Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This dish highlights a tender beef chuck roast slowly cooked with aromatic vegetables and a savory blend of herbs. The roast is seared first to lock in juices, then combined with carrots, celery, and onions, all simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Served alongside smooth mashed potatoes made from Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, butter, and milk, it offers a comforting balance of textures and tastes. Garnished with fresh parsley and drizzled with pan juices, the meal ensures deep, hearty satisfaction with minimal effort.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:04:00 GMT
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes served on a rustic plate with gravy.  Pin
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes served on a rustic plate with gravy. | kitchenprairie.com

A classic, comforting dish featuring tender beef pot roast slow-cooked with vegetables and rich gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes.

This dish has become a family favorite, reminding me of cozy Sunday dinners filled with warmth and comfort.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast: main protein for the pot roast
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt: for seasoning
  • 1 tsp black pepper: for seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil: for searing
  • 1 large onion, sliced: adds sweetness and aroma
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced: enhances flavor
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces: for texture and sweetness
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 2 inch pieces: adds depth to flavor
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth (gluten free if needed): for cooking liquid
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste: adds richness
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten free if needed): for umami
  • 1 tsp dried thyme: herb seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary: herb seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves: for aroma
  • 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks: for mashed potatoes
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter: for creamy mashed potatoes
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk (plus more as needed): for mashing potatoes
  • 1 tsp salt: seasoning for potatoes
  • ½ tsp black pepper: seasoning for potatoes
  • Chopped fresh parsley: optional garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season all sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3 to 4 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 3:
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery around the roast in the slow cooker.
Step 4:
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour over the roast and vegetables.
Step 5:
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is fork tender.
Step 6:
About 40 minutes before serving prepare the mashed potatoes Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are very tender (15 to 20 minutes). Drain well and return potatoes to the pot. Add butter and milk mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
Step 7:
Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Shred or slice the beef.
Step 8:
Serve pot roast and vegetables over a bed of mashed potatoes. Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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This recipe always brings everyone to the table sharing stories and laughter making memorable family moments.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (6 quart or larger) Large skillet Chefs knife and cutting board Large pot Potato masher or ricer Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter milk) Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies (fish) Gluten free if using gluten free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce Always verify ingredient labels for allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 520 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 44 g per serving

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast nestled among vibrant vegetables, paired with creamy mashed potatoes.  Pin
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast nestled among vibrant vegetables, paired with creamy mashed potatoes. | kitchenprairie.com

This slow cooker pot roast is the perfect comforting meal that makes any day special.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and connective tissue, which break down into tender, flavorful meat during slow cooking.

How can I thicken the gravy?

Remove some cooking liquid and whisk in cornstarch, then stir it back and cook on high for 10 minutes to thicken.

Can I substitute the vegetables?

Yes, root vegetables like parsnips or turnips can be used to add different flavors and textures.

What is the best way to ensure creamy mashed potatoes?

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery texture, and mash with warm milk and butter until smooth, adding milk gradually.

How long should the beef rest after cooking?

Allow the beef to rest for about 5 minutes after slow cooking to let juices redistribute for optimal tenderness.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Classic slow-cooked beef with vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, full of comforting flavors.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
480 min
Complete duration
500 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Diet specifications Without gluten

Components

Pot Roast

01 3 lbs beef chuck roast
02 1 tbsp kosher salt
03 1 tsp black pepper
04 2 tbsp olive oil
05 1 large onion, sliced
06 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
08 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
09 2 cups gluten-free beef broth
10 2 tbsp tomato paste
11 1 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
12 1 tsp dried thyme
13 1 tsp dried rosemary
14 2 bay leaves

Mashed Potatoes

01 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
02 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 ½ cup whole milk
04 1 tsp salt
05 ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish

01 Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Phase 01

Season the Roast: Pat the beef chuck roast dry and evenly season all sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

Phase 02

Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides for 3 to 4 minutes per side until well browned. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.

Phase 03

Add Vegetables: Arrange sliced onion, minced garlic, carrot pieces, and celery pieces around the roast in the slow cooker.

Phase 04

Prepare and Add Broth Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour the mixture evenly over the roast and vegetables.

Phase 05

Slow Cook the Roast: Cover and cook on low heat in the slow cooker for 8 hours, or until the beef becomes tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Phase 06

Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Approximately 40 minutes before serving, place peeled potato chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are very tender. Drain thoroughly, return potatoes to the pot, add unsalted butter and whole milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adding more milk for desired consistency if necessary.

Phase 07

Rest and Serve: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and discard bay leaves. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes, then shred or slice as preferred. Serve the pot roast and vegetables atop a bed of mashed potatoes, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from butter and milk.
  • Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies (fish).
  • Gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Nutrient content (each portion)

This data is offered as a general guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 520
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Protein: 44 g