Name: Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491723H49M37S
Total time: 9 h
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 3–4 lb chuck roast 1; .5 lb baby potatoes 1 lb carrots, peeled or baby carrots 1 large onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced; .5 cups beef broth (low sodium) 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 bay leaf Salt, to taste Black pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Craving a cozy, no-fuss dinner that fills your home with the most comforting aroma? This Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy is the answer. It’s the kind of meal that welcomes you at the door with savory warmth and rich, meaty promise. Perfect for Sundays, holidays, or just a well-deserved midweek treat, this dish brings everyone to the table.

What makes this roast truly unforgettable is how effortlessly the beef transforms in the slow cooker. It becomes so tender it practically shreds itself, soaking up every drop of flavorful gravy. Paired with hearty vegetables like baby potatoes and sweet carrots, it creates a full meal that cooks together in harmony. Fewer dishes, more satisfaction.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To master this Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy, having the right tools makes all the difference:

Slow Cooker: The star of the show. It ensures low and slow cooking for melt-in-your-mouth beef and rich flavor development.
Large Skillet: Ideal for searing the roast before it enters the slow cooker. This step locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor.
Tongs: Useful for handling the roast safely during searing and transferring it.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For prepping carrots, potatoes, and aromatics like onion and garlic.
Ladle or Slotted Spoon: Helps when serving the roast and scooping up the gravy.
Small Whisk: Useful if you choose to thicken the gravy later with a cornstarch slurry.

Using these tools ensures you extract maximum flavor and maintain ease throughout the process.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy

Chuck Roast: The centerpiece of the dish. Its marbling breaks down beautifully over slow cooking, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
Baby Potatoes: These hold their shape well and soak up the rich juices during cooking.
Carrots: Add sweetness and color. They’re a classic pairing with pot roast for good reason.
Onion: Essential for a deep aromatic base that enhances the beef flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Adds complexity and a subtle pungency that balances the rich meat.
Beef Broth: The liquid gold that becomes the flavorful gravy. Opt for low-sodium to control seasoning.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami and a hint of tanginess.
Tomato Paste: Thickens and deepens the sauce with a rich umami flavor.
Bay Leaf: Infuses the dish with subtle earthy undertones.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning at every layer.
Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the gravy if desired.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy

Step 1: Sear the Roast

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chuck roast dry, season generously with salt and pepper, and sear on all sides until deeply browned. This step enhances flavor and texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Place the seared roast into the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaf.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Arrange baby potatoes and carrots around the roast in the slow cooker. These will absorb all the delicious juices while cooking.

Step 4: Pour the Broth

Pour beef broth over the contents. Ensure the liquid reaches at least halfway up the roast. Cover with the lid.

Step 5: Let It Cook

Set the slow cooker to LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours. The meat should shred easily with a fork.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

If desired, remove 1/2 cup of cooking liquid and whisk in 1 tbsp of cornstarch. Return it to the cooker and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Shred the roast and stir gently to combine with the vegetables and gravy.

How to Serve and Store Your Pot Roast with Gravy

This dish shines as a complete, comforting dinner. Serve it straight from the slow cooker or plate the roast over mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the extra gravy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness.

For leftovers, allow everything to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the gravy if needed. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the roast is done?

You’ll know it’s ready when the beef pulls apart easily with a fork. If it’s still tough, it needs more time to cook.

Can I skip searing the roast?

Technically yes, but searing adds incredible depth of flavor. It’s a small step that pays off big in the final result.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can omit it or use a tablespoon of ketchup as a substitute. It helps build the base of the gravy but isn’t mandatory.

Do I need to peel the carrots or potatoes?

Not necessarily. Baby carrots and new potatoes can be used as is. Just wash them well.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, parsnips, or even celery can be great additions. Just make sure they can hold up to the long cook time.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water), stir it into the hot broth, and simmer until thickened.

Want More Slow Cooker Comfort Food Ideas?

If you’re drawn to the ease and depth of this pot roast, explore more cozy dishes that work just as well in the slow cooker:

The Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a family-favorite side dish, silky and cheesy.

You might also love the Hearty One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe, which uses simple ingredients but simmers into something magical.

Try the Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples as a sweet companion to savory dishes.

Or dive into the Wendy’s Chili Recipe for a filling bowl of beans and beef packed with spice.

And for a flavor-rich weeknight dinner, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe delivers big comfort in layers.

For more cozy creations and weekly favorites, explore my daily recipe boards on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Did you thicken the gravy? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bring it to the table.