Slow-Cooker Pot Roast Recipe

### Instructions for Making Slow-Cooker Pot Roast:

#### Step 1: Sear the Roast
– Begin by heating the **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the **chuck roast** generously with **salt** and **pepper**. Once the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides for about **3–4 minutes** per side until it’s nicely browned. This step helps develop deep flavor in the roast. Once seared, transfer the roast to the slow cooker.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
– In the same skillet, add the **onion** and **garlic**, and sauté them for **2–3 minutes** until softened and fragrant. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
– Add the **carrots** and **potatoes** to the slow cooker, arranging them around the roast.

#### Step 3: Add the Liquid and Seasonings
– Pour the **beef broth** and **red wine** (if using) into the slow cooker, making sure the meat and vegetables are partially covered. Add the **Worcestershire sauce**, **dried thyme**, **rosemary**, **bay leaf**, and a bit more salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a quick stir to combine.

#### Step 4: Slow-Cook the Roast
– Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on **low heat**. Let it cook for **7–8 hours**, or until the roast is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft. Alternatively, you can cook it on **high heat** for about **4–5 hours** if you’re short on time. The slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender.

#### Step 5: Make the Gravy (Optional)
– Once the roast is done, carefully remove the meat and vegetables from the slow cooker and set them aside. To make a thicker gravy, strain the remaining liquid in the slow cooker to remove any large pieces.
– Transfer the liquid to a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. In a separate small bowl, mix **2 tablespoons cornstarch** with **2 tablespoons cold water** to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering liquid while whisking, and cook for about **2–3 minutes** until the gravy thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
– Slice or shred the pot roast and serve it alongside the cooked carrots, potatoes, and onions. Spoon some of the thickened gravy over the top and enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal!

### Tips for Perfect Slow-Cooker Pot Roast:
1. **Choose the Right Cut of Meat**: The **chuck roast** is ideal for pot roast because it’s marbled with fat, which makes it tender and juicy when slow-cooked. You can also use other cuts like round roast, but chuck is the most flavorful.
2. **Sear for Extra Flavor**: While it’s an optional step, searing the roast before slow-cooking it enhances the depth of flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
3. **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot**: Ensure there is enough space for the liquid to circulate around the roast and vegetables. If the pot is too full, it may not cook as evenly.
4. **Adjust the Vegetables**: If you like other vegetables like parsnips or turnips, feel free to add them in. Just make sure the vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
5. **Make it Ahead**: Pot roast is great for meal prep. You can make it the night before and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors tend to improve the next day!

### Why You Should Try Slow-Cooker Pot Roast:
– **Set it and Forget it**: The slow-cooker method is incredibly hands-off, making it perfect for busy days. You don’t need to keep an eye on it—just prepare the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
– **Perfect for Feeding a Family**: This recipe is great for large gatherings or family dinners. The pot roast provides plenty of servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
– **Comfort Food**: Pot roast is the epitome of comfort food. The tender beef, savory broth, and flavorful vegetables make for a meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
– **Customizable**: You can adjust the vegetables and seasonings to suit your personal preferences, and it’s easy to add your favorite herbs or sauces to make it your own.

### Conclusion:
This **Slow-Cooker Pot Roast** is the ultimate comfort food, offering tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich, flavorful gravy with minimal effort. With just a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you’ll have a meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy dinner, this pot roast will hit the spot every time. So grab your slow cooker and let the magic happen—you’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!