4-Step Simple Beef Chuck Pot Roast Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, pot roast definitely holds a special place - it’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell like a grandma’s kitchen. This dish not only tantalizes the senses but also provides a satisfying, hearty dinner that warms you from the inside out. Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Pot roast? That sounds complicated!” But trust me, this beef chuck pot roast recipe is anything but. This isn’t some culinary feat, which is just a matter of throwing some yummy ingredients together and slowly cooking together, resulting in tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. So, let’s get started! 

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 celery stalks, chopped
• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, cubed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Slow cooker or crock pot
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• WiFi meat thermometer
• Stirrer

What is Chuck Roast?

Chuck roast is a cut of beef that comes from the shoulder of the cow. Although it is considered a tougher cut, its rich flavor is exactly why it’s perfect for slow cooking. When you cook it low and slow, all that connective tissue melts into gelatin in a matter of hours, leaving you with a super tender, flavorful roast that practically sighs when you poke it.

How Long to Cook Chuck Roast in Crock Pot?

If you’re cooking this chuck pot roast at home over the weekend, you can crank the heat up to high and let it cook for about 4 to 6 hours. Alternatively, if you need to cook it while you’re at work, set the crock pot to low before leaving, and it will be ready in about 8 to 10 hours.

For cooking safety and meat tenderness, it is recommended to have a WiFi meat thermometer so that you can remotely monitor the internal temperature of the meat and the ambient temperature in the pot. More importantly, to prevent dry burning. If you’re at home, a Bluetooth meat thermometer works just as well. Either way, chuck roast needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 195 °F / 90 °C to remain tender.

How to Cook Chuck Roast in Slow Cooker?

Now that we have all the ingredients and tools ready, we can dive right in - it’s super easy!

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Roast

Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels, then generously season all sides with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the roast and sear for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is non-negotiable, which adds a deep, caramelized flavor.

Step 2: Assemble in Crock Pot

Insert a wireless meat probe into the thickest part of the chuck roast and transfer it to your crock pot. Heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the onions for about 2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Pour the mixture over the roast in the crock pot, and toss chopped potatoes, carrots, and celery stalks on top.

Step 3: Cook Chuck Pot Roast

Secure the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Set your wireless meat thermometer to a target internal temperature of 195 °F / 90 °C. Once done, the roast should be fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken Gravy

If you like a thicker sauce like I do, gather the gravy into a saucepan. Mix in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, and stir until the mixture comes to a boil and bubbles. Pour the gravy over the chuck roast and vegetables and serve whole or shred it with two forks.

Can I Cook Frozen Roast Directly?

Technically, yes. But to for food safety, the USDA recommends thawing the roast before cooking it in a slow cooker. The best way is to transfer it to the refrigerator a day before cooking, allowing it to thaw for 24 hours. If you forget, you can use the water bath method by soaking the roast for 2 to 3 hours, changing the water every 30 minutes. Or, you can thaw it in the microwave, but the time depends on the power of your microwave.

What to Make with Chuck Roast?

Honestly, this comfort food is delicious on its own and doesn’t need much extra flair. But i you’re feeling creative, it can be used in pulled beef sandwiches, shredded beef tacos, beef and barley soup, pot pie filling, and more. Let your imagination run wild!

What to Do with Leftovers?

Store the vegetables separately from the pot roast, as the potatoes and carrots can turn mushy if they sit in the gravy for too long. But this isn’t strictly necessary. All ingredients can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you need to reheat, you can use the oven, microwave, or again, the crock pot. Just make sure to check the center of the meat with a cooking thermometer to ensure it’s heated all the way through.