Here’s a tender, flavorful, Slow Cooker Roast Beef recipe — a true comfort classic with minimal prep and maximum flavor. The beef comes out fall-apart tender, bathed in a savory, rich gravy with vegetables. Perfect for Sunday dinner or meal prep!
🥩 Slow Cooker Roast Beef
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
⏱️ Cook Time:
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 8–10 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
🧂 Ingredients:
Main:
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3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) beef chuck roast
(or rump roast / bottom round for leaner) -
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
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3–4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks (Yukon Gold or red are best)
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1 onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, adds richness)
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried rosemary
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1–2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For Gravy (optional but delicious):
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2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water, mixed
(for thickening cooking liquid into gravy)
🔪 Optional Pre-Step: Sear the Roast
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Pat roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
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In a hot skillet, heat olive oil and sear roast on all sides until browned (2–3 minutes per side).
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This step builds deeper flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
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👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Layer Vegetables:
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Place potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Roast:
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Place seared (or raw) roast on top of the vegetables.
3. Add Liquids & Seasoning:
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In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
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Pour mixture over the roast and vegetables.
4. Slow Cook:
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Cover and cook on:
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LOW for 8–10 hours (best for tenderness)
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or HIGH for 4–5 hours
-
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Roast is done when it shreds easily with a fork.
5. Make Gravy (optional):
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Remove roast and veggies to a platter, cover to keep warm.
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Pour cooking liquid into a saucepan. Skim fat if needed.
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Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and cook until thickened (2–4 minutes).
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Season to taste.
🍽️ Serve With:
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Mashed potatoes or crusty bread (if not already using potatoes in the stew)
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Steamed green beans or peas
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Gravy over everything — don’t be shy!
✅ Tips & Variations:
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Want extra flavor? Add a splash of red wine to the broth.
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Low-carb option? Skip potatoes and add mushrooms or radishes.
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Leftovers? Shred beef for sandwiches, wraps, or hash the next day.