Fall-Apart Slow Cooker Pot Roast (with Rich Gravy!)

This Slow Cooker Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food! It's a classic dish that's incredibly easy to make, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. A chuck roast becomes fall-apart tender after hours of slow cooking, surrounded by hearty potatoes, carrots, and a rich, flavorful gravy. I love how this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction. It's perfect for a Sunday supper, a holiday meal, or any time you're craving a warm and comforting dish.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Pot Roast

• Fall-Apart Tender: The slow cooker transforms a tough cut of meat into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth pot roast.
• Rich and Flavorful Gravy: The cooking liquid from the slow cooker is used to create a delicious and easy gravy.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is practically effortless - just a few simple steps and the slow cooker does all the work.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This pot roast makes great leftovers and can be easily reheated.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Here's what you'll need to make this comforting meal. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Pot Roast

• Chuck roast (Meat)
• Russet potatoes or baby potatoes (Vegetable)
• Carrots (Vegetable)
• Onion powder (or 1 sliced onion) (Spice/Vegetable)
• Minced garlic (optional) (Aromatic)
• Prepared horseradish (Condiment)
• Beef stock (Liquid)
• Oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Gravy

• Flour (Thickener)
• Butter (Fat)
• Slow cooker cooking liquid

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this Slow Cooker Pot Roast as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Add More Vegetables: Toss in some celery, mushrooms, or parsnips along with the potatoes and carrots.
• Different Herbs: Add some fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the slow cooker.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
• Red Wine: Add a splash of red wine to the slow cooker for added depth of flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Slow Cooker Pot Roast:

Sear the Chuck Roast

1. I heat the searing oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. I season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
3. I sear the meat on all sides until it's browned. This step adds a lot of flavor to the pot roast.

Add Vegetables to Slow Cooker

1. I place the potatoes and carrots in the slow cooker.
2. I season them with a little salt and pepper.

Add Roast and Remaining Ingredients

1. I add the seared chuck roast on top of the vegetables.
2. If using onion powder, I sprinkle it over the roast. Alternatively, I add sliced onions and minced garlic.
3. I spread the prepared horseradish over the top of the roast.
4. I pour the beef stock into the slow cooker, around the meat (so the horseradish isn't disturbed).

Cook

1. I cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreddable.

Make the Gravy (Optional)

1. Once the pot roast is done, I remove the meat and vegetables from the slow cooker and set them aside.
2. In a saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat.
3. I stir in the flour to make a roux.
4. I slowly add 2 cups of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker (making sure to strain it first) to the roux while whisking continuously.
5. I cook the gravy until it thickens to my desired consistency.

Serve

1. Serve

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Pot Roast

Here are my secrets for making this pot roast truly exceptional:

• Use Chuck Roast: Chuck roast is the best cut for pot roast because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Sear the Meat: Searing the meat before adding it to the slow cooker creates a richer flavor.
• Don't Overcook: Cook the pot roast until it's fork-tender, but don't overcook it, or it will become dry.
• Strain the Cooking Liquid: Straining the cooking liquid before making the gravy removes any solids and creates a smoother gravy.

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve the pot roast and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad would complement the richness of the pot roast.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pot roast tastes even better the next day! You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze the pot roast for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Pot Roast

• Can I use a different cut of beef?
  • While chuck roast is the best choice, you can also use brisket or round roast.
• Can I make this without the horseradish?
  • Yes, you can omit the horseradish if you prefer.
• Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
  • Yes, you can add other vegetables.
• My gravy is too thin, what happened?
  • Make sure to reduce it

Enjoy this incredibly tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Pot Roast! It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

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