Looking for a simple, hearty meal to feed your family with minimal effort? This Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Tender Vegetables and Gravy is the perfect solution. It’s rich in flavor, loaded with tender vegetables, and creates its own savory gravy—all while cooking in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal.
A Slow Cooker Chuck Roast is a classic comfort food, known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The chuck roast, a cut from the shoulder of the cow, is slow-cooked to perfection with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions.
This slow-cooking method helps the meat break down, becoming incredibly juicy and flavorful. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy your day.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting for a hands-off meal.
- Tender, Flavorful Meat: Chuck roast becomes fall-apart tender after hours of slow cooking.
- One-Pot Meal: With vegetables and gravy cooked alongside the roast, there’s minimal cleanup.
- Perfect for Entertaining: The rich gravy and hearty vegetables make it a great dish for serving guests.
If you like this beef recipe, you may also love our Easy Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe or Classic Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes.
Jump to:
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Chuck roast: Choose a well-marbled roast for tenderness.
- Small potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best, as they hold up well in the slow cooker.
- Carrots: They add natural sweetness.
- Onion: Adds depth as it softens during cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a subtle kick of flavor.
- Beef broth: Creates the base for the rich gravy that forms as the roast cooks.
- Red wine: Adds a rich flavor to the gravy.
- Flour: Used to sear the roast, helping to lock in the juices.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness to the broth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Improves the flavor with a touch of tang.
- Fresh thyme and bay leaf: Enhances overall flavor.
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper: For seasoning and searing.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How To Make Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Tender Vegetables and Gravy
STEP ONE: Prepare the Chuck Roast
Pat the chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Coat the roast with flour. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the roast on all sides for 4-5 minutes, creating a golden-brown crust.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Liquid Base
In the same skillet, deglaze with 1 cup of red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
STEP THREE: Slow Cook the Roast
Place the seared roast into the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, sliced onion, thyme and bay leaf. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
STEP FOUR: Add Vegetables
Midway through cooking (around 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high), add the potatoes and carrots. Continue cooking until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Chuck roast: Swap with brisket or rump roast for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Red wine: Replace with extra beef broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
- Potatoes: Larger potatoes like russet can be used if cut into smaller portions.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: For a low-carb version, omit the potatoes and substitute with cauliflower florets.
- Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or rosemary for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Use less garlic and no wine to keep the flavors mild for younger palates.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Tongs for searing
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
How Should You Store This?
Store any leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Don’t skip searing the meat! This locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
To reheat, use the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep the roast moist, or microwave individual portions.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use extra broth to make a beef barley soup.
- Repurpose the chuck roast into a shredded beef sandwich with BBQ sauce.
- Leftover carrots and potatoes can be roasted for a side dish later.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve this roast with a crisp green salad.
- Pair it with a loaf of sourdough grilled cheese for a cozy, comforting meal.
- Try green beans for added vegetables.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Classic Beef Stew
- Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Braised Short Ribs
- Authentic Cuban Roma Veija Slow Cooker
- Sunday Gravy with Short Ribs
Related
More beef recipes you will love:
FAQ
Yes, you can cook chuck roast in a slow cooker without searing it first. However, searing the roast before slow cooking adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices, giving the meat a rich, caramelized crust.
Common vegetables that pair well with slow cooker chuck roast include potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery. You can also add mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips. These vegetables cook slowly alongside the roast, soaking up the delicious flavors.
To make thicker gravy, remove the cooked roast and vegetables, and pour the remaining liquid into a saucepan. Simmer the liquid on medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering liquid. Cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens, stirring occasionally.
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Tender Vegetables and Gravy
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Tongs for searing
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs chuck roast well marbled
- 10-12 small new potatoes Yukon Gold or red work well
- 4 large carrots peeled and cut into 2-3 inch pieces
- 1 large onion sliced thick
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth or 3 cups if you prefer more gravy
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon flour for searing
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then lightly coat the roast in flour.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- In the same skillet, deglaze with 1 cup of red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add the tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until combined. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
- Place the seared chuck roast into the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, sliced onion, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- After 4 hours on low (or 2 hours on high), add the small potatoes and carrot pieces to the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking for the remaining time until the roast is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Slice or shred the roast and serve with the vegetables, spooning the gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Chuck roast: Swap with brisket or rump roast for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Red wine: Replace with extra beef broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
- Potatoes: Larger potatoes like russet can be used if cut into smaller portions.
Nutrition
This Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Tender Vegetables and Gravy is a perfect solution for busy families looking for a wholesome meal. It’s comforting, and easy to prepare—perfect for any night of the week.
Try it today, and don’t forget to share your results or explore more of our comforting recipes!
Important Food Safety Tips
Make sure the internal temperature of the roast reaches at least 145°F (63°C) before serving. Store leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, and refrigerate or freeze promptly.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Comments
No Comments