This slow-cooker chuck roast is a recipe we always come back to thanks to its rich flavor, tender beef and savory gravy. Made with minimal fuss, you simply pop everything into the Crockpot, secure the lid and leave the contents to cook merrily away for the next few hours. Talk about the ultimate convenience.
The beauty of a chuck roast is that it’s typically an affordable cut of meat. The chuck comes mainly from the shoulder section of the steer, as well as parts of the neck, ribs and the upper arm. It’s sometimes labeled pot roast, chuck eye, shoulder roast or steak, arm steak or roast and cross-rib roast.
Like all slow-cooker beef recipes, you’ll need to add some sort of liquid. For this chuck roast, beef broth plus umami-packed ingredients like tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and mustard create a delicious sauce that you’ll turn into a gravy. It’s just what you want for a pile of mashed potatoes—comfort food at its finest. Like with other slow-cooker chuck roast recipes the leftovers can be transformed into all-new meals like a French dip, tacos, breakfast hash and more.
Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Chuck Roast
- Chuck roast: A favorite cut for slow cooking, chuck roast comes from the cow’s shoulder and is loved for its rich flavor. If you can’t find chuck roast or want to experiment with a different cut of meat, pick up a top round roast, rump roast or tri-tip roast. These cuts are slightly leaner compared to chuck roast but still pack plenty of flavor.
- Beef broth: Liquid is essential for a long slow braise, and beef broth is the all-around pick for cooking a chuck roast. Use your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade beef broth.
- Tomatoes: With their tangy, acidic flavor, tomatoes add brightness to the recipe and help temper some of the fattiness from the chuck roast. Adding the juices to the slow cooker is an absolute must; it’s an essential component for the oh-so-good gravy.
- Vegetables: Onion, celery and green pepper help flavor the sauce, but you can also serve them alongside the meat.
- Seasonings: The seasonings used in this slow-cooker chuck roast help highlight the best in the meat while each bringing something unique to the table. Pepper and red chili flakes add a touch of heat, while brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness.
- Cornstarch: While not the most exciting ingredient, cornstarch plays a huge role when it’s time to prepare the gravy. Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to a smooth, silky texture. No cornstarch? No problem. Flour, arrowroot or potato starch are all good substitutes.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Combine the tomatoes and their juices, the beef broth, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, prepared mustard, garlic, soy sauce and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Place the roast in the slow cooker and top with the tomato mixture.
Step 2: Top with vegetables
Add the onions, bell pepper and celery to your slow cooker, on top of the roast and tomato mixture.
Step 3: Cook the roast
Secure the lid and cook on low for five to six hours or until the meat becomes fork-tender.
Editor’s Tip: The internal temperature for slow-cooked chuck roast should read around 195°F on your instant-read meat thermometer. Texture-wise, the meat should be fork-tender.
Step 4: Make the gravy
Take the roast out of the slow cooker and set it on a plate. Strain the cooking juices into a bowl, and set the vegetables aside. Pour the juices into a small pot, skim off and discard any fat floating on the surface.
Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then mix it into the cooking juices. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, occasionally stirring until the gravy has thickened, about one to two minutes. Serve the roast and vegetables with a generous splash of gravy.
Slow-Cooker Chuck Roast Variations
- Use red wine: Red wine will tenderize your roast while infusing it with flavor. Opt for red wine types like inexpensive unoaked grenache, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir or a fruity (but dry) red blend.
- Add more vegetables: Additional veggies with your slow-cooker chuck roast make it heartier and more flavorful while packing in even more nutritious. Try mushrooms, carrots, leeks, asparagus or turnips. Potatoes are ideal to make this a one-pot meal, no sides needed.
- Use barbecue sauce: Swap out the ketchup for barbecue sauce for a sweet, tangy twist on the original recipe.
- Add herbs and spices: A sprinkling of herbs and spices never goes amiss in a roast. Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme or an Italian herb mix are stellar options. Spice-wise, try a 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite spice blends, such as Creole, Cajun or taco seasoning.
How to Store Slow-Cooker Chuck Roast
Slow-cooker chuck roast should be cooled and transferred to an airtight container, then stored in your fridge. It will last about four to five days. This means it’s one of the best make-ahead meals!
Can you freeze slow-cooker chuck roast?
You can freeze chuck roast. Let the roast cool, then transfer the meat and vegetables to a freezer-safe container. Pour the gravy into the container, leaving an inch or two of room so the liquid can expand. Frozen slow-cooker chuck roast lasts about three months. When it’s time to reheat, allow the roast to thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on your stovetop, adding extra broth or water by the tablespoon as needed.
Slow-Cooker Chuck Roast Tips
Do you need a slow cooker or Crockpot to make chuck roast?
If you don’t have a slow cooker in your kitchen arsenal, a Dutch oven will do the trick. Preheat your oven to 325°, then assemble and cook the roast for two to three hours. If you use this method, try browning the chuck roast before combining everything in the pot. This caramelization on the outside of the meat will add loads of flavor to the dish.
Do you need to brown chuck roast before adding it to a slow cooker?
Unlike a stove-top braise, you don’t need to brown your chuck roast before adding it to a slow cooker. It gets enough flavor from the long, slow cook. That said, if you’d like to brown your roast, go for it!
How do you cook tender chuck roast?
Braising meat, or searing and slow cooking it in liquid, is a fail-safe method for meltingly tender meat. Tender meat is, thankfully, a given when slow-cooking chuck roast. But you can also utilize certain ingredients like pineapple, wine and vinegar, which contain different enzymes to help break down the meat.
What do you serve with slow-cooker chuck roast?
Most folks would agree that nothing quite pairs with chuck roast like silky smooth mashed potatoes, but it’s fantastic served over creamy polenta, rice (or cauliflower rice for those looking for a low-carb option) and pasta. Other pot roast sides, like roasted fennel and carrots and herbed dinner rolls, also hit all the right notes.
How can you use leftover chuck roast?
Get creative with your chuck roast leftovers. Whip up a French dip or Philly cheese sandwich for the next day’s lunch, or make a quick beef and noodles dish. We also love repurposing leftover slow-cooker chuck roast for shredded beef burritos, casseroles and this cozy Asian vegetable beef soup.
