A roast is one of the easiest things to cook in a slow cooker. The low, steady heat turns tough cuts like chuck roast and short ribs tender, and the cooking liquid becomes the gravy. These 8 crockpot roast recipes include chuck roast with potatoes and carrots, Mississippi-style beef and turkey, a chicken pot roast, short ribs, and beef stew. Most need only a few minutes of prep.
What Makes A Great Slow Cooker Pot Roast?
The best slow cooker roasts start with the right cut and plenty of time. Here is what to look for:
- Chuck roast: a beef chuck roast has enough fat and connective tissue to turn tender on low heat, which is why it is the classic pot roast cut.
- Flavorful liquid: beef broth, ranch seasoning, au jus mix, or tomato paste give the roast a sauce that is ready to spoon over potatoes, noodles, or rice.
- Low and slow: most of these recipes cook for 6 to 8 hours on low, and the chuck roast recipe takes 8 to 10 hours.
8 Crockpot Roast Recipes
1. Crockpot Chuck Roast
A 3 to 4 pound chuck roast cooks with carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, so the meat and the vegetables come out of the same pot. Cook time: 8-10 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Chuck Roast recipe.
2. Crock Pot Mississippi Beef Noodles
A chuck roast cooks with ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, and beef broth, then goes over egg noodles. It is the Mississippi roast flavor served in a pasta bowl. Cook time: 8 hours on low. Get the Crock Pot Mississippi Beef Noodles recipe.
3. Slow Cooker Mississippi Turkey Breast
A boneless turkey breast cooks with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers until it shreds easily. Serve it with mashed potatoes and the gravy. Cook time: 6-8 hours on low. Get the Slow Cooker Mississippi Turkey Breast recipe.
4. Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast
Bone-in chicken thighs cook with carrots, baby potatoes, onion, chicken broth, and ranch dressing mix. You get the feel of a Sunday pot roast in less time than a beef roast. Cook time: 6-8 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast recipe.
5. Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
Stew meat or chuck and baby potatoes cook in garlic butter, beef broth, Worcestershire, and Italian seasoning. It tastes like steakhouse food and takes almost no work. Cook time: 6-8 hours on low. Get the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes recipe.
6. Crock Pot Beef Stew
Beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, tomato paste, and thyme simmer in beef broth until the meat is tender. Serve it with crusty bread. Cook time: 6-8 hours on low. Get the Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe.
7. Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Beef short ribs cook in beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and paprika. Spoon the sauce over mashed potatoes or rice. Cook time: 6-8 hours on low. Get the Slow Cooker Short Ribs recipe.
8. Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
Short ribs cook with red wine, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, carrot, celery, and thyme into a rich ragu. Serve it over pasta for a cozy Sunday dinner. Cook time: 8 hours on low. Get the Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu recipe.
Tips For A Tender Slow Cooker Roast
- Do not skip the time: tough cuts need the full cook time to turn tender, so cook until the meat pulls apart easily.
- Keep the lid on: opening the lid releases heat and adds cooking time.
- Thaw first: thaw the roast in the refrigerator before it goes into the crockpot.
- Cut vegetables large: chunky potatoes and carrots hold their shape during a long cook.
- Use the juices: spoon the cooking liquid over the meat, or thicken it for gravy.
- Check poultry: chicken and turkey are done at 165°F.
More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love
- 14 Easy Crockpot Dinners for Busy Weeknights
- 12 Set and Forget Crockpot Dinners for Busy Moms at Work
- 8 Crockpot Sausage Recipes: Easy Slow Cooker Dinners
- Easy Crockpot Ground Beef Dinner
FAQs
What Is Mississippi Pot Roast?
Mississippi pot roast is a slow cooker chuck roast cooked with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. The Crock Pot Mississippi Beef Noodles recipe in this list uses the ranch, au jus, and butter version with a chuck roast, and the Mississippi Turkey Breast uses the same flavors with pepperoncini.
What Is The Best Cut Of Beef For Slow Cooker Pot Roast?
Chuck roast is the classic choice for a crockpot pot roast because it turns tender during a long, slow cook. Beef short ribs and stew meat also work well in the slow cooker.
How Long Do You Cook A Chuck Roast In The Crockpot?
The Crockpot Chuck Roast recipe cooks for 8 to 10 hours on low, or about 4 to 5 hours on high. Follow the time on each recipe page, because the size of the roast changes the cook time.
Can I Put A Frozen Roast In The Slow Cooker?
It is safer to thaw the roast in the refrigerator first. A frozen roast takes longer to heat up and may not cook evenly.
What Should I Serve With Pot Roast?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, steamed green beans, or crusty bread all work well with these roasts and their gravy.
How Long Do Pot Roast Leftovers Keep?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator and use them within 3 to 4 days.