- Pat the beef roast dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, sauté the onions until softened (2 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Slow Cook the Pot Roast
- Place the seared roast in a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or Instant Pot.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook:
- Slow Cooker: 8-10 hours on LOW or 5-6 hours on HIGH.
- Oven: 325°F (163°C) for 3-4 hours.
- Instant Pot: 60 minutes on high pressure, then natural release for 15 minutes.
4. Add the Vegetables (Last 1-2 Hours in Slow Cooker/Oven)
- Add potatoes and carrots to the pot and continue cooking until tender.
5. Thicken the Gravy
- Remove the roast and vegetables.
- Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water and stir into the broth.
- Simmer until thickened (3-5 minutes).
6. Shred, Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice or shred the roast and serve with potatoes, carrots, and gravy.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Pair with buttered rolls or mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded meat and gravy for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth.
Variations & Customizations
- Herb Butter Roast: Rub the beef with butter and fresh herbs before cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Wine-Braised Roast: Use red wine for depth of flavor.
- Extra Vegetables: Add parsnips, celery, or mushrooms for variety.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Brisket or bottom round roast works well, but chuck roast is the most tender.
2. Why is my roast tough?
It likely needs more cooking time! Tough meat becomes tender when slow-cooked longer.
3. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! A Dutch oven in the oven or Instant Pot works just as well.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
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