If you’re looking for a hearty dinner packed with savory flavors, let your trusty slow cooker do the work. This roast beef is fragrant with fresh rosemary and garlic, simmered slowly until every slice is succulent and tender. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a cozy family meal—or a no-fuss dish to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds chuck roast or your preferred cut of beef
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth (or red wine for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Start by seasoning the roast all over with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, sear it in olive oil until a rich brown crust forms, around two minutes per side. This step locks in flavor, so don’t skip it!
Transfer the roast to your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic and tuck a couple of sprigs of rosemary around the beef. Scatter onion slices on top and pour in the beef broth. For an extra hint of umami, drizzle in the Worcestershire sauce. The combination of these ingredients will create an aromatic cooking liquid that infuses the meat as it cooks.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours (or high for 4–5 hours). Resist the temptation to peek! Once done, the meat should fork apart easily with minimal effort. If you’d like a thicker gravy, remove about half a cup of the cooking liquid, whisk in the cornstarch, and then stir it back into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes so the gravy can thicken.
Serve the roast beef with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a cool side salad. Don’t forget to spoon over some of that rosemary-and-garlic-infused gravy.
This recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or any time you want an impressive main course without fuss. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the beef to slowly become melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s easy to adapt, too: swap fresh herbs for dried if you’re in a pinch, or change the vegetables to whatever you have on hand.
If you’re watching sodium intake, opt for low-sodium broth and season with salt sparingly. Whether it’s a simple family dinner or a special occasion, this roast beef is sure to amaze with its savory aromas and comforting flavors.
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.
