A crockpot chuck roast is the definition of Sunday dinner with no effort. The chuck roast cooks for 8 to 10 hours with potatoes, carrots, garlic and herbs until it falls apart at the touch of a fork, and the juices turn into a rich gravy.
Searing adds flavor, but it is optional. Either way, this is the easiest roast dinner you will ever make.
Why You Will Love This Crockpot Chuck Roast
- Truly fall-apart. Chuck is marbled with collagen that melts over a long cook.
- One-pot dinner. The potatoes and carrots cook right with the beef.
- Gravy from the drippings. No packets needed.
- Great leftovers. Use it for sandwiches, tacos and hash.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chuck Roast
- Chuck roast: 3 to 4 lb (1.4 to 1.8 kg), boneless. Look for good marbling. A thick roast works better than a flat one.
- Vegetables: Baby potatoes, carrots and an onion go under the roast.
- Braising liquid: Beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and rosemary.
How to Make Crockpot Chuck Roast
Step 1: Season the roast
Pat the roast dry and rub all over with the salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Step 2: Sear (optional)
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
Step 3: Layer the vegetables
Add the potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic to a 6-quart slow cooker and set the roast on top.
Step 4: Add the liquid
Whisk the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme and rosemary and pour over the roast.
Step 5: Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until the roast pulls apart easily with a fork.
Step 6: Make the gravy
Move the roast and vegetables to a platter. Pour the liquid into a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and whisk in the cornstarch mixed with cold water. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes until thick.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chuck Roast
- Fork-tender is the test. If the roast is tough, it needs more time, not less. Keep cooking and check every 30 minutes.
- Choose LOW. Low and slow gives the most tender result.
- Do not drown it. The roast releases plenty of juice; 1 1/2 cups of liquid is enough.
- Rest before shredding. Rest 10 minutes so it stays juicy.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chuck Roast
Serve with the potatoes and carrots from the pot, plus green beans and warm rolls. Leftovers make great sandwiches; see our crockpot Italian beef for a similar idea.
Easy Variations
- Mississippi style. Try our Mississippi pot roast with ranch and pepperoncini.
- Mushroom. Add 8 oz whole cremini mushrooms.
- Balsamic. Add 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp brown sugar to the broth.
- Onion soup. Use 1 packet onion soup mix instead of the herbs and salt.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate the roast in its juices for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered with a splash of broth.
Equipment I Used
- 6-quart slow cooker: the right size for this recipe. Fill it between half and two-thirds full for even cooking.
- Wooden cutting board with handle: for slicing and serving right at the table.
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
- Teak wood soup ladle: will not scratch the ceramic crock insert.
Want even more tender meat? The Braised to Perfection guide explains the low-and-slow method step by step.
Crockpot Chuck Roast
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the roast dry and rub all over with the salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic to a 6-quart slow cooker and set the roast on top.
- Whisk the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme and rosemary and pour over the roast.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until the roast pulls apart easily with a fork.
- Move the roast and vegetables to a platter. Pour the liquid into a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and whisk in the cornstarch mixed with cold water. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes until thick.
Notes
Crockpot Chuck Roast FAQ
How long does a chuck roast take in the crockpot?
A 3 to 4 lb chuck roast takes 8 to 10 hours on LOW or 5 to 6 hours on HIGH, until it pulls apart easily.
Do you have to sear a chuck roast before slow cooking?
No. Searing adds a deeper, roasted flavor, but an unseared roast is still tender and delicious.
Should the chuck roast be covered in liquid?
No. About 1 1/2 cups of liquid is enough. The roast braises in its own juices.
Why is my chuck roast still tough?
It has not cooked long enough for the connective tissue to break down. Keep cooking on LOW.
