Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: The best cut for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful after several hours.
- Baby carrots: Add natural sweetness and classic pot roast flavor.
- Baby potatoes: Make the meal hearty and complete.
- Yellow onion: Adds savory depth as it slowly cooks into the broth.
- Garlic: Gives the roast a rich homemade flavor.
- Beef broth: Creates the base for the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth and beefy flavor.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and helps deepen the sauce.
Seasonings
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the roast.
- Garlic powder: Adds extra savory flavor.
- Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor in the gravy.
- Dried thyme: Classic herb for roast beef.
- Dried rosemary: Adds cozy, earthy flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds warm color and gentle smoky depth.
- Bay leaf: Adds slow-cooked savory aroma.
Optional Gravy Thickener
- Cornstarch slurry: Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the cooking liquid at the end for thicker gravy.
- Arrowroot slurry: A good alternative if you prefer arrowroot.
- Butter: Stir in at the end for a richer gravy finish.
Optional Add-Ins
- Mushrooms
- Celery
- Parsnips
- Sweet potatoes
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- Peas added near the end
Best Ingredient Tip
Choose a well-marbled chuck roast. The slow cooker turns that marbling into tender, juicy beef and a richer gravy.
