Favorite Pot Roast Recipe - Made In The Crock Pot (2024)

by Mary Neumann · 108 Comments

Today’s recipe is my favorite go-to for pot roast. I have been making this dinner for years. It makes the BEST chuck roast pot roast and it’s all done in the slow cooker. Read the RAVE REVIEWS!

FAVORITE POT ROAST RECIPE – MADE IN THE CROCK POT
This family favorite pot roast is super easy to throw together with only a few ingredients (chuck roast, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup, salt and pepper to taste). This roast recipe makes the tastiest gravy that’s full of flavor, perfect served over mashed potatoes – comfort food at its best! *You can make the soups from scratch*

Readrave reviewsfrom people who tried this recipe on Pinterest!

More Rave Reviews

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THE POT ROAST IN THE CROCK POT

Chuck roast, cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, water, salt and pepper to taste.

*Not a fanof canned soups and packaged dry onion soup mixes? I share links below to easy recipes to make your own homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup and dry onion soup mix.

HOW TO MAKE POT ROAST IN THE CROCK POT

*Be sure to read tips about browning the roast and adding red wine – both are optional but add extra layers of flavor and make this awesome pot roast recipe even better!

I always serve my pot roast with caramelized onions– delicious! The gravy from theroastis wonderful over mashed potatoes.

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FAN FAVORITE SLOW COOKER RECIPES (RAVE REVIEWS)

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Please Note– This is NOT a sponsored post. I have no affiliation with any of products used in this recipe.

Favorite Pot Roast Recipe Made in the Crock Pot/Slow Cooker

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Ingredients

5 to 6 pound pot roast
2(10.75 ounce)cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (or make homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup, using equivalent amount)
1 packet onion soup mix (Lipton or store brand – 1 ounce packet (or make homemade dry onion soup mix)
1 1/4 cups of water (water can be substituted with beef broth. You can also add a little red wine. My favorite is 1 cup water and 1/4 cup red wine)
salt & pepper to taste (or use your favorite go-to seasonings)

Directions

Lightly spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place roast in crock pot and season with salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings. In a medium size bowl, mix soups (can and dried) and water and pour mixture evenly over roast. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Each crock pot cooks differently so you may need to adjust cooking times. Serve with your favorite potatoes and veggies. The gravy from the roast is wonderful with mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Tips
Browning the roast before placing in the crock pot adds wonderful flavor. Also, if you had red wine, I highly recommend replacing 1/4 of cup of water with wine – it’s wonderful!

For leftover roast beef sandwiches, try my Grandpa Kelly’s Famous Horseradish Cheese Spread recipe! Just 4 ingredients, simple to make, so good.

Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Carol
August 03, 2022 at 5:30 am
Made this. It’s was the best crockpot beef roast ever
Reply
- Jen k
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  November 01, 2022 at 12:40 pm
  Made this last night. I added 2 packets of beefy onion soup mix instead of one. A tbsp Worcestershire sauce. A tbsp balsamic vinegar. Thyme. Rosemary. Garlic. Salt pepper. 1/4 cup red wine. 1 packet of onion gravy mix and 1 cup beef stock. It was the best gravy I’ve ever tasted.
  Reply
- Mary Neumann
  November 01, 2022 at 12:43 pm
  Wonderful to hear, Carol. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your results!
  Reply
Crystal J.
July 25, 2022 at 3:03 am
Made this tonight. This is definitely our new favorite roast recipe! Served over rice with a side of peas.
Reply
Meme
June 02, 2022 at 7:45 pm
Made this for dinner today. OMGosh it is so yummy. I’ve tried several recipes for roast beef in the crock pot and this is the best one by far. And, the gravy is so yummy. I used beef broth instead of water and I used a sirloin tip roast. The roast was fall apart tender. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Reply
Doris
December 28, 2021 at 3:30 pm
This is the best pot roast I ever had thanks so much for sharing
Reply
linda
March 04, 2021 at 4:45 pm
I’m a little confused with the recipe ! when browning the roast do you add the wine and water?
Reply
- Mary Neumann
  March 05, 2021 at 12:44 pm
  Hi Linda – Yes, after you brown you add the water (and wine if you like). Browning adds an extra layer of flavor. You don’t have to use wine but I highly recommend if you have some. This recipe is great with and without wine and without browning – but browning and wine make this roast even better.
  Reply
  - Alexia
    January 10, 2023 at 10:28 am
    Do you had the wine and water to the soups?
    Reply
Stephanie Sewell
April 10, 2020 at 11:00 am
My family loves pot roast. I have always cut the roast into strips, then slightly brown each piece on the stove top with plenty of butter and seasoning. Place in the slow cooker on high for 3 hours and then on low heat for abt an hour. Best served with sour cream and cheese mashed potatoes.
Reply
- Robert Titman
  February 07, 2024 at 4:22 pm
  There is only 2 people in my house so recipe for 2 to 3 lb roast
  Reply
Summer C.
December 08, 2019 at 5:54 pm
I used a 3lb roast and added carrots, onions and potatoes. I doubled the soups and beef broth (in place of water) because my family likes a lot of gravy. I added gravy master to the soups to darken the gravy. I cooked it on high for for 5 hours. While the roast was cooked, it wasn’t falling apart so I turned it to low and cooked it for 2 more hours. Everything turned out great. Next time, because there will definitely be a next time, I will allow more time and I will make a cornstarch slurry and add it for the last 15 minutes or so.
Reply
See Also
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Jennifer
October 02, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Have you tried this in the instant pot?
Reply
Janet
August 20, 2019 at 12:39 pm
This was my Mom’s Sunday roast beef recipe. I’ve always made it myself and it turns out great. In the past few years I have started substituting brewed coffee for the water and it gives the gravy a darker color with even more savory flavor. This is a family favorite!
Reply
- Courtney
  February 05, 2022 at 12:05 pm
  Could you do this in the oven? If so what would you cook it on? And for how long?
  Reply
  - Mary Neumann
    February 05, 2022 at 12:29 pm
    Sure – follow this recipe for oven temp and time, Courtney:
    https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/25206/oven-pot-roast/
    Reply
Elaine Roberts
July 15, 2019 at 6:26 am
Love your recipes.Thank you for taking the time to post.
Reply
Jessica
June 27, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Can you tell me how I would adjust the recipe if I only have a 3 pound roast? I cannot find one bigger then that at my grocery store.
Reply
- Jennifer
  August 20, 2019 at 8:33 pm
  Cut the recipe in half
  Reply
Ann
June 20, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Thank you for sharing this recipe turn out wonderful super easy dull of flavor honestly my new way to make roast
Reply
Tanya
June 12, 2019 at 11:23 pm
I used cream of chicken instead since I didn’t have mushroom. I also used beef broth instead of water and added the red wine vinegar. I also added garlic. This was one of the most AMAZING crockpot recipes I have ever made! I made 7 adults and 5 kids all happy and those are hard odds to come by!! Thank you so much for this recipe!
Reply
Yeszenia
March 18, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Do you have a good gravy from the roast recipe to go with this?
Reply
- Mary Neumann
  March 18, 2019 at 5:03 pm
  Yeszenia – the roast makes it’s own gravy, so no need! The gravy is what makes the roast so good.
  Reply
Erica
February 22, 2019 at 7:52 pm
This is so good! And my super picky husband likes it too. I use a bit of wine, as suggested.
Reply
- Mary Neumann
  February 22, 2019 at 8:13 pm
  Browning and adding red wine takes it to the next level. Thrilled you enjoyed this old school recipe, Erica!
  Reply
Lexy
January 25, 2019 at 1:28 pm
This is the best pot roast! Delish! Thank you so much.
Reply
Donald
January 19, 2019 at 2:52 am
Good recipe for the meat. But when do you put in the vegies for best tenderness.
Reply
- jenny
  March 21, 2019 at 1:26 pm
  i put 2 cans mushroom soup, 1 can cream of celery, and use beef broth for the liquid. I put potatoes, carrots, onion and mushrooms on the bottom of the crock pot, top with roast, then cook for 8-9 hours on low
  Reply
Debbie
November 27, 2018 at 8:22 am
I have a 2.6# roast how can I adapt your recipe & cook time for my roast?
Reply
Trina
November 02, 2018 at 2:16 am
Made this recipe! It smells and tastes delicious. Very easy to make. Added carrots and potatoes in the last hour and everything came out great!
Reply
Amanda
October 29, 2018 at 3:20 pm
Can you put potatoes and carrots possibly fresh mushrooms in here also? Would you need to increase the liquid?
Reply

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Favorite Pot Roast Recipe - Made In The Crock Pot (2024)

FAQs

Do you have to brown a roast before putting it in the crockpot? ›

Slow cooker recipes don't always instruct you to brown meat before adding it to the pot, but there are some advantages to doing so. If you sear meat to a crusty brown with a little oil in a hot skillet, the meat develops more complex flavors and improves the dish.

