Slow cooker pot roast with gravy is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich gravy all blend together beautifully, creating a meal that is comforting and satisfying. This dish has a way of bringing people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner with family or a casual gathering with friends. You can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to relax and enjoy the company of those around you.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this slow cooker pot roast with gravy. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You just need to do a little chopping and searing before letting your slow cooker work its magic. The result is a meltingly tender roast that pairs perfectly with the vegetables and gravy. Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility; you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or the ingredients you have on hand. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is simply unbeatable!
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
To prepare a delicious slow cooker pot roast with gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds pot roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
How to Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy Directions
Making a slow cooker pot roast with gravy is straightforward and requires only a few simple steps. Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pot roast on all sides until it’s browned. This process locks in the juices and enhances the flavor of the meat.
Next, prepare the vegetables. In the bottom of your slow cooker, place the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes, followed by the minced garlic. These aromatics will provide a fragrant base for your dish.
Once you have arranged the vegetables, place the seared pot roast on top. The layers of vegetables will absorb all the delicious juices from the meat as it cooks, resulting in tender and flavorful veggies.
In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be poured over the roast and serves as a savory gravy. Once you’ve combined the ingredients, pour it generously over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender your meat will be. When the cooking time has finished, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for several minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute within the meat, ensuring that each slice is juicy and flavorful.
After resting, slice the pot roast into thick portions and serve it alongside the seasoned vegetables. Don’t forget to ladle some of that rich gravy over everything to enhance the flavors!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
Serving slow cooker pot roast with gravy can be a delightful experience. Start by placing slices of the tender pot roast on each plate, surrounded by carrots and potatoes. The vegetables should be generously coated in the flavorful gravy, making each bite even more enjoyable.
You might consider serving it with some crusty bread or rolls on the side. The bread can be used to soak up any leftover gravy on the plate, making it an integral part of the meal. A simple green salad can also make a refreshing addition, providing a nice contrast to the hearty pot roast.
If you prefer, you can also serve the gravy in a small bowl on the side, allowing everyone to pour on as much as they like. The combination of tender meat, savory gravy, and hearty vegetables is sure to please everyone at the table!
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
To achieve the best results with your slow cooker pot roast, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Cut: Select a good quality pot roast, like chuck roast, for the best flavor. It benefits from the low and slow cooking method, making it tender.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the roast before placing it in the slow cooker is essential. This step enhances the flavor significantly, giving the finished dish a rich, deep taste.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, using fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavor of the gravy. Just remember to adjust the quantity since fresh herbs have a stronger flavor than dried.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Size: The size of your pot roast affects cooking time. A larger piece might need more time, while a smaller cut may need less. Always check for tenderness before finishing the cooking cycle.
- Let it Rest: Always let the roast rest before slicing. It keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, resulting in a better bite.
How to Store Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
If you find yourself with leftovers of this tasty slow cooker pot roast, don’t worry; it stores beautifully. Start by allowing the pot roast to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Ensure that you include some of the gravy and vegetables to keep everything moist.
You can store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions of the pot roast. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pot roast can last for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and use a microwave or stovetop to gently warm it up. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
Variation of Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
While the traditional recipe is favored by many, feel free to explore variations to make this dish your own. Here are some ideas:
- Add Different Vegetables: Try adding other veggies like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips for a unique twist. Adjust the amount accordingly, based on your taste.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Add a bay leaf for added aroma or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors until you find your perfect combination.
- Make it Metallic: For a lovely rich finish, consider mixing a bit of balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard into the broth mixture. This will enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Include Beans: Adding kidney beans or chickpeas can introduce protein and create a more filling dish. Just ensure they are fully cooked on their own before adding them to the slow cooker.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook slow cooker pot roast with gravy?
Cooking time for this delicious pot roast depends on the setting of your slow cooker. If you choose the low setting, it typically takes about 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting will reach a tender roast in about 4-5 hours.
Can I use frozen meat for slow cooker pot roast with gravy?
It’s generally not recommended to use frozen meat in a slow cooker. For best results, always thaw your pot roast before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.
What can I serve with slow cooker pot roast with gravy?
This pot roast pairs beautifully with various sides. Consider mashed potatoes, steamed greens, or a warm loaf of bread to savor every bit of gravy.
Can I prepare slow cooker pot roast with gravy the night before?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before. You can chop your veggies and sear the roast, then assemble everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply set it to cook!
Enjoy trying out this easy and delicious slow cooker pot roast with gravy. It’s a great way to delight your family with minimal effort!
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pot roast Choose a good quality chuck roast for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing the pot roast.
- 1 onion, chopped Provides a fragrant base.
- 4 carrots, chopped Adds sweetness and color.
- 3 potatoes, diced Hearty and filling addition.
- 4 cups beef broth For the gravy mixture.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Enhances the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For added aroma.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme For flavoring.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary For flavoring.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pot roast on all sides until browned to lock in juices.
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, add the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic.
- Place the seared pot roast on top of the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the roast and vegetables.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Let the roast rest for several minutes after cooking before slicing.
Serving
- Slice the pot roast into thick portions and serve alongside the seasoned vegetables, ladling some gravy over everything.
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