Description
This Crock Pot Chuck Roast recipe delivers ultra-tender, flavorful beef cooked low and slow for maximum juiciness and ease. Seasoned with steak seasoning and thyme, seared for rich flavor, and slow-cooked in beef broth, the roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Optional hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions make it a complete, comforting meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasonings
- 3 lb chuck roast (trimmed)
- 2 tbsp steak seasoning
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- Oil for searing (about 1-2 tbsp)
Liquid
- 1 cup beef broth
- ⅓ cup water (plus additional for cornstarch slurry)
Optional Vegetables
- 2 lbs potatoes, cut into large pieces
- 1 lb carrots, cut into large pieces
- 1 yellow onion, cut into large pieces
- Oil for tossing vegetables
- Additional seasoning for vegetables (optional)
Gravy Thickener
- Cornstarch (about 1-2 tbsp, to thicken)
- Water (for slurry with cornstarch)
Instructions
- Season the Roast: Generously coat the chuck roast with oil, steak seasoning, and dried thyme on all sides to infuse flavor directly into the meat.
- Sear the Roast: Heat a skillet over high heat and sear the seasoned roast for 2-3 minutes per side until a flavorful brown crust develops, enhancing taste and texture.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Pour the beef broth into the hot skillet and scrape up all the brown bits stuck to the pan. This adds richness to the cooking liquid. Transfer everything, including the broth and fond, into your slow cooker.
- Prepare and Add Vegetables (Optional): If using, cut potatoes, carrots, and onion into large chunks. Toss them with a little oil and seasoning, then place them in the slow cooker on top of the roast to cook together.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours (or on high for 3.5-4 hours) until the roast is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Thicken the Gravy: Before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker liquid. Allow to cook until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Notes
- For best results, trim excess fat from the chuck roast before seasoning.
- Searing the meat is key for developing deep flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- You can substitute fresh thyme for dried if preferred, using about 1 tbsp fresh thyme.
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and tasted even better reheated.
- To make gravy thicker, adjust cornstarch quantity or simmer longer.
