Ultimate Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes – A Comfort Food Classic

 Ultimate Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes – A Comfort Food Classic

Why You’ll Love This Pot Roast Recipe

Imagine tender, fall-apart beef braised in a rich, flavorful gravy with sweet caramelized carrots and creamy mashed potatoes. This slow-cooked pot roast is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, hearty meal perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cold evenings.

This recipe is effortless, requiring minimal prep and allowing the slow cooker (or oven) to do all the work. With the perfect balance of savory, umami flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dish is guaranteed to impress even the toughest critics.

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Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Pot Roast:

3-4 lbs chuck roast – The best cut for a tender, juicy roast thanks to its marbling.

2 tbsp olive oil – Helps create a beautiful sear on the meat, locking in flavor.

1 large onion, sliced – Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

4 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the umami taste and adds an aromatic touch.

4 large carrots, cut into chunks – Provide natural sweetness and absorb the rich gravy.

2 cups beef broth – Creates the base of the sauce, keeping the roast moist.

1 cup red wine (optional) – Adds complexity and richness to the sauce.

2 tbsp tomato paste – Deepens the flavor and gives the gravy a luscious consistency.

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Boosts umami and enhances the meaty flavor.

2 tsp salt – Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.

1 tsp black pepper – Adds a subtle heat and balances the richness.

1 tsp dried thyme – Infuses a herby aroma and complements the beef.

1 tsp dried rosemary – Provides an earthy, slightly piney note.

2 bay leaves – Lends an extra layer of depth to the sauce.

1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening) – Ensures a smooth, velvety gravy.

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed – Ideal for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.

4 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness and a silky texture.

½ cup heavy cream – Ensures ultra-creamy mashed potatoes.

½ tsp salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.

¼ tsp black pepper – Adds a mild, warming spice.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.

3. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side, creating a deep brown crust.

4. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker or Dutch oven.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Base

1. In the same pan, add the onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes).

2. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to intensify the flavor.

3. Pour in the red wine (if using) and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

4. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

5. Transfer this mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Slow Cooker Method: Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Oven Method: Cover and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 3-4 hours.

Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender.

2. Drain and mash them with butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

1. Remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker.

2. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water.

3. Stir the mixture into the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, until thickened.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Shred the beef with two forks and discard the bay leaves.

2. Plate the mashed potatoes first, then top with the juicy shredded beef and carrots.

3. Drizzle generously with rich, flavorful gravy.

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Why This Recipe Is Loved

✔️ Incredibly tender beef that falls apart effortlessly.

✔️ Rich, deep flavors from slow braising.

✔️ One-pot convenience with minimal cleanup.

✔️ Perfectly creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.

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Pro Tips for the Best Pot Roast

✅ Choose the right cut – Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking.

✅ Sear the meat first – Locks in juices and enhances flavor.

✅ Use low heat for longer – Ensures the most tender texture.

✅ Deglaze the pan – Don’t skip this step; it adds an extra depth of flavor.

✅ Adjust gravy consistency – Add more broth if too thick or cornstarch if too thin.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty pot roast with:

Roasted garlic green beans – Adds freshness and crunch.

Buttery dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up extra gravy.

A glass of red wine – Complements the dish’s rich flavors.

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Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try This Recipe

This ultimate slow-cooked pot roast is a game-changer. Tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor, it's an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

With simple ingredients and foolproof steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home

. Follow this recipe, and you’ll never need another pot roast recipe again!

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments. Happy cooking!