How to Make Perfectly Tender Roast Beef in a Slow Cooker

Cooking tender, fall-apart roast beef seems intimidating. But with a slow cooker, it’s easy to achieve incredibly moist and flavorful beef roast every time. In this article I’ll share my secrets for how to make the most tender, delicious pot roast you’ve ever tasted using a few simple slow cooker techniques.

Benefits of Slow Cooked Roast Beef

Using a slow cooker for pot roast offers several advantages:

• Convenience—Just put the ingredients in and leave it to cook for hours. No need to monitor or turn the meat.

• Moisture – The slow, moist heat environment prevents the beef from drying out The meat braises in its own juices and broth.

• Tenderness – The long cooking time breaks down connective tissue in tougher cuts like chuck roast, making them melt-in-your-mouth tender.

• Flavor: Spices and aromatics have hours to soak into the meat and create deep, complex flavors.

Tips for Choosing a Roast

For the most tender, flavorful results, choose

• Chuck roast – This affordable cut has lots of collagen and fat to keep it moist during slow cooking. The connective tissue breaks down into luscious gelatin.

• Rump roast – Also known as bottom round or top round roast, this leaner cut has good marbling for tenderness. Keep cooking times shorter.

• Boneless or bone-in – Bone-in roasts add extra flavor but boneless is easier to serve. Choose based on your preference.

• 3-5 pounds – Big roasts hold moisture better in a slow cooker. Go larger for a crowd. For just two people, a 2 pound roast works.

Prep Your Roast for the Slow Cooker

Properly preparing the meat ensures the most tender, flavorful finished roast:

• Pat dry – Blot with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture for better browning.

• Season generously – Coat all over with salt, pepper and your favorite herbs and spices.

• Sear (optional) – Browning adds flavor. Quickly sear the roast in a skillet before slow cooking.

• Use a cooking bag – Placing the seasoned roast in a cooking bag helps seal in moisture.

• Cut vegetables small – Cut potatoes, carrots and other veggies into 1-2 inch pieces to cook through fully.

Slow Cooker Roast Beef Cooking Tips

Follow these tips as your pot roast cooks for fork-tender perfection:

• Lift roast from bottom – Occasionally use tongs to lift the meat off the bottom, so it braises evenly.

• Add veggies late – Wait to add potatoes and carrots during the last 2-3 hours so they don’t get mushy.

• Check for doneness – Use a meat thermometer to test for your desired doneness during the last hour.

• Let rest before slicing – Allow the roast to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute.

• Slice against the grain – Cutting against the grain shortens muscle fibers for the most tender texture.

• Make gravy from drippings – Use the flavorful cooking liquid from the slow cooker to make an easy, tasty gravy.

Flavorful Seasonings for Pot Roast

One of the keys to incredible roast beef is to season it boldly. Try these tasty seasoning mixes:

• Onion soup mix – This easy dried mix adds savory onion and herb flavors. Use about 1 envelope per 3-4 pounds of meat.

• Montreal steak seasoning – The blend of pepper, spices and herbs gives great flavor. Sprinkle liberally over the roast.

• Italian dressing mix – Use about 1-2 packets of zesty Italian dressing mix per roast.

• Garlic, oregano, basil – For an Italian-seasoned roast, rub minced garlic, dried oregano and basil over the beef.

• Your favorite steak rub – Any steak seasoning blend you enjoy will be delicious on roast beef. Apply liberally.

Slow Cooker Roast Cooking Times

Cooking time depends on size, your slow cooker, and desired doneness:

• 3-4 pounds – Cook 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.

• 4-6 pounds – Allow 10-12 hours on low or 6-8 hours on high.

• 6-8 pounds – Cook 12-14 hours on low or 8-10 hours on high.

• High vs. low – Use low for the most tender, fall-apart texture. High gets meals on the table quicker.

• Check temperature – Test for doneness during the last hour. Roast beef should reach 145°F internally.

Amazing Roast Beef Side Dishes

What goes well with tender slow cooker roast beef? Consider