Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Recipe with Tender Juicy Beef

There are few meals as deeply comforting and universally loved as a slow cooker chuck roast. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with rich, savory aromas all day long and rewards you at dinner time with fall-apart tender beef bathed in a flavorful, silky gravy. This Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Recipe with Tender Juicy Beef is a classic, time-tested comfort food that never goes out of style.

Chuck roast is one of the most forgiving and flavorful cuts of beef when cooked low and slow. While it may start out tough, hours in the slow cooker transform it into succulent, juicy perfection. This recipe is designed to give you maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, cozy Sunday dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the balance of ingredients. Simple pantry staples work together to create a rich, deeply savory gravy without overpowering the natural beef flavor. The vegetables cook alongside the meat, soaking up all that goodness, while the broth and seasonings slowly reduce into a sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything on your plate.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish delivers every time. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly versatile—serve it with mashed potatoes, over egg noodles, or alongside crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Why Chuck Roast Is Perfect for the Slow Cooker

Chuck roast comes from the shoulder of the cow, an area that gets a lot of use. That means it’s packed with connective tissue and marbling—exactly what you want for slow cooking. When exposed to low heat over several hours, that collagen melts into gelatin, creating meat that’s unbelievably tender and juicy.

Unlike lean cuts that can dry out, chuck roast becomes better the longer it cooks. This makes it ideal for the slow cooker, where consistent low heat works its magic without constant supervision.

Ingredients

• 3–4 lb chuck roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the seared roast to the slow cooker.
4. Add sliced onions, carrots, and minced garlic around the roast.
5. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
6. Pour the mixture over the roast and vegetables.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
8. Optional: To thicken the gravy, remove the roast and whisk cornstarch with water. Stir into the liquid and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes.
9. Shred or slice the beef and return it to the gravy before serving.

Tips for the Juiciest Slow Cooker Beef

• Don’t skip the sear: Browning the roast adds depth and locks in flavor.
• Cook low and slow: LOW heat yields the most tender results.
• Let it rest: Allow the roast to rest in the gravy before serving for maximum juiciness.
• Use quality broth: A rich beef broth makes a noticeable difference.

Flavor Variations

• Garlic Herb: Add fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs.
• Onion Gravy Style: Stir in a packet of onion soup mix.
• Vegetable Loaded: Add potatoes, celery, or mushrooms.
• Red Wine Boost: Replace ½ cup of broth with red wine.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker chuck roast pairs beautifully with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Rice or quinoa
• Crusty artisan bread
• Roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve tenderness.

Comfort Food With History

Slow-cooked beef dishes have been staples in kitchens for generations. Long before modern appliances, families relied on low, steady heat to make tough cuts tender and flavorful. This recipe honors that tradition while using today’s convenient slow cooker to make it effortless.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Recipe with Tender Juicy Beef is everything a comfort meal should be—rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s proof that simple ingredients and patience can create something truly special. Once you try it, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Tender Juicy Beef

A classic slow cooker chuck roast cooked low and slow until fall-apart tender in a rich, savory gravy.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 onion sliced
• 4 carrots chunked

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Season chuck roast generously on all sides.
2. Sear roast in hot oil until browned.
3. Transfer roast to slow cooker.
4. Add vegetables around roast.
5. Mix broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and herbs.
6. Pour mixture over roast.
7. Cook on LOW 8–9 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours.

Notes

For thicker gravy, stir in cornstarch slurry at the end.