There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of a savory pot roast gently simmering away in your Crock Pot. Below, we’ve crafted our Cozy Homestyle Pot Roast—an all-in-one meal that brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a richly seasoned broth. Let’s get started and fill your kitchen with the warm, enticing smells of slow-cooked love.

Ingredients

- 2–3 pounds chuck roast (trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- 3–4 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
To begin, pat your chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. The sear you’ll achieve in the next step helps encapsulate every nugget of flavor, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth results.

In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Gently place your roast in the hot pan and brown each side for about 3–4 minutes, just until you get a deep, golden crust. Transfer the roast to your slow cooker, and set it aside for a moment.
Add onion slices, minced garlic, chunks of carrot, and sliced celery to the slow cooker. Nestle them around the roast, so that the meat rests on a bed of bright, nutritious veggies. Lay the thyme sprigs on top of everything, then pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring the roast is at least halfway submerged.
Pop the lid on your Crock Pot and cook on Low for 8 hours (or on High for 4–5 hours). If you desire a thicker gravy, remove the meat and vegetables once fully cooked, then whisk the cornstarch slurry into the remaining liquid. Cook on High for another 10 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
At last, slice or shred your succulent pot roast and spoon the hearty vegetables and gravy on top. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every savory drop.
This Cozy Homestyle Pot Roast is perfect for anyone craving a classic, feel-good meal. The long, low simmer in the slow cooker helps the beef unlock its juicy richness, while the vegetables become fork-tender and sweet. It’s also adaptable—swap the carrots and celery for potatoes, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes if you like.
For those looking to reduce sodium, consider using low-salt beef stock and adjusting seasonings to taste. No matter how you tweak it, this comforting pot roast will quickly become a favorite go-to dish when you want a fuss-free, nourishing dinner.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.