There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a slow-cooked pot roast filling your home. This classic dish is rich, hearty, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. With tender, fall-apart beef, flavorful vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned broth, this recipe delivers comfort without unnecessary heaviness.
Using a slow cooker, this dish comes together with minimal effort—just set it, forget it, and enjoy a wholesome meal at the end of the day. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a crowd, this lighter take on pot roast is sure to satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work!
Rich & Flavorful: A perfectly seasoned roast with tender veggies.
Lighter but Satisfying: A balanced meal without excess fat.
Great for Meal Prep: Makes delicious leftovers for easy lunches.
One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes, more convenience.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb lean beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 gold potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening gravy, optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Sear the Roast for Extra Flavor
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Add the Vegetables & Broth
- Place onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes around and under the beef.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and smoked paprika. Pour over the roast and vegetables.
- Add minced garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
- Remove 2 cups of the cooking liquid and place in a saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the liquid. Simmer until thickened, then pour back over the roast.
Serve & Enjoy
- Shred or slice the roast and serve with vegetables and gravy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy a hearty, nourishing meal!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 | Protein: 36g | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 3g
Tips for Success
- Choose a Lean Cut: Trim excess fat for a lighter dish.
- Don’t Skip Searing: It adds extra depth and flavor to the roast.
- Low & Slow for the Best Texture: Cooking on low heat ensures the most tender meat.
- Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans make great additions.
- Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Slow Cooking Enhances Flavor: The long, slow process creates rich, deep flavors.
- One-Pot Meal for Convenience: Everything cooks together for easy prep and cleanup.
- Balanced & Nourishing: A wholesome mix of protein, fiber, and nutrients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings.
This classic slow cooker pot roast is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on any day.
Enjoy it fresh, use leftovers for sandwiches, or serve it over mashed cauliflower for an extra healthy twist. However you enjoy it, this recipe is a must-have for your slow cooker rotation!
The Best Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast You’ll Ever Taste
6-8
servings20
minutes10
minutes302
kcalIngredients
3-4 lb lean beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, sliced
3 carrots, cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 gold potatoes, cut into chunks
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening gravy, optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Roast for Extra Flavor
Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. - Add the Vegetables & Broth
Place onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes around and under the beef.
In a bowl, mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and smoked paprika. Pour over the roast and vegetables.
Add minced garlic for extra depth of flavor. - Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. - Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
Remove 2 cups of the cooking liquid and place in a saucepan.
Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the liquid. Simmer until thickened, then pour back over the roast. - Serve & Enjoy
Shred or slice the roast and serve with vegetables and gravy.
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy a hearty, nourishing meal!
Notes
- Choose a Lean Cut: Trim excess fat for a lighter dish.
Don’t Skip Searing: It adds extra depth and flavor to the roast.
Low & Slow for the Best Texture: Cooking on low heat ensures the most tender meat.
Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans make great additions.
Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.