There’s something magical about an old school pot roast—the way it fills your home with warm, savory aromas and brings people together around the table. This dish is the epitome of comfort food: tender, flavorful beef, buttery potatoes, and perfectly cooked vegetables all nestled in a rich, luscious gravy. It’s hearty, wholesome, and nostalgic, making it an ideal dinner for family gatherings or cozy nights in. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple yet full of flavor, this slow-cooker pot roast is a must-try. Trust me—once you make this dish, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients and Their Role
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb chuck roast: The star of the dish, chuck roast becomes meltingly tender after slow cooking. It’s a flavorful cut perfect for braising.
- 8 oz baby carrots: These add sweetness and balance the dish with their earthy flavor.
- 16 oz gold potatoes (halved or quartered if large): Gold potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking and soak up the rich gravy.
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion (sliced): Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the gravy.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with robust, aromatic flavor.
For the Gravy
- 1/2 cup red wine (or additional beef broth): Enhances the depth of the gravy with a touch of acidity. Substitute with beef broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- 3 cups beef broth: Creates the base of the rich, savory gravy.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds umami and richness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup tapioca pearls: Acts as a natural thickener, giving the gravy its velvety texture.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Blended with water to form a slurry, this ensures the gravy thickens perfectly.
Seasoning & Cooking Essentials
- 1 tbsp herb and garlic seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices that complements the beef and vegetables beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil & 1 tbsp butter: Used to sear the roast, creating a caramelized crust that locks in flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Sear the Chuck Roast
- Heat a skillet or multi-cooker over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter to the pan.
- Season the chuck roast generously with herb and garlic seasoning.
- Sear the roast for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is optional but highly recommended for extra flavor.
- Transfer the seared roast to your slow cooker.
2. Layer the Vegetables
- Arrange the baby carrots and gold potatoes around the roast in the slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
3. Make the Gravy Base
- In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to create a smooth slurry.
- In a separate bowl, combine the slurry with 3 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup red wine (or beef broth), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 sliced onion, and 1/4 cup tapioca pearls. Mix until well blended.
4. Assemble and Cook
- Pour the gravy mixture over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker. Ensure the liquid covers the roast halfway.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Cook for 8–10 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Stir the remaining gravy in the slow cooker to ensure it’s well-mixed. Spoon the gravy over the roast and vegetables before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pot Roast
- Don’t skip the searing step: It’s optional, but searing adds an irresistible caramelized flavor to the meat.
- Cook low and slow: Avoid the temptation to cook on high heat; the magic of pot roast lies in its slow transformation to tenderness.
- Make it your own: Add mushrooms, celery, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for extra flavor.
- Deglaze the skillet: After searing the roast, use a splash of red wine or beef broth to scrape up the browned bits. Add this to the slow cooker for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your old-school pot roast with:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for sopping up that rich gravy.
- Steamed green beans: Add a touch of freshness and color to your plate.
- A glass of red wine: If you used wine in the recipe, serving the same variety enhances the experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Old School Pot Roast is the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor. With just a bit of prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. The melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty vegetables, and savory gravy make this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.