Get ready for the ultimate in comforting, hands-off cooking with this incredible Simple Chuck Roast! This recipe transforms a humble cut of beef into unbelievably tender, fall-apart deliciousness, swimming in a rich, savory gravy with hearty potatoes, carrots, and onions. Cooked low and slow in your slow cooker, it’s the perfect fuss-free dinner solution for busy days, promising a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day long.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Simple Chuck Roast recipe is a true lifesaver in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore it for its unbeatable simplicity and incredible tenderness! What I love most is how effortlessly it creates a complete, wholesome meal. The initial searing of the chuck roast locks in so much flavor, and then the magic of the slow cooker takes over. The long, low cooking time breaks down the beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, while the potatoes, carrots, and onions absorb all those savory juices, creating a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s a hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying meal that truly feels like a warm hug, and the best part is the minimal effort required!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Simple Chuck Roast:

• 1 (2-3 lb) chuck roast
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• 2-3 medium potatoes, diced (e.g., Russet, Yukon Gold)
• 2-3 carrots, sliced into thick rounds or chunks
• 1 large onion, diced or sliced into wedges
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
• 2 cups beef broth (or beef stock)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Swaps and Notes

• Chuck Roast: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking as its marbling and connective tissue break down to become incredibly tender and flavorful. Look for a roast around 2-3 pounds.
• Vegetables: The classic trio of potatoes, carrots, and onions works wonderfully. Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery, or even mushrooms. Cut vegetables into substantial chunks so they don’t become mushy during the long cook time.
• Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a crucial savory, umami depth to the gravy.
• Seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper on the chuck roast before searing, as this builds a foundational layer of flavor. You can also add dried herbs like a pinch of thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for extra aroma.
• Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker is typically suitable for a 2-3 lb chuck roast and vegetables.

---

Instructions

Let’s get this delicious Simple Chuck Roast cooking in the slow cooker!

1. Prepare Chuck Roast: Pat the chuck roast thoroughly dry with paper towels. Generously season all sides of the roast with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear Beef: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until very hot. Carefully place the seasoned chuck roast in the hot pan. Sear on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 3-5 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Remove the seared roast from the pan and transfer it to your slow cooker.
3. Prepare Vegetables & Aromatics: In the same skillet (no need to clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced or sliced onion, and minced or smashed garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the onions begin to soften and the vegetables get a slight caramelization.
4. Add Liquids to Slow Cooker: Pour the sautéed vegetables (and any liquid from the skillet) into the slow cooker around the seared chuck roast. Pour 2 cups of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce over the meat and vegetables.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 8 hours, or until the chuck roast is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking on LOW for a longer period is best for tenderizing tougher cuts like chuck roast.
6. Shred & Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chuck roast from the slow cooker to a cutting board. It should be so tender that it will easily fall apart with two forks. Shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. You can either return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to mix with the vegetables and gravy, or serve it separately alongside them. Taste the gravy and vegetables, adjusting salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip searing the chuck roast! This creates a flavorful crust (fond) that will add immense depth to your gravy.
• Low and Slow is Key: Cooking on a low setting for a longer duration is essential for breaking down the tough connective tissues in the chuck roast, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the roast and vegetables without overfilling, allowing for even cooking.
• Keep Lid Closed: Resist the temptation to open the slow cooker lid during cooking, as this releases heat and moisture, extending the cooking time significantly.
• Resting Not Required: Because the roast is so tender after slow cooking and can be returned to the gravy, a formal resting period on a cutting board isn’t strictly necessary, though a few minutes won’t hurt.
• Adjust Gravy Thickness: The gravy should be naturally thickened by the meat and vegetables. If you prefer it thicker, you can remove some liquid to a small saucepan, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water), and simmer until thickened, then return to the slow cooker.

---

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Simple Chuck Roast is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides:

• Mashed Potatoes (if not cooked in pot): If you prefer your mashed potatoes separate, they are the ideal partner for soaking up the rich gravy.
• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for sopping up all the delicious gravy.
• Green Beans or Asparagus: Simple steamed or roasted vegetable sides for balance.
• For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing meals, consider our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit or our These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.

---

Storage and Leftover Tips

This Simple Chuck Roast makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

• Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers (meat, vegetables, and gravy combined) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy will thicken considerably as it cools.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the gravy back to a desirable consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly. You can also reheat in the microwave.
• Freezing: Cooked chuck roast (with gravy and vegetables) freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.

---

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this slow-cooked dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:

• For a rich and comforting bowl of goodness, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
• If you’re a fan of satisfying casseroles, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
• And for a hearty pasta bake made simple, our This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way To Make Comfort Food Fast is a fantastic time-saver.

---

Final Thoughts

This Simple Chuck Roast recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising a slow cooker full of rich, savory, and fall-apart tender goodness that will make everyone happy!

Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your home! What’s your favorite slow cooker meal for a busy day? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!