Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Creamy Mashed Potatoes β A Comfort Food Classic! π₯©π₯

Few dishes bring as much warmth and nostalgia as a tender, slow-cooked pot roast paired with rich, buttery mashed potatoes. Whether youβre preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe delivers fall-apart beef, hearty vegetables, and a luscious gravy that everyone will love.
This pot roast is cooked low and slow with a flavorful broth infused with red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of herbs. As it simmers, the beef becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the rich, savory goodness. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is the definition of comfort food at its finest!
π Ingredients Youβll Need
For the Pot Roast:
β 3 lbs chuck roast β A well-marbled cut that becomes ultra-tender when slow-cooked.
β 2 tbsp olive oil β Used for searing to lock in flavor.
β 1 onion, sliced β Adds a deep, caramelized sweetness.
β 3 cloves garlic, minced β Boosts the savory depth of the roast.
β 3 carrots, sliced β Provides natural sweetness and heartiness.
β 2 cups beef broth β The foundation for a rich, flavorful gravy.
β 1 cup red wine (or extra broth) β Adds depth and enhances the sauce.
β 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce β A secret weapon for deep umami flavor.
β 1 tsp salt β Enhances all the flavors.
β Β½ tsp black pepper β Adds warmth and spice.
β 1 tsp dried thyme β Brings an earthy, aromatic note.
β 1 tsp dried rosemary β Complements the richness of the beef.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
β 4 large potatoes, peeled & cubed β Yukon Gold or Russet work best for creaminess.
β Β½ cup milk β Whole milk ensures a smooth, velvety mash.
β 2 tbsp butter β Adds richness and a silky texture.
β Β½ tsp salt β Brings out the natural potato flavor.
β ΒΌ tsp black pepper β For a hint of spice.
π¨βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Before slow-cooking, searing the beef creates a beautiful crust and enhances the overall flavor.
1οΈβ£ Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
2οΈβ£ Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
3οΈβ£ Sear the roast on all sides (about 4 minutes per side) until deeply browned.
4οΈβ£ Remove from heat and transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
π Pro Tip: Searing locks in the juices and adds depth to the gravy, so donβt skip this step!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Now, letβs create a rich and aromatic broth for slow-cooking.
1οΈβ£ In the same pot used for searing, sautΓ© onions and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2οΈβ£ Add sliced carrots and cook for another minute.
3οΈβ£ Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits (this is where the flavor is!).
4οΈβ£ Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary, stirring well.
5οΈβ£ Pour this flavorful mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Fall-Apart Tender
Time to let the slow cooker work its magic!
πΉ Low setting: 8 hours for the most tender results.
πΉ High setting: 4-5 hours if you’re short on time.
π Pro Tip: The longer you cook, the more tender and flavorful the beef becomes!
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
About 30 minutes before the roast is done, start on the mashed potatoes.
1οΈβ£ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2οΈβ£ Add peeled and cubed potatoes, then simmer for 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
3οΈβ£ Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot.
4οΈβ£ Mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
π Pro Tip: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or electric mixer!
Step 5: Shred the Beef & Thicken the Gravy
Once the roast is fall-apart tender, itβs time to bring everything together.
1οΈβ£ Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
2οΈβ£ For a thicker gravy, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes until slightly reduced.
3οΈβ£ Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak up more flavor.
π Optional: If the gravy needs more thickness, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then stir into the simmering sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Time to plate up this comforting dish!
1οΈβ£ Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl.
2οΈβ£ Pile generous amounts of shredded beef over the potatoes.
3οΈβ£ Drizzle rich gravy over everything for that perfect finishing touch.
4οΈβ£ Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
π‘ Expert Tips for the Best Pot Roast
β Choosing the Right Cut: Chuck roast is the best cut for tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Brisket or bottom round can also work, but chuck roast has the best marbling.
β Make It Ahead: Pot roast tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
β Freezing Instructions: Freeze shredded beef with gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
β Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
β Donβt Over-Mash Potatoes: Overworking them can make them gluey. Mash just until smooth for the best texture.
β³ Quick Recipe Recap
π Prep Time: 15 minutes
π Cook Time: 8 hours
π Total Time: ~8 hours 15 minutes
π Servings: 6 servings
π Calories: ~500 per serving
π½οΈ What to Serve with Pot Roast
This dish is already a complete meal, but if youβre looking to add a little extra, here are some delicious pairings:
π₯ Fresh Side Salad β A light, crisp salad balances out the rich flavors.
π₯ Crusty Bread β Perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy.
π₯¦ Roasted Vegetables β Green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus make a great side.
π Final Thoughts
Thereβs nothing more comforting than a slow-cooked pot roast with creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is simple, hearty, and full of deep, rich flavors that make every bite unforgettable.
Try it for Sunday dinner, holidays, or meal prep, and watch it become a new family favorite. If you make it, donβt forget to snap a pic and tag #SlowCookedPotRoast on social mediaβIβd love to see your creations!
Happy cooking! π₯©π₯β¨
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