Should pot roast be covered with liquid in slow cooker

The best Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe. Learn how to cook a roast in a crockpot that comes out perfectly tender and delicious!

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There is nothing better than a warm plate of pot roast and veggies on a chilly day, especially when the meat is so incredibly tender! It’s the ultimate comfort food!

This main course recipe couldn’t be easier since the slow cooker does most of the work. It also only takes 10 ingredients most of which you probably already have in your pantry! 

Even better, there isn’t any soup mix in this recipe because they normally have some weird ingredients in them.

In just over 6 hours, you will have a delicious dinner that your whole family will love!

P.S. – If you love slow cooker recipes, check out our crockpot whole chicken, minestrone soup, or these 45 Healthy Crockpot Recipes!

why we love this crock pot roast

There is so much to like about this crockpot recipe! Here’s why it is one of our favorites:

• Easy to make – Like most slow cooker recipes, this recipe is so easy because other than searing the roast, you just dump the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the rest. 
• Fall apart tender – Because the meat cooks low and slow, it gets so incredibly tender and delicious!
• Hearty and filling – This recipe is packed with protein (46g) and hearty veggies! 

Crockpot Pot Roast Ingredients

To make this slow cooker roast you will need: 

• chuck roast
• carrots, potatoes, onion
• beef broth
• olive oil
• garlic, dried thyme, or rosemary
• salt and pepper

You can find substitutions for all of these ingredients below in the green shaded substitutions box. 

What are the best vegetables to cook with the Crockpot Pot Roast?

We love the way carrots and potatoes cook with the roast. They become super tender and pair nicely with the roast!

What is the best cut and size of meat to use for a Crock Pot Pot Roast?

The Best Cuts of Meat for Roast are:

• chuck roast
• bottom round roast
• top round roast

A 4-5 lb roast will work best when cooking a roast in the crock pot.

How to Cook a Roast in Crock Pot

1. Heat olive oil in a pan on the stove. Season roast with salt and pepper. Sear the roast for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned. The roast shouldn’t be cooked through but should have a nice crust. 
2. In the last 2-3 minutes you can add your onion and garlic to the pan to saute with the roast or just add them into the crockpot raw. 
3. While the roast is browning, add carrots, potatoes, and broth to the crockpot. 
4. Put the seared roast in the crock pot, as well as the onions, and garlic all on top of the carrots and potatoes. Sprinkle with dried thyme. 
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until potatoes are fork-tender. You can also cook on high for 4-6 hours (low is better).
6. The beef roast should fall apart easily with a fork or tongs.

Enjoy this as a full and hearty meal!

Substitutions for Pot Roast Crock Pot Cooked

Olive Oil: You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or butter. 

Chuck Roast: You can substitute chuck roast for bottom round roast or top round roast. 

Vegetables: Feel free to add more carrots or potatoes if you like. We love Yukon Gold potatoes.

Broth: You can use any broth in this recipe. Beef broth is our favorite.

Keto/Low Carb: The roast in itself is keto/low carb friendly. 

WW Note: The points for this recipe were estimated. You’ll need to use your app to calculate the exact points for this recipe. Roast: 48 SP, Olive Oil: 3 SP, Potatoes 15 SP = 66/6 = 11 points per serving

Do you have to brown the pot roast before putting it in the crock pot?

You don’t have to brown the roast before putting it in the slow cooker, but we highly recommend it. Browning meat helps to lock in its flavor and texture.

We also recommend browning your onions/garlic if you are going to brown the meat. This is such a simple step but it adds SO much flavor.

What size slow cooker is needed to make this Pot Roast?

We used a standard 6-quart crock pot to make this slow cooker roast. Here’s a link to the crockpot we have. I’m sure you could cook this in a smaller crockpot, but it might be a little bit crowded.

I don’t think it would all fit in a 3-quart crockpot, but without trying I can’t be sure.

How much liquid should be included with the pot roast in the slow cooker?

This recipe calls for 1 cup of beef broth.

How much water do I put in a crock pot for a roast? You can put 1 cup of water or broth in your slow cooker when cooking a roast. The roast will give off its own juices.

Should pot roast be covered with liquid in slow cooker? No, the roast does not need to be covered completely with liquid in slow cooker. As long as the roast has a little bit of water (1 cup) it has enough!

Can this recipe be made in the oven?

We don’t recommend it. We find the roast becomes the most tender by cooking low and slow in the crock pot.

If you do want to try cooking the roast in the oven, this recipe looks delicious.

How to Thicken Gravy for Pot Roast

You can easily make the gravy for a roast. Here’s how:

1. Take 1 cup of broth from the base of the slow cooker and add it to a small sauce pot.
2. Bring to a boil, whisking in 2 tablespoons of flour and whatever spices you like.
3. Reduce heat and simmer. It should thicken almost immediately.

How to Serve Crock Pot Roast

This slow cooker roast is a meal in itself. Here are some other sides you can make with it:

• green beans almondine
• crispy potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• brussels sprouts

Storing and Reheating this Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Storing: You can store this roast in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing: This roast freezes really well. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating: You can reheat this roast in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

Crock Pot Roast FAQ

Is it better to cook a roast on high or low in a crock pot?

It’s better to cook a roast on low in the crockpot. Cooking a roast on low in the crockpot will give you a roast that is fall apart tender. If you cook a roast on high it can get tough.

How long does it take for a roast to get tender in crock pot?

It will take a roast about 6 hours on low to get tender in the crockpot. 8 hours is best for a tender roast.

The best Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe. Learn how to cook a roast in a crockpot that comes out perfectly tender and delicious!

Prep Time : 10 minutes

Cook Time : 6 hours

Total Time : 6 hours 10 minutes

Serves : 6 people. about 8 oz/serving

(hover over # to adjust)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4-5 lb chuck roast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• ½ cup onion finely chopped
• 3 cups carrots cut in 4-5 inch chunks (about 4 large carrots)
• 3 cups potatoes quartered
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• 1 cup beef broth low or no salt

• Heat olive oil in a pan on the stove. Season roast with salt and pepper. Sear the roast for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned. The roast shouldn’t be cooked through but should have a nice crust.

• In the last 2-3 minutes you can add your onion and garlic to the pan to saute with the roast or just add them into the crockpot raw.

• While the roast is browning, add carrots, potatoes and broth to the crockpot.

• Add the seared roast, onions and garlic on top of the carrots/potatoes.

• Sprinkle with dried thyme.

• Cover and cook on low for 6-10 hours until potatoes are fork tender. (Or high for 4-6 hours. Low is recommended)

• The pot roast should fall apart easily with a fork or tongs

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe

Amount Per Serving (8 oz meat + 1 cup veggies (estimated))

Calories 541 Calories from Fat 243

% Daily Value*

Fat 27g42%

Saturated Fat 12g75%

Trans Fat 2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 3g

Monounsaturated Fat 19g

Cholesterol 156mg52%

Sodium 328mg14%

Potassium 1670mg48%

Carbohydrates 26g9%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 46g92%

Vitamin A 10734IU215%

Vitamin C 25mg30%

Calcium 88mg9%

Iron 7mg39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. This is an estimate and can vary pending your ingredients