Homemade Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Gravy

 

Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Gravy

Ingredients

3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) chuck roast or beef shoulder

2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil (for browning)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 fresh thyme sprigs

1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 2 fresh rosemary sprigs

1 large onion, sliced

4 carrots, cut into chunks

3–4 potatoes, chopped into chunks

3 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for added richness)

2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the gravy)

2 tablespoons cold water (to make the slurry

Instructions

1. Season and Brown the Roast (optional but recommended)

Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Season all sides with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast for a few minutes on each side until deeply browned. This step adds rich flavor.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Place the chopped potatoes, carrot chunks, and sliced onion into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the roast.

3. Add the Roast and Seasonings

Set the browned roast on top of the vegetables.

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary evenly over the meat.

4. Add the Cooking Liquid

In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste (if using).

Pour the mixture over the roast and vegetables.

5. Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook:

Low: 8–10 hours

High: 5–6 hours

Cook until the roast is extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

6. Make the Gravy

Remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker and set aside.

Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the boiling liquid.

Simmer until the gravy thickens to your liking.

7. Serve

Slice or shred the pot roast.

Serve with the cooked vegetables and spoon the warm, rich gravy over the top.