Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (2024)

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This Crock Pot Pot Roast recipe is tender and flavorful. It takes only 3 minutes of prep time and then the slow cooker does the rest!

Pot Roast is one of our favorite Sunday dinners. We love to serve it with Mashed Potatoes and of course Gravy!

Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (1)

Best Sunday Dinner!

Sunday dinners are our favorite! It’s the one night each week that we are guaranteed a nice dinner with the entire family.

Because we have church, we often make crock pot meals, and one of our favorites is this Pot Roast recipe.

We love it because:

  • Dump and Go! Since it’s made in the slow cooker, you can prep the meal in minutes and let the crockpot do the work.
  • Few ingredients. Just a few items are needed to make this juicy, tender roast.
  • Versatile. We make this roast to eat on its own, but then we also use the meat for Empanadas, Tacos, Enchiladas, Flautas, Green Chile Burros and more.
Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (2)

Pot Roast INGREDIENTS

The best cut of beef? When cooking a roast in a slow cooker, look for a roast with a lot of marbling like Chuck roast, rump roast, and bottom round roast.

  • As the roast cooks, the marbling will break down and help create a fall-apart tender roast. Since this takes time I suggest cooking on LOW heat for 6-8 hours.

Along with the roast, you just need a few more ingredients:

  • Water
  • Seasonings: Brown gravy dry mix, Hidden Valley dry ranch mix, Italian dressing dry mix

NOTE: Since we make this beef pot roast often, I like to make this seasoning in bulk (usually 1 cup of each dry mix), and then I scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture to sprinkle over the top.

Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (3)

How to Make Pot Roast

  1. PREP. In a small bowl, mix brown gravy mix, ranch mix, and Italian dressing mix together.
  2. Place chuck roast in the slow cooker and pour water over the roast. Sprinkle dry mix all over the top.
  3. COOK. Cover with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 7–8 hours, or until meat is tender and easy to shred. Top with fresh herbs if desired.

PRO TIP

How to sear or brown a roast. It is not necessary to brown the roast before cooking it, but the caramelized meat will add an extra layer of flavor.

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Generously salt all sides of the roast.
  3. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Place the roast into the crock pot.
Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (4)

Adding Vegetables

Cooking vegetables with your classic pot roast recipe is as simple as adding them to the crock pot!

  1. Place your roast in the crock pot along with the veggies. Then, add your seasoning mix and water.
  2. Veggies. Typically the following vegetables are used: cut carrots, sliced yellow onion, whole or halved small red or white potatoes, and diced celery.
    • Some people like to add them to the bottom of the pot at the beginning so they become tender while other people like to add them later in the cooking time so they are firmer.
    • In either case, cut them all the same size so they cook at the same rate.

For more information, check out our Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots recipe.

Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (5)

Pot Roast Gravy from Drippings

To make gravy to pour on top, it’s super simple. All you need is the following ingredients:

  • roast drippings
  • milk
  • flour

Take about ⅓-½ cups of the drippings from the roast in the crock pot and add that to a small pot on the stove. Heat it up a bit, then add 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of milk. Keep adding a little milk and a little flour until it’s the consistency you like. Top off with a little salt and black pepper!

For more gravy tips see this Post Roat Gravy post

Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (6)

Recipe Tips

How to make fork-tender pot roast. The longer the roast has to cook in the crock pot, the more melt-in-your-mouth tender it will become. Here are a few more tips:

  • Do not let it overcook otherwise the exterior portions will begin to dry out.
  • Use the correct size crock pot and don’t overfill. The ingredients should take up between ½ to ⅔ of the crock pot.

Garnish with herbs like: fresh rosemary, fresh thyme or other favorites.

How much to make? When serving meat as a main dish plan 8 oz per person. If there are big appetites, or you want leftovers, then plan 12 oz of meat per person. I always err on making more, since we use leftovers all the time for other recipes.

Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (7)
Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (8)

serving Suggestions

Depending on how you originally flavored your pot roast, you can easily use leftovers to create an entirely new dish for dinner. Try out some of these ideas: Shredded Beef Taco, Empanadas, pocket sandwich, patty melt, stir fry, roast beef sandwich, or Shepherd’s Pie.

What to serve with roast:

  • Twice Baked Potatoes
  • Potatoes Au Gratin
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Dinner Rolls
Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (9)

Storing Tips

Make ahead of time. Pot roast can be made ahead of time. Once cooked, put the entire pot containing the roast and the juices, in the refrigerator.

STORE. Store any leftover pot roast in a covered dish in the refrigerator. Make sure to include any of the juices from the original cooking pot. These juices will keep the roast from drying out in the fridge.

  • Cover the pan with the meat and juices and bake in the oven at 325°F until the meat reaches the desired temperature.

FREEZE. Place the roast and some cooking juices in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (10)

Recipe FAQ

Can I cook a frozen roast in the Crock Pot?

You will get mixed answers to this question, but the US Department of Agriculture does not recommend cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker as it provides a greater opportunity for harmful bacteria to grow. You can, however, cook frozen roast in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot.

Do I sear or brown the roast before adding it to the crock pot?

It is not necessary, but it is worth the extra effort as the caramelized meat will add an additional layer of flavor. See above for instructions.

For more beef recipes:

Beef Stew Recipe

2 hrs 10 mins

Recipe Video

Beef Stroganoff Recipe

30 mins

Recipe Video

Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

8 hrs 15 mins

Recipe Video

Beef Enchiladas

30 mins

Recipe Video

Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (15)

Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (16)

4.99 from 117 votes

Pot Roast Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna

This pot roast recipe is tender and flavorful. It takes only 3 minutes of prep time and then the slow cooker does the rest!

Servings: 6

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 7 hours hrs

Total: 7 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon brown gravy dry mix
  • 1 tablespoon Hidden Valley dry ranch mix
  • 1 tablespoon Italian dressing dry mix
  • 1 (2-3 pound) beef chuck roast
  • cup water

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix brown gravy mix, ranch mix, and Italian dressing mix together.

  • Place chuck roast in the slow cooker and pour water over the roast. Sprinkle dry mix all over the top.

  • Cook on low for 7–8 hours, or until meat is tender and easy to shred.

Video

Notes

In a Hurry? You can cook this roast on high for 4 hours, but I prefer cooking it on low because the meat comes out more tender.
Want to add vegetables? Add any vegetables you would like, such as diced or baby carrots or diced potatoes, to the slow cooker along with the roast.
Use Up Leftovers.Leftover roast makes a great filling for burritos, Tacos, Flautas, Cheese Enchiladas, Chimichangas, or Empanadas.

POT ROAST GRAVY
After the pot roast has finished cooking, transfer ⅓–½ cup of the drippings from the slow cooker to a small pot on the stove over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of milk. Cook, stirring and adding a little more milk or flour as needed, until it’s the consistency you like, 4–5 minutes. Top off with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 10kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 0.03g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.002g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Trans Fat: 0.002g, Cholesterol: 0.1mg, Sodium: 272mg, Potassium: 1mg, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 0.02IU, Calcium: 0.4mg, Iron: 0.003mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Making this recipe? Tag us!

Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Categorized as: American Recipes, Beef, Crock-Pot/Slow Cooker, Cuisines, Main Dishes, Recipes

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

More About Kristyn

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Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (22)

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Crock Pot Pot Roast Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How many hours should a roast cook in crock pot? ›

Pat the roast dry and rub with seasoning, then with flour. Sear in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Combine gravy ingredients and add them to the Crock Pot along with the roast, potatoes, and carrots. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6.

Should pot roast be covered in liquid in crock pot? ›

Some recipes call for liquid, some do not. It mainly comes down to the type of meat you use. Cuts like chuck roast will release more fat and moisture than leaner cuts, so they don't need any water. In addition, the slow cooker itself creates some moisture, which helps keep the meat juicy.

