Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This dish features a beef chuck roast seasoned and seared before slow cooking alongside onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a flavorful broth infused with herbs and tomato paste. The meat turns tender and infused with rich, savory gravy. Served with creamy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes whipped with butter and milk, it’s the perfect comforting meal. Optional fresh parsley adds a bright finish. Cooking in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld deeply, creating a warm, satisfying experience.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 12:01:00 GMT
Tender slow cooker pot roast served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh herbs.  Pin it
Tender slow cooker pot roast served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh herbs. | smartyskitchen.com

Slow cooker pot roast with mashed potatoes is a timeless American classic that brings comfort and warmth to your table. This dish features a tender beef chuck roast, slowly cooked to fork-tender perfection alongside hearty vegetables and flavorful herbs, all smothered in rich gravy. Paired with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, it’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weekend dinner.

Tender slow cooker pot roast served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh herbs.  Pin it
Tender slow cooker pot roast served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh herbs. | smartyskitchen.com

This recipe not only fills your kitchen with inviting aromas but also ensures that you get a melt-in-your-mouth roast surrounded by perfectly cooked vegetables, soaking up all the delicious pan juices. The mashed potatoes are fluffy and rich, making every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

  • For the Pot Roast
  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk (plus more as needed)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional Garnish
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season all sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery around the roast in the slow cooker.
4. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour over the roast and vegetables.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
6. About 40 minutes before serving, prepare the mashed potatoes:
  • Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are very tender (15–20 minutes).
  • Drain well and return potatoes to the pot. Add butter and milk; mash until smooth and creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
7. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Shred or slice the beef.
8. Serve pot roast and vegetables over a bed of mashed potatoes. Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To enhance the luscious gravy, try removing ½ cup of the cooking liquid and whisking it with 1 tbsp of cornstarch before stirring it back in. Then cook on high for 10 minutes to thicken. For added depth, substitute ½ cup of the beef broth with a good-quality red wine. Yukon Gold potatoes provide a naturally creamy texture, but Russets work well too, so choose based on your preference and availability.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is easy to adapt for gluten-free diets by selecting gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add different root vegetables like parsnips or turnips if desired. For a richer flavor, experiment with herbs such as sage or add a splash of balsamic vinegar to your broth mixture.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty pot roast with a bold red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon for an elegant pairing. Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright touch and fresh flavor as a garnish. Leftovers reheat beautifully and are perfect for sandwiches or as a main meal the next day.

Hearty slow cooker pot roast topped with rich gravy and buttery mashed potatoes.  Pin it
Hearty slow cooker pot roast topped with rich gravy and buttery mashed potatoes. | smartyskitchen.com

This slow cooker pot roast with mashed potatoes brings the best of home-style cooking right to your table with minimal effort and maximum comfort. Perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal waiting for you, this recipe is sure to become a trusted favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How long should the beef be cooked in the slow cooker?

Cook the beef on low for approximately 8 hours until it becomes fork-tender and infused with the surrounding flavors.

Can I use different potatoes for the mashed potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes yield creamy texture, but Russet potatoes work well too for smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes.

What herbs enhance the pot roast’s flavor?

Dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves provide aromatic and earthy notes that complement the beef and vegetables beautifully.

How can the gravy be thickened if desired?

Remove some cooking liquid, whisk it with cornstarch, then stir back and cook on high to thicken the gravy nicely.

Is it possible to add wine for deeper flavor?

Yes, substituting half a cup of the broth with red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon can enrich the flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Tender slow-cooked beef with vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes in rich, savory gravy.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
480 min
Overall Time
500 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Details No Gluten

What You'll Need

Pot Roast

01 3 lbs beef chuck roast
02 1 tbsp kosher salt
03 1 tsp black pepper
04 2 tbsp olive oil
05 1 large onion, sliced
06 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
08 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
09 2 cups gluten-free beef broth
10 2 tbsp tomato paste
11 1 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
12 1 tsp dried thyme
13 1 tsp dried rosemary
14 2 bay leaves

Mashed Potatoes

01 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
02 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 ½ cup whole milk, plus additional as needed
04 1 tsp salt
05 ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish

01 Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 01

Prepare and Season Roast: Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season all sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 03

Arrange Vegetables: Place sliced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery around the seared roast in the slow cooker.

Step 04

Combine and Add Liquids: Whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour mixture evenly over the roast and vegetables.

Step 05

Slow Cook the Roast: Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours until the beef is tender enough to shred with a fork.

Step 06

Prepare Mashed Potatoes: About 40 minutes before serving, place potatoes in a large pot with cold water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are very tender, roughly 15-20 minutes. Drain well.

Step 07

Mash Potatoes: Return drained potatoes to the pot. Add unsalted butter and whole milk; mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adding more milk if necessary for desired consistency.

Step 08

Rest and Slice Roast: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Shred or slice the beef as preferred.

Step 09

Serve: Plate mashed potatoes, top with pot roast and vegetables. Drizzle with cooking juices and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk)
  • Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies (fish)
  • Gluten-free if using gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 520
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 44 g