Crockpot Pot Roast With Gravy

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This dish features a beef chuck roast simmered slowly with carrots, onions, and garlic in a crockpot. Rich beef broth and Worcestershire sauce infuse the meat and vegetables, creating deep, comforting flavors. After hours of gentle cooking, the beef becomes fork-tender, while cornstarch is used at the end to thicken the cooking liquid into a luscious gravy. This serves as a hearty centerpiece for family meals and pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Ideal for busy days, it needs little attention once set to cook.

A woman in a chef's outfit poses for a picture.
Updated on Wed, 28 May 2025 21:35:08 GMT
A pot roast in a crockpot with gravy. Pin
A pot roast in a crockpot with gravy. | applefoodie.com

Crockpot Pot Roast with Gravy is the kind of meal that quietly transforms an ordinary day into something memorable the whole house fills with the cozy aroma of slow-cooked beef and vegetables melting together in a rich comforting gravy It is my go-to for easy family gatherings or just to welcome everyone home with some truly hearty comfort food

I made this for a family Sunday dinner one chilly fall afternoon and it disappeared so quickly everyone was quietly eyeing the pot for seconds before dessert My biggest regret was not making a double batch

Ingredients

  • Beef chuck roast: Tenderizes beautifully during slow cooking look for good marbling for the richest flavor
  • Carrots: Sweet earthiness that balances the rich beef pick firm bright carrots without blemishes
  • Yellow onions: They caramelize slightly and add gentle sweetness look for onions with papery skins and no dark spots
  • Garlic: Brings out savory boldness fresh cloves make a difference
  • Low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the dish moist and provides deep flavor use a brand without artificial flavors if possible
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds complex savory tang look for a bottle that lists anchovy or tamarind for classic depth
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the gravy for a luscious finish buy a fresh package for best results and smooth mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Vegetables:
Chop the carrots into hearty chunks and quarter your onions Uniform pieces cook evenly and give every spoonful some vegetable goodness
Season and Sear the Beef:
Rub the roast all over with salt and pepper For best results sear all sides in a hot skillet until brown and crusty This step is optional but it adds so much flavor and vibrancy to the finished dish
Layer it in the Crockpot:
Place carrots and onions in the bottom of the crockpot Nestle the roast right on top
Add Flavors and Broth:
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce evenly over everything These liquids will become your base for a silky sauce
Slow Cook to Tender Perfection:
Cover and set your crockpot to low for eight hours or high for four hours The roast should be fork-tender when done
Thicken the Gravy:
When cooking is finished mix cornstarch with a splash of water until smooth Stir this mixture into the hot broth in your crockpot Let everything simmer in the pot for a few minutes until the gravy thickens up luxuriously
A pot roast in a crockpot with carrots and potatoes. Pin
A pot roast in a crockpot with carrots and potatoes. | applefoodie.com

The carrots are always my favorite bite they soak up all the savory juices and remind me of the big family roasts my grandmother used to make She would always slip an extra clove of garlic in just for me

Storage Tips

Let the roast cool to room temperature and pack up slices with the vegetables in a tight container Cover with gravy to keep everything moist It keeps in the fridge for up to four days and reheats perfectly in the microwave or gently in a saucepan

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of Worcestershire sauce you can use a splash of soy sauce mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice No beef chuck No worries A boneless beef shoulder or brisket will work just as well Yukon gold potatoes make a delicious additional vegetable layer too

A pot roast with potatoes and carrots. Pin
A pot roast with potatoes and carrots. | applefoodie.com

Serving Suggestions

I love this pot roast served over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta Spoon extra gravy on top and scatter chopped parsley for a fresh finish Warm dinner rolls on the side are perfect for mopping up the last drop

A Little History

Pot roast has roots in thrifty home cooking where tougher less expensive cuts of meat were slowly cooked with whatever vegetables were on hand The technique brings out rich flavors with minimal effort and it turns simple ingredients into something truly festive

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What cut of beef works best?

Beef chuck roast is ideal, as it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.

→ Can I brown the roast before slow cooking?

Searing the roast in a skillet ahead of time adds extra flavor, though it is optional.

→ How do I thicken the gravy?

Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the remaining liquid in the crockpot until thickened.

→ Are there alternative vegetables I can add?

Potatoes, parsnips, or celery can be added along with carrots and onions for variety.

→ How long should it cook in the crockpot?

Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Crockpot Pot Roast With Gravy

Savory beef chuck slow-cooked with vegetables and finished with rich homemade gravy to comfort any table.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cook Time
480 min
Total Time
500 min
By: Ava

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Serves

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1.5 to 1.8 kg beef chuck roast
02 4 large carrots, chopped
03 2 yellow onions, quartered
04 4 cloves garlic, minced

→ For Braising

05 475 ml low-sodium beef broth
06 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

→ For Thickening

07 2 tablespoons cornstarch

→ Seasoning

08 Kosher salt, to taste
09 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Chop carrots into large pieces and quarter the yellow onions. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 02

Generously season the beef chuck roast with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.

Step 03

For added flavor, sear the roast in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until all sides develop a deep brown crust.

Step 04

Layer the chopped carrots, quartered onions, and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Position the seasoned beef roast atop the vegetables.

Step 05

Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce evenly over the roast and vegetables.

Step 06

Cover with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or set to high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

Step 07

Remove the cooked roast and vegetables from the crockpot. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the remaining slow cooker liquids. Cover and continue to heat until the gravy thickens.

Step 08

Slice or shred the pot roast. Portion with carrots and onions, and drizzle with the rich gravy before serving.

Notes & Tips

  1. For deeper flavor, searing the roast before slow cooking is recommended but not required.

Necessary Equipment

  • Large slow cooker
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet (optional, for searing)
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains possible soy and gluten allergens in Worcestershire sauce

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 40 g