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Tender chuck roast crock pot

4.8/5

5 reviews

500min Total Time

6 people Servings

Easy Difficulty

Budget Cost

420 kcal Calories

Video

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Ingredients

3-4 lb chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
2 large onions, roughly chopped
4 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
4 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for gravy)

Instructions

Season chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

Sear the roast on all sides until well-browned, about 3-4 minutes per side

Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the crockpot

Transfer the seared roast to the crockpot, placing it on top of the vegetables

Add minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme around the roast

Mix beef broth, wine (if using), tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl

Pour the liquid mixture over the roast and vegetables

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until meat is fork-tender

Remove roast and vegetables to a serving platter and cover with foil

Optional: strain liquid and thicken with cornstarch for gravy

Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain

Troubleshooting

If meat is tough, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes

If sauce is too thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry

If vegetables are too soft, add them halfway through cooking next time

If meat is dry, ensure enough liquid was added initially

If sauce is too salty, add potatoes to absorb excess salt

Recipe Variations

Italian Style: Add Italian herbs, red wine, and diced tomatoes French Pot Roast: Use herbs de Provence and pearl onions Mexican Chuck Roast: Add chipotle peppers and Mexican oregano Asian Fusion: Use soy sauce, ginger, and star anise BBQ Style: Add your favorite BBQ sauce and smoked paprika

Serving Suggestions

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes Pair with roasted root vegetables Offer crusty bread for soaking up juices Serve with a side of steamed green beans Garnish with fresh parsley and extra thyme

Nutrition Facts

420

Calories

45g

Protein

12g

Carbs

24g

Fat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not searing the meat before slow cooking Adding too much liquid to the crockpot Opening the lid frequently during cooking Cutting the meat before it has rested Using lean cuts instead of marbled chuck roast

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chuck roast is done?

The meat should be fork-tender and easily shred when pulled.

Can I put a frozen roast in the crockpot?

It's not recommended for food safety reasons. Always thaw meat completely before cooking.

Do I need to sear the meat first?

Yes, searing develops flavor and creates a better final texture.

Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, but cooking on LOW gives more tender results.

Why is my roast tough?

It might need more cooking time. Tough meat usually means it's not cooked long enough.

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, simply replace with additional beef broth.

How much liquid should I add?

The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the meat.

Can I add potatoes to the pot?

Yes, add them with the other vegetables at the beginning.

What size crockpot should I use?

A 6-quart crockpot is ideal for this recipe.

Can I double the recipe?

Only if your crockpot is large enough to hold everything without overcrowding.

Reviews

Valentina R.

Mar 18, 2026

The most tender pot roast I've ever made! The gravy was incredible.

Xavier P.

Mar 15, 2026

Great recipe, though I needed an extra hour for my larger roast.

Yuki T.

Mar 21, 2026

Perfect Sunday dinner! My family couldn't get enough.

Zara M.

Mar 8, 2026

Love how easy this was. The leftovers were even better.

Winston L.