Simple Slow Cooker Pot Roast - Delicious & Tender

This Slow Cooker Pot Roast is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor—without any processed packets or mystery ingredients. Just clean, wholesome components that make the most mouthwatering dinner (and the best French dip sandwiches ever). Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, this recipe is the one you'll come back to again and again.

Most pot roast recipes rely on store-bought seasoning packets full of MSG, fillers, and preservatives. I wanted something cleaner, healthier, and just as flavorful—something I’d feel good feeding my family. This recipe is made with real ingredients and my Simple Roast Seasoning Packet, and it's a hit every time. We especially love turning it into French dip sandwiches with provolone cheese and chips on the side—my boys devour them! It's a comfort food classic made easy.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Pot Roast

There are so many reasons to add this recipe to your rotation:

• First, it uses just a few simple, clean ingredients—no packets needed.
• Next, it’s made in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, so no heating up the house with the oven.
• Also, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or on buns for French dip sandwiches.
• Even better, it’s a great meal prep option and feeds a crowd with ease.
• Lastly, the leftovers are just as tasty and freeze beautifully.

Special Equipment Needed

This slow cooker pot roast doesn’t require fancy tools, but having a few basics on hand makes prep easier:

• Crock pot – For slow, tender cooking.
• Saute pan – To sear the roast for extra flavor.
• Spatula and tongs – To flip the roast safely.
• Sharp knife – For chopping the meat once it’s cooked.
• Cutting board – A sturdy surface to chop the roast.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful pot roast:

• First up, Chuck roast – This cut is known for its marbling and tenderness, which makes it ideal for slow cooking. Alternatively, you can use a shoulder or chuck arm roast, if that’s what you have on hand.
• Next, Oil of your choice – I personally love using refined coconut oil or avocado oil because they have a high smoke point. However, olive oil will work in a pinch.
• Then, Beef broth – This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful as it cooks. Be sure to choose a brand with clean, minimal ingredients. (Tip: Kitchen Basics Organic Beef Broth is a great option)
• After that, Lori’s Simple Roast Seasoning Packet – This clean seasoning blend brings out the best in the beef without any MSG or artificial additives. It’s truly what makes this recipe shine.
• Finally, Optional veggies – If you’re not planning to make sandwiches, go ahead and toss in some chopped carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion for a complete one-pot meal.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Pot Roast

1. First, season both sides of the roast

2. Next, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear one side of the roast for 2 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes

3. Then, transfer the roast to your crock pot and pour in the beef broth. Cover and cook for 8–10 hours on low or 4–6 hours on high.

4. Finally, remove the roast when it’s fork-tender. Place it on a cutting board, remove excess fat and bones, and chop to your desired size. We like it finely chopped for sandwiches.

Variations

• If you're short on time, try the Instant Pot – First, sear the roast using the sauté function. Then, cook it on high pressure for 60–75 minutes (or until fork tender) followed by a natural release. It’s just as flavorful but much faster!
• For a spicy twist, add heat – Simply stir a pinch of crushed red pepper into the seasoning before cooking. This gives the roast a subtle kick without overwhelming the flavor.
• To turn it into a stew, make it heartier – Just add extra broth along with diced carrots, potatoes, and celery. As a result, you’ll have a comforting one-pot beef stew that’s both filling and flavorful.

Tips for Success

• To begin with, double or triple the recipe when serving a crowd—just be sure to use a larger slow cooker to accommodate the extra meat.
• Additionally, while chuck roast is my favorite for its tenderness and marbling, nearly any cut of beef roast can work well in this recipe.
• When it comes to serving, chop the roast finely if you're making sandwiches, or leave it in larger chunks if you plan to serve it over mashed potatoes or rice.
• Most importantly, don’t skip the sear—it not only locks in flavor but also creates a delicious golden crust that adds depth to the final dish. skip the sear—it locks in flavor and adds a delicious crust.

Delicious Sides to Serve with Slow Cooker Pot Roast

• Add carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker (place on top or beside the roast).
• Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty dinner.
• Our favorite? French dip sandwiches with Muenster or provolone cheese on toasted rolls. Serve with a side of chips and a ramekin of roast juices for dipping!

How to Store & Freeze the Slow Cooker Pot Roast

• Once cooled, store the roast in its juices in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
• To reheat, use a skillet or pot on medium heat for best texture.
• To freeze, portion into Souper Cubes or freezer-safe containers. It reheats beautifully, though I recommend adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings

When I created these flavorful seasoning packets, I knew from the beginning they had to be made with only the best ingredients. That’s exactly why they contain no anti-caking agents, no MSG, and no preservatives—just pure seasonings and herbs. Moreover, this is extremely important to me because I want every meal to be as clean and wholesome as possible. With that in mind, my seasoning packets allow you to enjoy bold flavors without the unnecessary additives often found in store-bought mixes. As a result, every blend—including this Simple Roast Seasoning Packet—is carefully crafted to bring out the best in your dishes. Ultimately, they make home cooking easier, healthier, and more delicious. Use the code WELCOME15 to receive 15% off your first order!

FAQ

Other Slow Cooker & IP Meals to Try

• Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
• Old Fashioned Crock Pot Beef Stew

Related

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Print Pin

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This slow cooker pot roast is tender, juicy, and perfect for French dip sandwiches. Simple, clean ingredients and full of flavor.

Course Main Course

Keyword roast, slow cooker roast, french dip sandwiches, beef roast

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Servings 5

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 2-4 lb chuck roast
• 2 T oil of your choice - I prefer refined coconut oil or avocado oil
• 2 C beef broth - choose one with clean ingredients.
• Lori’s simple roast seasoning packet
• Optional veggies - if not making sandwiches with the roast an option is to add raw carrots potatoes, and celery, and white or yellow onion to the slow cooker on top of the roast.

Instructions

• Season both sides of the roast. (Use 1 tablespoon seasoning for 2 lbs, 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon for 3 lbs, and the whole packet for 4 lbs.)
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear one side of the roast for 2 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
• Transfer the roast to your crock pot and pour in the beef broth. Cover and cook for 8–10 hours on low or 4–6 hours on high.
• Remove the roast when it’s fork-tender. Place it on a cutting board, remove excess fat and bones, and chop to your desired size. We like it finely chopped for sandwiches.

Notes

To order this seasoning packet (Simple Roast) visit c3bros.com. Use the code WELCOME15 to receive 15% off your first order!

Tips for Success

• Double or triple the recipe when serving a crowd—just use a larger slow cooker.
• Any cut of beef roast can work—chuck is my favorite for tenderness.
• Chop the roast finely for sandwiches or leave it chunky for serving over potatoes or rice.
• Don’t skip the sear—it locks in flavor and adds a delicious crust.