Alright, let’s talk about comfort food that practically cooks itself—Crock Pot Roast Beef! This recipe is the ultimate solution for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal without lifting a finger. Imagine walking into your house to the irresistible aroma of beef cooking low and slow, tender and juicy, just waiting for you to dive in. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and flavorful this roast beef turns out. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers that taste even better the next day.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crock Pot Roast Beef is one of those meals you make once and can’t wait to make again. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Hands-Off Cooking: Toss the ingredients in the Crock Pot and let it do all the work. You don’t need to stand over a hot stove—just set it and forget it!
- Tender & Juicy: Slow-cooking the roast beef gives it time to break down, making it incredibly tender and juicy. Every bite is like butter!
- Simple Ingredients: It’s made with just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Nothing fancy here, just good, hearty flavors.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Whether you use it for sandwiches the next day or toss it into soups and stews, this roast beef gets better with time.
- Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or just enjoy it on its own. You can pair it with whatever sides you love!
Ingredients
This roast beef is simple, but the flavor is anything but. Let’s break it down:
- Beef Roast: A good cut of beef, like chuck roast or round roast, works great for slow cooking. The longer cooking time makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Onions: A couple of onions, sliced, give the roast incredible flavor as they cook down with the beef.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and richness to the dish. You’ll love the aroma as it wafts through the house!
- Beef Broth: This will keep the roast juicy and tender while adding a savory flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary bring out the natural flavors of the beef. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Carrots & Potatoes (Optional): Toss in some carrots and potatoes for a one-pot meal. They’ll soak up all the delicious flavors as they cook.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
This recipe couldn’t be easier to follow! Let’s get that roast beef cooking:
- Prep the Roast: Season the beef roast generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Don’t be shy—this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!
- Sear the Beef (Optional): If you’ve got the time, heat a little oil in a skillet and sear the roast on all sides for a few minutes to lock in the flavor. It’s totally optional, but it gives the roast a nice caramelized crust.
- Add to the Crock Pot: Place the roast in the Crock Pot. Add the sliced onions, garlic, and carrots (if using) around the beef. Pour the beef broth over everything.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the Crock Pot to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours. The roast will become tender and pull-apart perfection as it slowly cooks.
- Shred the Beef: Once the roast is done, remove it from the Crock Pot and shred it with two forks. It should pull apart easily, with the meat falling apart in beautiful, tender strands.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shredded roast beef with the cooked onions and veggies from the Crock Pot. Pair it with mashed potatoes, a side salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
How to Serve Crock Pot Roast Beef
This roast beef is so versatile and can be served in so many ways. Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate side for this tender roast beef. They’ll soak up the savory juices and complement the dish perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts make for a great side dish to bring more flavor to the table.
- Sandwiches: For a fun twist, use the leftovers to make roast beef sandwiches. Pile it high with some horseradish sauce and fresh bread for an amazing lunch.
- Bread Rolls: Serve with warm bread rolls to dip into the flavorful broth. You won’t regret it!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Sear the Meat for Extra Flavor: Searing the beef before placing it in the Crock Pot isn’t necessary, but it does add a beautiful depth of flavor.
- Add a Splash of Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pan after searing the meat with a bit of red wine, then pour it into the Crock Pot.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some chili powder to the seasoning.
- Use Leftovers: The leftover roast beef makes a fantastic addition to sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos. Don’t let any of that flavorful goodness go to waste!
- Thicken the Gravy: If you’d like a thicker gravy, simply mix some cornstarch with water and stir it into the juices after the roast is cooked. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
FAQ Section
- Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes! You can use a round roast, sirloin tip, or any other beef roast that’s good for slow cooking. Just make sure it’s a tougher cut that benefits from the long cooking time. - Q2: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A2: Yes, if you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for about 4-6 hours. However, cooking it on low gives the best results in terms of tenderness and flavor. - Q3: Can I add potatoes to the Crock Pot?
A3: Absolutely! You can toss in potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables. They’ll cook along with the beef and soak up all the delicious flavors. - Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove for best results. - Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the shredded roast beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Q6: Can I add spices to the broth?
A6: Absolutely! If you like more flavor, feel free to add a bay leaf, a dash of soy sauce, or even some paprika to the broth. - Q7: Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
A7: Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for a lighter, less rich flavor. However, beef broth gives it a more robust taste. - Q8: How do I reheat this roast beef?
A8: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add a little bit of water or broth if it’s looking dry. - Q9: Can I make this in the oven instead of the Crock Pot?
A9: Yes! If you don’t have a Crock Pot, you can cook the roast in the oven. Simply cover it in a roasting pan and cook at 325°F for about 3-4 hours, or until it’s tender. - Q10: Can I cook this with other meats like pork?
A10: Yes, you can use pork roast in place of beef. The cooking time will be similar, but keep an eye on it for tenderness.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Roast Beef is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, it’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re eating a home-cooked meal even when you don’t have the time to cook. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, making sandwiches, or enjoying leftovers, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Print
Crock Pot Roast Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful roast cooked to perfection in the slow cooker with tender potatoes, carrots, and a savory gravy. The ultimate comfort food after a long day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium-sized roast (chuck roast recommended)
- 6–7 potatoes, peeled and cut up
- 5–6 carrots, sliced
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
- 2 packages dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and cut up the potatoes, slice the carrots, and chop the onion.
- Layer in Crockpot: Add the roast, potatoes, carrots, and onions to the crockpot.
- Make the Gravy: In a bowl, mix the dry onion soup with the cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Serve: Once cooked, slice the roast and serve with the gravy and vegetables.
Notes
- Roast Variations: You can use other types of roasts, such as a round roast or brisket, but chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking.
- Gravy: For a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water at the end of the cooking process.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, like parsnips or celery, for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg