Sometimes, the most comforting dishes are born from simple ingredients and a long, leisurely cook time. This 8–10 hour slow cooker beef roast embraces the “set-it-and-forget-it” magic of the crockpot, giving you a fork-tender meal that comes together with minimal fuss. In just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty dinner waiting for you after a busy day—making your home smell irresistible in the process.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Begin by patting your chuck roast dry and sprinkling it evenly with the salt and pepper. This helps build a flavorful crust. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the roast in the pan and sear each side until browned. Searing helps lock in moisture and gives the meat that beautiful, caramelized exterior.
Arrange the sliced onion and carrots in the bottom of your slow cooker. Nestle the roast on top, then add the garlic. Pour in the beef broth along with the Worcestershire sauce, letting the liquid trickle over everything. Sprinkle in the thyme and tuck the bay leaf off to the side.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to low. Let your chuck roast cook for 8–10 hours, or until it’s fork-tender and easily shreds. The longer it sits, the richer the flavors become. About thirty minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with a bit more salt or pepper if desired.
When you’re ready to serve, remove the bay leaf, slice or shred the beef, and spoon the flavorful cooking juices over the top. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or simply on its own—letting the succulent meat and savory broth shine.
This recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a hearty meal that doesn’t require constant attention. The ingredient list is intentionally simple—making it easy to adapt to your dietary needs (swap out the carrots for parsnips, or use vegetable broth if preferred).
The extended cook time allows every element to become infused with deeply satisfying flavor. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping lunches for the week, this delicious slow-cooked beef roast has you covered.
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.
