Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Savor forktender chuck roast infused with herbs garlic and hearty vegetables all slowcooked until meltingly soft Then served over creamy mashed potatoes blended with tangy goat cheese and warm cream this dish becomes the ultimate in comfort and flavor Browning the beef adds deep rich color and taste while ranch and gravy seasonings create a savory sauce you will want to spoon over everything Finished with simple techniques like mashing hot potatoes with butter and goat cheese each bite is both indulgent and satisfying Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in

I first made this when I needed a makeahead dinner for a chilly evening The kids couldn’t get enough and it quickly became our goto comfort meal that everyone asks for again and again

Ingredients

• Chuck roast: offers rich flavor and becomes tender with slow cooking Look for a cut with good marbling to enhance juiciness
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth Choose firm onions that feel heavy in your hand for best flavor
• Carrots: bring natural sweetness and bright color Pick medium sized carrots that are not overly thick
• Celery: creates a fragrant base for the sauce Use fresh stalks that are crisp and vibrant
• Garlic: brings aromatic punch and savory notes Always use fresh cloves for the best taste
• Tomato paste: adds body and a touch of acidity Look for deep red paste or opt for squeeze tubes for convenience
• Beef stock: infuses a deep meaty flavor Choose low sodium to control the seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce: adds umami complexity Classic versions work best here
• Rosemary and thyme: give the dish herbaceous depth Use fresh sprigs that release fragrance when pressed
• Granulated garlic and onion powder: amplify the layered aromatics
• Paprika: lends color and mild smokiness Use a fresh vibrant powder to maximize flavor and visual appeal
• Oregano: contributes earthy notes Select dried leaves that still look fresh and are not faded
• Bay leaves: provide subtle background flavor
• Ranch seasoning powder: adds a tangy creamy element that makes the sauce special Choose good quality blends with minimal fillers
• Brown gravy powder: thickens and boosts richness effortlessly
• Salt and pepper: are essential for finishing Taste and adjust as needed
• Oil for searing meat: should be neutral and able to handle high heat
• Russet potatoes: create a fluffy base for mashed potatoes Look for firm potatoes without any sprouts
• Heavy cream: makes the potatoes luxuriously smooth Warm it slightly before adding for a silky texture
• Butter: enriches flavor European style butter brings extra decadence
• Goat cheese: makes mashed potatoes creamy with a gentle tang Use a mild variety to avoid overpowering the dish

Instructions

Sear the Chuck Roast:

Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels to remove moisture and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides Heat three tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat until it shimmers Place the roast in the skillet and sear untouched for four to five minutes until a deep golden crust forms Flip and repeat on the other side Browning is key to locking in flavor and developing a rich color so do not rush this step

Mix the Sauce:

In a separate bowl combine tomato paste beef stock Worcestershire sauce granulated garlic onion powder paprika oregano ranch seasoning and brown gravy powder Stir until fully mixed This sauce will provide a complex savory base that coats the meat and vegetables during slow cooking

Add to Slow Cooker:

Transfer the browned roast to the slow cooker crock Place the carrots celery and onions around the roast in large chunks Tuck fresh rosemary thyme sprigs and bay leaves evenly around Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything making sure it covers the roast and veggies

Slow Cook Low and Slow:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for five hours or on low for eight to nine hours The meat will become forktender and vegetables will soften but maintain some shape Avoid removing the lid during cooking to preserve moisture

Check Seasoning and Shred:

When cooking finishes carefully remove any excess fat from the top Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as desired Use two forks to gently shred or slice the beef depending on your preference Keep the cooker on warm while preparing the mashed potatoes to keep flavors melded

Make Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes:

Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into quarters Place in a large pot and cover with cold salted water Bring to a boil then simmer until rods of a fork easily pierce the potatoes Drain them well Return potatoes to the pot Add butter and allow it to melt completely Meanwhile gently warm the heavy cream Pour in half the cream and mash until mostly smooth Fold in the goat cheese and remaining cream Continue mashing until the potatoes achieve a creamy consistency Season generously with salt to bring out the flavors

Serve It Up:

Spoon generous portions of goat cheese mashed potatoes onto plates Top with forktender pot roast and ladle plenty of the savory sauce over all Garnish with fresh herbs if desired Serve warm and enjoy the rich comforting flavors

My favorite touch is the goat cheese in the mashed potatoes This ingredient completely transforms the dish lending a creamy tang that regular mashed potatoes cannot match It became a memorable treat during cold months when the whole family huddled around the table craving this comforting meal

Storage Tips

Store leftover pot roast and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers The beef and sauce will stay good for four days refrigerated Reheat the sauce gently on the stove or microwave to prevent drying Freeze pot roast with sauce in freezer bags and thaw overnight before warming for easy meal prep

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have goat cheese cream cheese or a small amount of sour cream provides a similar tang Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried using about a third of the amount as dried herbs are more potent For a simple gravy skip ranch and brown gravy powders using your own spice blend and a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken instead

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a fresh crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts to add brightness and texture Leftovers work wonderfully in sandwiches on toasted bread or converted into a hearty pot pie filling perfect for reinventing the meal

This slow cooker pot roast with goat cheese mashed potatoes is a comforting makeahead meal that feeds a crowd. Browning the meat and gently warming the cream elevate the flavors.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Why sear the chuck roast before slow cooking?

Searing caramelizes the meat's surface, enhancing color and adding a deeper, richer flavor to the dish.

→ Can I skip goat cheese in the mashed potatoes?

Yes, though goat cheese adds a creamy tang; cream cheese or extra butter can be used instead for a similar richness.

→ How do I prevent vegetables from becoming mushy?

Cut carrots, onions, and celery in large chunks to maintain their texture during slow cooking.

→ What thickens the gravy in this dish?

A mix of brown gravy powder and a cornstarch slurry added near the end helps achieve a smooth, thick sauce.

→ When should I season the beef?

Season the roast with salt and pepper before searing, then adjust seasoning again after cooking to taste.