Best Crockpot Pot Roast

This easy crock pot pot roast recipe has been passed down in my family for years! It uses a few unique ingredients to create a flavorful and extra tender pot roast in an irresistibly rich and savory beef gravy.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pot Roast Recipe

Honestly, I wish I could give you a bite through the screen! This pot roast recipe is seriously to die for. Here are some of the reasons we love it:

• Unique: This family recipe includes the BEST pot roast gravy you will ever taste made with a few surprising ingredients. Just trust me on this one!
• Tender: The flavorful beef is so tender it literally falls apart from slow cooking all day in the rich homemade gravy.
• Comfort Food: This is a stick-to-your-ribs kind of dinner that will have the whole family going back for seconds! Don’t forget the mashed potatoes and soft rolls!
• Easy: Making pot roast in the crockpot is simple and hands off! Sear the beef and add everything to the crockpot in the morning and let the slow cooker do all the hard work!

Love easy beef crockpot dinners? Try my crockpot Birria, slow cooker chili or fall themed slow cooker beef stew with apple cider!

What You Will Need For This Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe

This fall-apart-tender pot roast includes a few unique ingredients you wouldn’t expect. We call them the “secret ingredients” because no one would ever guess what goes into our pot roast! Scroll down to the recipe card for exact amounts.

• Brown Gravy Mix: Make sure to grab the low sodium kind. If you don’t want to use gravy packets, check the variations section below for an alternative.
• Cornstarch: To thicken up the gravy.
• Coffee: Plain brewed coffee adds an amazing depth of flavor.
• Red Wine: I always use cabernet, but feel free to use any dry red wine. Replace with extra beef broth, if needed.
• Soy Sauce: Surprising I know, but I promise you won’t know it’s in there!
• Worcestershire Sauce: For rich umami flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor.
• Black Pepper: Similarly, freshly ground black pepper is best here.
• Oil: You’ll need oil to sear the roast before placing it in the crockpot.
• Roast: Beef chuck roast, bottom round roast, or a similar cut of beef.
• Carrots: Baby carrots, or full sized carrots that are peeled and chopped.
• Onion: I like to use yellow onion for their sweetness, but a white will work as well.
• Mushrooms: I use sliced portobello mushrooms. These are optional, but taste FANTASTIC in the gravy!

How to Cook a Roast in a Crock Pot

Alright, let’s talk about how this crock pot pot roast comes together. The steps are simple, you will be on your way in no time! Scroll down to the recipe card for full detailed instructions. 

• Gravy: Whisk together the gravy packets and cornstarch. Slowly whisk in coffee so that there are no lumps. Then whisk in wine, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
• Sear: In a large heavy bottomed skillet, over medium high heat, add oil. Then, add the meat and sear it on all sides.
• Combine: Transfer the meat to the crockpot. Top it with carrots, onion, and mushrooms. Pour the gravy mix on top and place the lid on the slow cooker.

• Cook: Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the meat is fork tender.
• Shred: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it into chunks with two forks. Stir the gravy and vegetables to combine.
• Serve: Add the beef back to the crockpot to combine, or serve it as is with the gravy on the side.

Tips for Success & Recipe Variations

There are a few simple go-to rules when making a slow cooker pot roast that I always abide by.

• Cooking Time: I have tried speeding up my pot roast and setting my crockpot on high, but my roast just never gets tender enough and your gravy can burn! If you want a meltingly tender roast, low and slow is best.
• Sear The Roast: While some people believe that searing meat holds in its juices, that myth has been proven false. However, it does caramelize the surface of the meat, which enhances the flavor and adds an extra depth of flavor to the roast!
• Large Chopped Vegetables: If the chopped veggies are too small, they might become too soft while the beef is still cooking. Using larger pieces will help keep them intact.
• Add Potatoes: If you use Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes, you don’t need to peel them. Just chop them into bite-size pieces before adding them to the crockpot.
• No Gravy Packets: If you prefer not to use gravy packets, add 1/2 cup additional cornstarch and 2 tablespoons granulated beef bouillon instead.

Serving Suggestions

There are a few classic side dishes that we love to serve alongside this crockpot pot roast:

• Mashed Potatoes: Personally, I like to serve my pot roast over garlic mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
• Rolls: Don’t forget some soft dinner rolls to soak up all the savory gravy. It’s arguably the best part!
• More Veggies: Pot roast pairs perfectly with these sautéed green beans if you want to get some more veggies on the table. Parmesan roasted broccoli is another great option.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Crock Pot Pot Roast

If you’ve got leftover pot roast, save it for later in the week or freeze it. It makes a great lunch or quick dinner for another night!

• Fridge: Let your pot roast cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Spoon the desired amount into a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for a couple of minutes in the microwave. I recommend stirring halfway through cooking to ensure everything is heated evenly. If your gravy has thickened, add a little broth to thin as needed.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled pot roast to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, transfer to fridge to thaw overnight before reheating.

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