Easy Slow Cooker Roast

Ingredients:

◾️Kosher salt

◾️Freshly ground black pepper

◾️3-pound chuck roast

◾️2 tablespoons olive oil

◾️1–2 onions, peeled and sliced

◾️4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

◾️2 cups beef broth

◾️½ cup dry red wine (optional)

◾️2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

◾️1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

◾️1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

◾️2 bay leaves

◾️4 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces

◾️2 pounds baby yellow potatoes

◾️2 tablespoons cornstarch

◾️¼ cup water

Instructions:

🔹️1. Season the meat: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chuck roast.

🔹️2. Sear the roast: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on both sides until browned. Then transfer it to your slow cooker.

🔹️3. Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until browned. Lower the heat, add the chopped garlic, and stir for 1 minute. Add this mixture to the slow cooker.

🔹️4. Add the liquids and herbs: Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.

🔹️5. Slow cook – part 1: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.

🔹️6. Add vegetables: After 2 hours, add the carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker.

🔹️7. Slow cook – part 2: Continue cooking on high for another 2 to 3 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.

🔹️8. Remove and rest: Take out the roast and vegetables, place them on a cutting board, and cover loosely with foil.

🔹️9. Make the gravy: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with water. Slowly pour the mixture into the slow cooker juices. Cover and cook on high for 10 minutes, until thickened.

🔹️10. Slice and serve: Slice the roast against the grain and serve with the vegetables and gravy.

👉Tips:

◾️1. Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip searing the roast before slow cooking—it locks in flavor and adds a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the final dish.

◾️2. Cut Veggies Evenly: Make sure your carrots and potatoes are cut into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly and don’t turn mushy.

◾️3. Use Fresh Herbs if Possible: Fresh rosemary and thyme bring out deeper flavor than dried herbs. If you only have dried, reduce the amount to about one-third.

👉Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Roast is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy days. With tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, homemade gravy, it’s a dish that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen—even though the slow cooker did most of the work. Serve it with warm bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.