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Crock Pot Chuck Roast (Tender, Juicy, and Comforting)
There are few meals as comforting and satisfying as a perfectly cooked Crock Pot Chuck Roast. Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender, this classic dish delivers rich flavor, hearty vegetables, and a savory gravy that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did.
Chuck roast is the ideal cut for slow cooking. Its marbling breaks down over time, transforming tough connective tissue into succulent, fork-tender beef. When paired with simple vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, it becomes a complete, soul-warming meal that requires minimal effort.
This crock pot chuck roast recipe is designed for busy days. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, your slow cooker does the rest, filling your home with irresistible aromas and rewarding you with a cozy, satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chuck Roast
This recipe is a true set-it-and-forget-it classic. There’s no babysitting, no complicated steps, and no fancy ingredients—just honest, hearty comfort food.
The slow cooker locks in moisture while allowing flavors to deepen gradually. The result is beef that practically falls apart at the touch of a fork, vegetables infused with savory juices, and a rich, velvety gravy perfect for spooning over everything.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it as-is, shred it for sandwiches, or repurpose leftovers into tacos, bowls, or beef pot pie.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb chuck roast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups baby potatoes
- 3 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Season the chuck roast evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the roast on all sides until browned.
- Place sliced onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Set the chuck roast on top of the vegetables.
- Whisk beef broth and tomato paste together and pour over the roast.
- Sprinkle thyme and rosemary over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until fork-tender.
- Remove roast and vegetables. If desired, thicken gravy by whisking cornstarch slurry into the liquid and cooking on HIGH for 10 minutes.
- Slice or shred the roast and serve with vegetables and gravy.
Crock Pot Chuck Roast
A tender, slow-cooked chuck roast with potatoes, carrots, and rich gravy.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season and optionally sear the chuck roast.
- Layer vegetables in crock pot and place roast on top.
- Add broth mixture and cook until fork-tender.
- Thicken gravy if desired and serve.
Notes
Best cooked on LOW for maximum tenderness.
Pro Tips for the Best Chuck Roast
- Cook low and slow for the most tender results.
- Searing adds flavor, but it’s optional if you’re short on time.
- Don’t skip seasoning—chuck roast needs salt to shine.
- Let it rest briefly before slicing to retain juices.
Flavorful Variations
- French Onion Style: Add onion soup mix and extra onions.
- Garlic Herb Roast: Increase garlic and add fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Mississippi-Style: Add pepperoncini and ranch seasoning (no tomato paste).
- Red Wine Version: Replace ½ cup broth with red wine.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Chuck Roast
This roast is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles. A simple green salad adds freshness and balance.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
Why Chuck Roast Is Perfect for Slow Cooking
Chuck roast comes from a hardworking muscle, which means it has plenty of connective tissue. Slow cooking breaks that tissue down into gelatin, creating ultra-tender beef and a naturally rich sauce.