Slow Cooked Pot Roast with Rich Gravy, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, and Carrots
There’s something magical about the aroma of a slow cooked pot roast simmering all day. It fills the house with deep, savory warmth and promises a dinner that feels like a hug on a plate. This classic comfort food pot roast recipe transforms a humble chuck roast into fork-tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef bathed in silky homemade gravy, served over buttery creamy mashed potatoes and sweet, slow-cooked carrots. It’s rustic, hearty, and irresistibly satisfying — the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table early.
Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner, meal prep, or a cozy winter night, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Your slow cooker does most of the work while you relax.
Ingredients & Why They Matter
- Chuck Roast (3–4 lb) – The star of the dish. Well-marbled beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- Olive Oil – Helps create a golden sear, locking in juices and adding depth.
- Onion – Builds natural sweetness and forms the base flavor of the gravy.
- Garlic – Adds bold, aromatic richness that elevates the beef.
- Carrots – Become tender and slightly sweet, balancing the savory elements.
- Celery – Adds subtle earthiness and classic stew flavor.
- Beef Broth – Forms the savory liquid foundation for the gravy.
- Red Wine (optional) – Adds complexity and restaurant-quality depth.
- Tomato Paste – Intensifies umami and thickens the sauce naturally.
- Fresh Rosemary & Thyme – Provide fragrant herbal notes.
- Bay Leaves – Gentle background flavor that rounds everything out.
- Cornstarch – Creates a glossy, smooth gravy.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – Naturally creamy and buttery for perfect mash.
- Butter & Heavy Cream – Essential for ultra-luxurious mashed potatoes.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhances every single flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear for Maximum Flavor
Pat the roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each side until deeply browned. This step caramelizes the surface and builds rich flavor — don’t skip it.
2. Build the Slow Cooker Base
Place the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the slow cooker. Set the seared roast on top.
3. Create the Braising Liquid
Whisk together beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste. Pour over the beef. Add herbs and bay leaves.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours until the beef shreds effortlessly with a fork.
5. Make the Gravy
Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Simmer, then whisk in a cornstarch slurry. Stir until thick, glossy, and velvety.
6. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Boil potatoes until fork-tender. Drain, mash with butter and warm cream. Season generously. Whip until silky smooth.
7. Serve
Pile mashed potatoes high, top with shredded roast, spoon over carrots, and drizzle generously with rich homemade gravy.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
- Hands-off slow cooker convenience
- Ultra-tender, fall-apart beef
- Deep, savory homemade gravy
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
- Perfect leftovers that taste even better the next day
Pro Tips for the Best Pot Roast
- Always sear first for deeper flavor.
- Don’t rush the cook time — low and slow equals tenderness.
- Warm your cream before adding to potatoes for smoother mash.
- Let the roast rest 10 minutes before shredding to keep juices inside.
- Make ahead — flavors intensify overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with: buttery dinner rolls, green beans almondine, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp garden salad. For drinks, a bold red wine or sparkling cider pairs beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooked pot roast with gravy and mashed potatoes is everything comfort food should be — simple, hearty, and incredibly delicious. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of timeless recipe you’ll make again and again. Tender beef, creamy potatoes, rich gravy… every bite tastes like home. Once you try it, this will become your go-to classic dinner that easily outshines any restaurant version.
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