Slow-Cooker Pot Roast Tips
Do you have to brown a roast before putting it in the slow cooker?
While this recipe doesn’t call for it, browning your roast before adding to the slow cooker can lend more flavor and result in a quicker cooking time.
Should meat or vegetables go in slow cooker first?
If your slow cooker dish contains meat and vegetables, follow the rule of thumb that the items that take the longest should be closest to the heat. So first meat, then potatoes and other dense foods that can take a long time to cook in the slow cooker. For the best results, always follow any layering instructions that a recipe provides.
Why is my slow cooker pot roast tough?
Your pot roast may be tough for a number of reasons. For a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast, make sure to select the right cut of beef. Chuck, brisket and round all will cook well with this method. Also, don’t be tempted to remove the roast too early from the slow cooker. The roast is done when you can use a fork to easily twist off a chunk of the meat. Check out our
top 10 slow cooker recipes.
Research contributed by Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant Editor's Note
Look for beef base near the broth and bouillon.
Reviews
I really like this recipe. I changed it up by seasoning and browning the meat first on all sides. I used Hungarian paprika (about 1 tablespoon), garlic powder (about 1 tablespoon), and a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and oregano. I patted it into each side of the meat then browned for about 30 seconds per side over medium-high heat before adding it to the crockpot. I used four cloves of garlic and used a garlic press, which I think helped infuse more flavor. This will be my go-to pot roast recipe!
This is a very good slow cooker roast recipe and it made a ton of nice thick gravy. I followed the recipe only adding a tablespoon more beef bouillon to the water because I like the flavour of the brand I use. Next time I will add more spices to the roast itself like I normally would but that is the only thing that I think it needs. This is a great recipe and I will be using it from now on.
Amazing recipe my family loved it !
I've never made a roast before...so I wasn't sure. But I think this is the BEST meal I've ever cooked!! I am wondering how to store leftovers...if we don't eat more before bed!!!
My husband loved this tender pot roast. I doubled the amount of water, beef base and garlic. The recipe is easy and dinner was ready when my husband and I came in from working outside.
The pot roast came out dry. The gravy was too thick and the 4 tbsp of butter made the gravy sweet. Never again.
Love this easy recipe! Meat was very tender and the gravy was delicious. I really enjoyed the onions and mushrooms on top.
I find any roast tastes so much better if you take the time to brown it before putting it in the crock pot. Also, add some water to the pan to get that extra flavor and pour it over the roast. Takes a little extra time, but so worth it.
My niece made this for the whole family. YUMMY.
Really good!! I added more water and beef base because I was worried it would dry up while at work. Meat was perfectly tender but I would suggest adding more seasoning. The gravy is the best I have personally ever made! Thick and full of flavor. I will make this again.