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What is the best kind of roast to cook in a crock pot? ›

There are many different cuts that can be used for crockpot roast from bottom round, to rump roast, to shoulder roast to chuck roast, but for the best crockpot pot roast, use the boneless chuck roast.

Know More ›

What is the secret to a perfect roast? ›

The secret to making tender roast beef:

It's all about cooking low and slow. With a cut of meat like this, a longer cook time will give you better, more tender results. Ideally, all roasted meats would be seared on all sides in a hot skillet to develop a golden, delicious crust.

Get More Info Here ›

Should pot roast be covered in liquid in a crock pot? ›

Traditionally, this means the meat is partially covered in liquid and cooked for hours until it becomes juicy and tender. In this case, the steam from the slow cooker creates moisture for the meat to braise in.

Discover More Details ›

What should I season my roast with? ›

A basic roast beef rub can include a combination of the following ingredients:

Salt.
Pepper (freshly cracked is best)
Garlic powder or minced garlic.
Onion powder.
Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
Olive oil or melted butter for basting.

Why do you put flour on a roast? ›

The idea behind coating meat with a sprinkling of flour before browning in a hot pan is pretty simple: Flour is full of starch that will caramelize quickly and give a deeper color and flavor. You most often see this technique called for in stews, where flour is used to thicken the cooking liquid.

Get More Info ›

When to add potatoes to crock pot roast? ›

While the broth is bubbling on the stove, add the baby carrots, sliced onions, and baby potatoes to the crockpot. I like to wash the baby potatoes and slice them in half. I also try to make sure the potatoes are on the sides around the roast and top the roast with the carrots and onions.

Know More ›

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

PRO TIP: It's better to cook pot roast on the low setting rather than the high setting when it comes to pot roast. Your meat will be tender and delicious every time.

Discover More Details ›

Why is my pot roast still tough in the crock pot? ›

There are several reasons why this could have happened even after so much cooking. First, your choice of a rump roast could be a factor since cuts from the hind quarter are very muscular and, since muscles are the most resistant to breaking, this cut is quite stubborn when it comes to becoming tender.

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What can I add to my roast to make it taste better? ›

I opt for basil, thyme, paprika, dried bay leaves, and black pepper. These add a lovely, almost Italian-inspired flavor to this pot roast recipe. Veggies. Including onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes (all of which are also in my beef stew!).

Show Me More ›

What makes the most tender roast? ›

Tenderloin. The most tender roast of all—it's under the spine— with almost no fat or flavor. It's tapered in shape, the middle being the "center cut." The labor involved and waste produced in trimming and tying a tenderloin drives up the price. Top sirloin roast.

Learn More ›

How do you keep the flavor in a roast? ›

Incorporate herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves, and spices like garlic powder, paprika, or a hint of cumin. These seasonings build layers of flavor that penetrate the meat during the slow-cooking process. Slow cooking is key to a mouth-watering pot roast.

See Details ›

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in a crockpot? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

Show Me More ›

Do you put vegetables on top or bottom of roast? ›

How to Arrange a Pot Roast in a Crock-Pot

Coat the Crock-Pot in a thin layer of cooking spray to keep the meat and vegetables from sticking. ...
Layer the root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots and turnips, into the Crock-Pot first. ...
Place the meat atop the root vegetables in the center of the Crock-Pot.

More items...

View Details ›

What not to do to pot roast? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Pot Roast

Using the wrong roast.
Not browning the roast.
Deglazing with just broth.
Cooking the vegetables too long.
Not thickening the gravy.

Mar 29, 2017

Show Me More ›

What happens if you don't brown meat before a slow cooker? ›

"Browning, or caramelizing, meat before putting it into a slow cooker isn't 100 percent necessary, but it is well worth the effort for the most flavorful and full-bodied end result," he says. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish."

Discover More ›

Can you put beef in slow cooker without browning? ›

You can add beef to the slow cooker without browning. Searing it in a hot pan to create a caramelised crust is not necessary but can make a richer flavour. Simply add the meat to your slow cooker with aromatics, stock and sauces and cook either on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 5-8 hours.

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What happens if you don't sear a roast before cooking? ›

Without searing, meat dishes can taste flat and boring. Admittedly, searing isn't strictly necessary for the cooking process.

Read On ›

Can you cook a roast without searing it? ›

My recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty, tender pot roast without the searing step. By generously coating the meat in seasoning prior to cooking, the spices caramelize and create a crust identical to what you would get from searing.

Find Out More ›

Favorite Pot Roast Recipe - Made In The Crock Pot (2024)