How much water should I put in my crock pot for pot roast? ›

ingredients
  1. 6 potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks.
  2. 5 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch slices.
  3. 1 onion, quartered.
  4. 2 -3 lbs boneless chuck roast.
  5. 12 cup water or 1/2 cup beef broth.
  6. 1 tablespoon chives, chopped.
  7. 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped.
  8. 18 teaspoon pepper.

Is it better to cook a roast on high or low in a crock pot? ›

A lower, slower setting will take six to eight hours for the most tender finish. Using a bone-in cut will enhance flavor but extend the cooking time. Choose a marbled cut of beef for the best results — the richness from the fat will create a luscious flavor that's enhanced by the low and slow crockpot method.

Is 4 hours long enough for pot roast? ›

Place the roast back into the pot and add enough beef stock to cover the meat halfway. Add in the onions and the carrots, along with the fresh herbs. Put the lid on, then roast for 3 hours for a 3-pound roast. For a 4 to 5-pound roast, plan on 4 hours.

Why is my roast still tough after 8 hours in the crock pot? ›

If your crock pot roast is tough, it is possible you didn't use a boneless chuck roast, in which cases some cuts of meat will never become fall-apart tender OR more likely, you did not cook your beef long enough. If your pot roast seems tough, cook on!

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in crockpot? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

Do you put vegetables on top or bottom of roast? ›

By placing the protein at the bottom (closest to the heating element), and vegetables at the top, you can keep your plant parts a little more toothsome, while ensuring your meat is fall-apart tender.

Why is my roast still tough after 6 hours? ›

There are several reasons why this could have happened even after so much cooking. First, your choice of a rump roast could be a factor since cuts from the hind quarter are very muscular and, since muscles are the most resistant to breaking, this cut is quite stubborn when it comes to becoming tender.

Should I flip my roast in crock pot? ›

There is no need to flip meat in a crock pot. In fact, I don't recommend trying it because it will be more hassle than it's worth. While it can be tempting to flip a roast in the name of even cooking, the crock pot takes care of that for you.

How do you know when a pot roast is done in the crock pot? ›

If the fork goes in almost effortlessly and feels soft inside, that's a sign your meat is cooked through. Moreover, if you try turning the fork and can easily tear off some of the meat, that's your green light to remove the roast from the pot and call everyone to dinner.

How do you keep a pot roast from drying out in a crock pot? ›

Another problem is overcooking the pot roast, leading to dry meat. Prevent this by ensuring you have enough braising liquid in the pot and don't let it go dry. For smaller roasts under 3 pounds, check for doneness at two hours. For larger roasts, check three hours.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

Is 6 hours on low enough for a roast? ›

Place roast into crockpot and surround with vegetables. Combine beef broth and vegetable soup mix, then add to crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours.

Can you overcook a pot roast in a crock pot? ›

Is it possible to overcook a roast or other dishes in a crock pot on low heat for several hours? Yes, it is possible to overcook a roast or other dishes in a crockpot, even when using the low heat setting for an extended period.

Is 10 hours too long to cook a roast in a crock pot? ›

As a general guideline, you can cook a roast in a Crock-Pot for: - 8-10 hours on the LOW setting. - 4-6 hours on the HIGH setting.

Why is my pot roast not tender after 4 hours in crock pot? ›

There are several reasons why this could have happened even after so much cooking. First, your choice of a rump roast could be a factor since cuts from the hind quarter are very muscular and, since muscles are the most resistant to breaking, this cut is quite stubborn when it comes to becoming tender.

Is 12 hours too long for pot roast in crock pot? ›

Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 10 to 12 hours or until the beef and vegetables are tender. Skim the fat from the rendered juices.

Is 6 hours long enough for a roast in crock pot? ›

Place roast into crockpot and surround with vegetables. Combine beef broth and vegetable soup mix, then add to crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours.

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