There’s nothing quite like a savory roast simmered all day in a slow cooker, filling your home with warmth and comfort. It’s a dish that practically cooks itself, allowing you the freedom to catch up on chores or simply curl up with a book while dinner takes care of itself. Treat yourself to this easy, delicious recipe for a dinner that feels both casual and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup beef stock or broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large skillet or sauté pan, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper, then carefully place it in the hot skillet. Sear for a few minutes on each side, until the roast develops a rich, brown crust. This initial step helps lock in those mouthwatering flavors and sets the stage for a truly tender finish.
Transfer the roast to your slow cooker, and scatter the sliced onion, carrots, and celery around it. Add the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme, sprinkling them evenly over the roast and vegetables. Finally, pour the beef stock over everything, covering the bottom of the pot.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let the roast cook for about 8 hours (or on high for 4–5 hours), until it’s so tender that it practically falls apart when probed with a fork. About 30 minutes before serving, give the roast a quick taste test and adjust the seasonings with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.
When your roast is fork-tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon some of the savory cooking liquid over the top for extra flavor, and serve with your favorite side—a simple mashed potato, fresh green beans, or even a crispy salad.
This recipe is excellent for cozy family gatherings, weekend meal-prep, or special occasions that call for a heartwarming centerpiece. It suits those looking for a wholesome, hands-off approach to cooking—simple ingredients, minimal effort, maximum flavor. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano, add a bit of red wine for depth, or swap out vegetables to personalize the roast. However you adapt it, your kitchen will be filled with irresistible smells, and you’ll have a dinner that comforts and satisfies in the easiest possible way.
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.
