This Crockpot Chuck Roast with Vegetables is a classic, easy-to-make dish that results in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth roast paired with flavorful, perfectly cooked vegetables. Ideal for busy days, it requires minimal prep and delivers maximum comfort.
Ingredients:
3-4 lb chuck roast
4-5 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ lb petite potatoes
1 lb baby carrots
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 cup beef broth
1 ½ tsp thyme (or Italian seasoning for flavor variation)
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp corn starch (optional, for thickening)
2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Optional Ingredients:
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup red wine
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables: Start by slicing the onion and rinsing the potatoes and carrots. Add the carrots, potatoes, and onion to the bottom of your slow cooker. Toss them to mix evenly.
- Prepare the Roast: Place the chuck roast on top of the vegetables. Pour the beef broth over the meat. Season the roast generously with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme (or Italian seasoning if using).
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours, or until the roast is tender and easily falls apart. You can also cook it on high for 4-6 hours, but slow cooking on low is recommended for best results.
- Final Touches: Once the meat is fully cooked, you can stir the roast to break it apart into chunks. Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer the meat and vegetables to a serving dish.
- Thickening the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker, gravy-like consistency, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry about 30 minutes before serving. Add it to the crockpot and stir to combine. Let it cook for the remaining time until the sauce thickens.
Tips and Variations
Searing the Roast: Searing the chuck roast before placing it in the slow cooker adds a deeper flavor. To do this, heat some oil in a skillet and brown the roast on all sides. This step is optional but can elevate the taste.
Using Other Cuts of Meat: While chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness, you can use other cuts. Just be sure to avoid overly lean cuts, as fat helps keep the roast moist. If using a leaner cut, consider adding an extra ½ to 1 cup of broth to keep the meat juicy.
Add-Ins for Extra Flavor: For a richer taste, try adding Worcestershire sauce, red wine, or balsamic vinegar to the broth. These ingredients help deepen the flavor profile of the roast.
Veggie Substitutions: Feel free to switch up the vegetables. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or celery are great alternatives. You can also add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra variety.
For a Thicker Gravy: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry step. Add it in and let the sauce thicken before serving for a rich, savory gravy.
How to Store
Refrigeration: After the roast has cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the meat.
Freezing: You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Place the meat and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze the juices separately. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the roast in a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if needed to keep the meat moist.
FAQs
- Can I make this roast in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can make this recipe in an Instant Pot using the “Pressure Cook” setting. Sear the roast first, then add the broth and seasonings. Set to pressure cook for 60 minutes on high. Allow natural release for 10-15 minutes before serving. - Why is my roast tough?
If your roast is tough, it likely hasn’t cooked long enough. Even though it may look done, a pot roast needs to be fully cooked to become tender. Continue cooking until the meat easily falls apart when pulled with a fork. - Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more or different vegetables. Just make sure there’s enough room in the slow cooker for everything to cook evenly. Root vegetables like turnips, beets, or sweet potatoes work particularly well. - How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you choose to thicken the sauce with cornstarch, that’s a gluten-free option. Just make sure to check any additional ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, for gluten. - Can I skip the cornstarch?
Yes, the cornstarch is optional. It’s only needed if you want to thicken the juices into a gravy. If you prefer a broth-like consistency, you can skip this step entirely.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting crockpot chuck roast with vegetables!