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Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe with Easy Root Vegetables

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A hearty and hands-off slow cooker pot roast with tender beef and caramelized root vegetables, perfect for family meals and meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 45 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 23 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, cut into large pieces
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • ½ cup red wine (optional, dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 45 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Trim and season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and caramelized.
  3. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker, placing it in the middle.
  4. Peel and chop carrots, parsnips, potatoes, celery, and slice the onion. Mince the garlic. Arrange the vegetables around and on top of the roast in the slow cooker.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the roast and vegetables. Add fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is fork-tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  7. About 30 minutes before the end, check for doneness. If the roast isn’t tender enough, cook longer. If the liquid is thin, remove the lid and cook on high for the last 20 minutes to thicken.
  8. Carefully transfer the roast to a cutting board and tent with foil for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Serve sliced roast and root vegetables on a platter, spoon over some cooking juices, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Searing the meat before slow cooking is highly recommended for better flavor and texture. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat. Cut root vegetables into uniform chunks for even cooking. For gluten-free, check Worcestershire sauce or substitute with tamari. For dairy-free, no adjustments needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pot roast, beef pot roast, root vegetables, comfort food, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, family meal, meal prep