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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Roast and Vegetables**
Start by seasoning your beef roast generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. This step helps develop a deeper flavor and color in your roast.
While the roast is searing, prepare your vegetables. Chop the onion, carrots, and potatoes into uniform chunks so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
#### 2. **Place Everything in the Slow Cooker**
Transfer the seared roast to your slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves around the roast. Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce (if using) over the roast and veggies. This will create a flavorful liquid base that will infuse the meat and vegetables as they cook.
#### 3. **Cook the Pot Roast**
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on **low** for 7-8 hours or on **high** for 4-5 hours. The roast should be fork-tender and easily shred with a pair of forks. If you have time, cooking it on low for the longer time yields the most tender results.
#### 4. **Make the Gravy**
Once the roast is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it with foil to keep it warm while you make the gravy. You can also remove the vegetables and set them aside or serve them with the roast.
To make the gravy, pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Strain out the herbs and bay leaves for a smooth gravy.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until smooth to create a slurry. Heat the saucepan over medium heat and bring the cooking liquid to a simmer. Gradually add the flour mixture to the simmering liquid while whisking continuously. Keep stirring for 3-5 minutes, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Finish off the gravy by stirring in the butter and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy**
Once the gravy is thick and smooth, slice the roast into thick slices and serve it with the vegetables. Pour the homemade gravy generously over the roast and veggies for that extra burst of flavor.
### Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast:
– **Choose the Right Cut of Meat**: A beef chuck roast is the best option for pot roast as it has plenty of marbling, which makes it incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Other cuts like brisket or round roast can be used, but they may not be as tender as the chuck roast.
– **Don’t Skip the Searing**: While it’s an extra step, searing the meat before placing it in the slow cooker helps lock in flavors and gives the roast a beautiful, rich color. It’s worth the extra time!
– **Adjust the Veggies**: Feel free to adjust the vegetables to suit your tastes. You can add parsnips, celery, or even turnips for a twist. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the pot roast the night before by chopping the vegetables and seasoning the meat. Store everything in the fridge and then place it in the slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
– **Freezing Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. The roast and gravy will reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Convenience**: Once everything is in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. No need to monitor the roast constantly.
– **Flavorful**: The roast comes out perfectly tender and juicy, and the gravy adds a rich depth of flavor that brings the whole meal together.
– **Comforting**: This dish is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, filling, and satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re feeding a hungry family, this slow cooker pot roast with gravy is sure to please.
### Conclusion
This slow cooker pot roast with gravy recipe is the perfect meal for any occasion. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a hearty, comforting dish. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on a quiet Sunday night, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try, and let the slow cooker work its magic!
