Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Brown Gravy
Pour rich brown gravy right over a raw beef chuck roast, set the slow cooker, and come home to a comforting dinner your family will ask for again and again.
This slow cooker beef roast with brown gravy is classic comfort food at its best. Inspired by old-fashioned Midwestern Sunday dinners, this recipe delivers fork-tender beef, savory onions, and a homemade brown gravy that tastes like it simmered all day because it did. Thanks to the crockpot, you get all the flavor of a traditional pot roast with minimal prep and no stress.
It’s the perfect meal for busy weekdays, cold evenings, or anytime you want something hearty, filling, and reliable quietly cooking while you go about your day.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Roast:
Hands-off comfort food The slow cooker does all the work
Fork-tender chuck roast Low and slow cooking guarantees juicy beef
Rich homemade brown gravy No bland sauces here
Budget-friendly dinner Chuck roast is affordable and feeds a crowd
Perfect for leftovers Great for sandwiches the next day
Family-approved classic Familiar flavors everyone loves
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 8–10 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)
Ingredients:
1 (3–4 lb) beef chuck roast
2 tsp kosher salt (or 1½ tsp table salt)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil (for searing)
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional vegetables:
Carrots, potatoes, celery (cut into large chunks)
Instructions:
Pat the chuck roast dry. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then rub evenly over the meat.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add carrots, potatoes, or celery if using.
Place the seared beef on top of the vegetables.
Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour over the roast.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Transfer meat and vegetables to a platter and keep warm.
Strain the cooking liquid and measure about 3 cups. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 2–3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the hot liquid and simmer until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Slice or shred the roast, spoon gravy over top, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this slow cooker chuck roast over:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed white rice
Add dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that rich brown gravy.
Tips & Variations:
Add mushrooms for a slow cooker beef and mushroom gravy
Stir in cream or sour cream for a creamier gravy
Use leftovers for hot beef sandwiches
Make ahead and reheat flavors get even better the next day
