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Tender chuck roast crock pot
🛒 Quick Ingredients
📋 Complete Ingredients List
💡 Pro tip: Tap items to check them off as you prep!
- 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)
🍳 Quick Cooking Steps
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
🔧 Kitchen Tools & Equipment
📋 Complete Tools List
- 6-quart crockpot
- Large skillet for searing
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Serving platter
⚡ Quick Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, add mushrooms in the last hour of cooking
Try different herb combinations like rosemary and sage
Add baby potatoes for a complete one-pot meal
Use beef stock instead of wine for alcohol-free version
Add root vegetables like parsnips and turnips for variety
Make it spicy with added red pepper flakes or cayenne
Use fresh herbs when possible for best flavor
📊 Nutrition Facts
🔥 Time to Burn Calories
Walking 85min, Running 40min, Cycling 55min
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in refrigerator for up to 4 days Separate meat and vegetables for better storage Keep gravy in a separate container
🔥 Reheating Tips
- Reheat in crockpot on LOW for 1-2 hours with additional broth Microwave individual portions with a splash of broth, covered, for 2-3 minutes Heat in oven at 300F covered with foil for 20-30 minutes
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Prep vegetables up to 24 hours in advance Sear meat up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate Mix liquid ingredients and store separately until ready to cook
❄️ Freezing Guide
- Freeze cooked meat and vegetables separately for up to 3 months Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
🍽️ 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
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- 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
🎨 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
❓ Quick Cooking Q&A
The meat should be fork-tender and easily shred when pulled.
It's not recommended for food safety reasons. Always thaw meat completely before cooking.
Yes, searing develops flavor and creates a better final texture.
Yes, but cooking on LOW gives more tender results.
It might need more cooking time. Tough meat usually means it's not cooked long enough.
Yes, simply replace with additional beef broth.
The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the meat.
Yes, add them with the other vegetables at the beginning.
A 6-quart crockpot is ideal for this recipe.
Only if your crockpot is large enough to hold everything without overcrowding.