work! You’ll simply add everything to your crockpot and set-it-and-forget-it for dinner.

It’s a traditional pot roast with some added flavor from a generous amount of Worcestershire sauce and fresh (or dried) thyme. The combination of classic meat and vegetables plus tasty seasonings is what makes this roast mouthwateringly good every time. 

A Beginner-Friendly Recipe

If this is your first time cooking a pot roast, using a slow cooker is a straightforward, fool-proof way to do it. This recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or special occasions: it’s easy and quick to prepare yet always tastes impressive. 

For more easy, hearty dinner ideas check out our Chicken Pot Pie Soup and Easy Lasagna Soup.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Pot Roast 

Step 1: Season The Roast 

Use paper towels to dab the roast dry. Sprinkle all sides with salt and pepper. 

Step 2: Sear The Roast 

In a large skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, sear the roast for 4 - 5 minutes on each side, until well-browned. Add the beef to the bottom of the slow cooker. (Recommended slow cooker size: 6 or 7 quart.)

Step 3: Add Vegetables 

Add the carrots, potatoes and onion around and on top of the roast in the slow cooker. 

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients 

Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Depending on the size of your slow cooker you may want to add ½ - 1 cup more of broth (or water) so that the beef and vegetables are almost completely covered in liquid. 

Step 5: Cook 

Cover and cook on low for 8 - 9 hours or high for 5 - 6 hours. The roast and vegetables should be cooked through. 

Step 6: Serve 

Remove the beef from the slow cooker. Shred the beef and discard any fat. Discard the bay leaf and serve the vegetables alongside the beef. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Once your roast is cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks (or a fork and a knife) to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Add to a serving platter or plates. 

Remove the vegetables from the slow cooker, discard the bay leaf, and add vegetables alongside the beef. Season the beef and vegetables with additional salt and pepper to taste. 

Optionally, you can also spoon the broth from the slow cooker over the beef prior to serving or make a gravy (see below). 

How to Make Gravy for Pot Roast

To make a gravy for your pot roast, measure 2 cups of liquid from your slow cooker and strain with a fine mesh strainer. Add the liquid to a small saucepan over medium high heat and bring to a simmer. 

Separately, mix together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan and stir constantly for about 1 minute, until thickened. Pour the gravy over the roast before serving or once plated. 

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