Slow Cooker Classic Pot Roast

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This pot roast will make your house smell amazing!

slow cooker classic pot roast

Been on the hunt for a no-nonsense pot roast recipe for your slow cooker? You’ve come to the right spot. This Slow Cooker Pot Roast makes for an easy recipe and delicious comfort food with so much flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe is the best way to get a perfect roast and easy dinner on those busy weeknights.

Why Slow Cooker Pot Roast is Your New Favorite Recipe

First off, why choose this pot roast over the countless other recipes out there? Well, here’s the breakdown:

  • Easy to Follow: You don’t need a culinary degree to master this. You can make this recipe perfect the first time.
  • Wholesome Goodness: Combining lean beef with hearty veggies? It’s a well-rounded meal that screams “home-cooked.”
  • A Flavor Fiesta: Without being overly complicated, this recipe ensures a pot roast bursting with taste.

Nutritious Ingredients

Simple recipes are often underrated but many times the result is absolutely amazing! This slow cooker pot roast is so easy yet so satisfying. Requiring only a dozen simple, nutritious ingredients, this meal is as hearty as it is healthy. Let’s take a look at some if the major ingredients.

  • Beef Cut: Find a good quality piece that’s meant for long, slow cooking.
  • Veggies Galore: We’re talking about the classics: russet potatoes, carrots, and onions.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and for an aromatic twist, bay leaves or rosemary.
  • Liquids: A good beef broth or vegetable broth is the key. It’s the base that binds all flavors together for a delicious roast.

Steps to Pot Roast Perfection

Follow these four easy steps and before you know it, you’ll be digging into this comforting meal!

  1. Season Up: Begin by seasoning your beef generously. Don’t skimp; this is where a lot of the flavor starts.
  2. Layer it On: In your slow cooker, place the beef at the bottom of the pan, surrounded by the veggies.
  3. Broth Time: Pour your chosen broth over, ensuring the meat and veggies are well-covered.
  4. Wait it Out: Now, set your cooker to low and let it work its magic. A solid 8 hour cook time on low temperature should do the trick for the perfect pot roast.

Pot Roast: It’s Not Just For Dinner

You know what’s even better than enjoying this pot roast for dinner? One of the best things about this best pot roast recipe is enjoying the leftovers the next day. The flavors get a chance to cozy up and mingle overnight, making day two’s meal even more delightful. Always consider making a bit extra – future you will be grateful after a long day.

Here’s Some Pot Roast Wisdom

We cook pot roast all the time! Here are some tips you may find helpful!

  • Choosing the Beef: A boneless chuck roast is a crowd-pleaser. Its good marbling translates to flavor and tenderness after slow cooking.
  • Vegetables: If you’re particular about texture and want your veggies a tad crisp, toss them in halfway through the cooking time.
  • For the Adventurous: Some folks enjoy adding a touch of red wine or even some sun-dried tomatoes. Feel free to tweak and experiment.

Pot Roast FAQs

  1. Do you have to brown the roast before putting it in a slow cooker?Nope! While some folks swear by searing the meat to lock in flavor, this recipe keeps it simple and skips that step. But if you’re someone who loves that extra depth of flavor from browning, feel free to sear it in a hot pan for a couple of minutes on each side before slow cooking.
  2. How long does it take to cook a roast in the crockpot?For the best results, aim for 8 hours on low. This allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
  3. Do you have to put water in a slow cooker for a roast?Not necessarily. Instead of water, this recipe uses broth to envelop the roast and veggies, ensuring a flavorful outcome.
  4. Is it better to cook a roast in a crockpot on high or low?Low and slow is the mantra. Cooking on low for an extended period ensures the meat is tender and flavors meld beautifully. However, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 4-5 hours, but the meat might not be as tender.

Freezing, Storing, and Reheating Tips

  • Freezing: After cooking and letting the pot roast cool down, transfer it to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container with the date to keep track!
  • Storing: Pot roast tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating:Thaw the frozen pot roast overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you can use a microwave, but for best results, simmer it on low heat on the stove until warmed through. If it’s a bit thick, you can add a splash of broth or water to thin it out a bit.

More Classic Dinner Ideas

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Slow Cookers are the best, aren’t they? We think so. That’s why we have plenty of slow cooker recipes for you to enjoy.

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Slow Cooker Classic Pot Roast

The classic pot roast is a hearty meal the whole family can enjoy any time of the year!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Yield 8 people
Serving Size 1 cup
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Author SkinnyMs.

Ingredients

  • 3 carrots large, peeled and sliced or 2 cups baby carrots
  • 2 red potatoes medium, sliced into wedges or 8 small red potatoes
  • 1 onion medium, sliced thin
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 pounds boneless chuck roast or tenderloin for an extra lean cut
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cups beef broth fat-free low sodium
  • kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch, optional
  • 2 tablespoons water optional

Instructions

  • Add carrots, potatoes, onion, bay leaves, roast, garlic, vinegar and broth to slow cooker, in that order. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or until internal temperature of roast has reached 145 degrees and vegetables are tender. If using a Set 'n Forget slow cooker, set the internal temperature of the roast to reach 145 degrees.
  • For a thicker gravy, combine cornstarch and water, pour into slow cooker the last 15 minutes of cooking time, for a thicker sauce.

Notes

Total fat will vary based on the meat you choose.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 239mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 12
Keywords Low-Carb, Slow Cooker

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10 Comments

  1. This is one of my husband's favorite meals.  It is so easy to make and saves you a lot of time at dinner time.

  2. I have a very long work day and being able to slow cook a traditional meal like this gives my husband and I a chance to have a real family dinnertime. Looking forward to cooking it for the grandkids in the future!!

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