Easy Chuck Roast Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chuck Roast Recipe is a hearty, comforting classic that delivers tender, fall-apart beef with minimal effort. Cooked low and slow, either in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, it’s the perfect one-pot meal with rich flavor and simple ingredients. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

beef chuck roast (3-4 lbs)olive oilbeef brothonionsgarliccarrotspotatoesWorcestershire saucetomato paste (optional)thyme (fresh or dried)rosemary (fresh or dried)saltblack pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), or set your slow cooker to low.

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

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).

Remove the roast and set aside. In the same pan, sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste (if using) and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

Place the roast in a Dutch oven or slow cooker. Add carrots and potatoes around the meat.

Pour the broth mixture over everything. Add thyme and rosemary.

Cover and cook in the oven for 3–3.5 hours or in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours, until the meat is tender and easy to shred.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time (oven): 3–3.5 hours or (slow cooker): 8 hoursResting time: 10 minutesTotal time: 3.5 to 8.5 hours depending on method

Variations

Add celery or mushrooms for more veggie variety.

Use red wine in place of some broth for deeper flavor.

Substitute parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist.

Add a bay leaf for extra depth.

Try pressure cooking in an Instant Pot for a quicker version (about 60–70 minutes on high pressure).

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What cut of meat is best for this recipe?

Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.

Can I skip the searing step?

Searing adds flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.

Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs?

Both work well—use half the amount if using dried.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, it reheats beautifully and can be made a day in advance.

Do I need a Dutch oven?

No, you can use a slow cooker or any oven-safe covered pot.

Why is my roast tough?

It likely needs more cook time—chuck roast gets tender with long, slow cooking.

Can I add gravy?

Yes, use the cooking liquid to make a rich gravy by thickening with a cornstarch slurry.

Can I cook it on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, cook for about 4–5 hours on high if short on time.

Conclusion

This Easy Chuck Roast Recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy a flavorful, tender meal with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a week’s worth of meals, it’s a classic comfort food that never disappoints. Simple, satisfying, and sure to become a go-to favorite.

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