Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Brown Gravy
Description
This slow cooker chuck roast is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. A well-marbled beef chuck roast cooks low and slow in savory brown gravy, onions, and seasonings until it’s fall-apart tender. The gravy soaks into the meat as it cooks, creating deep flavor with minimal prep—perfect for busy days and hungry families.
Ingredients
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3–4 lb beef chuck roast
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2 cups brown gravy (prepared or from packets)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, recommended)
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½ cup beef broth or water (optional, for extra gravy)
Instructions
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Place the raw chuck roast directly into the slow cooker.
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Sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder over the meat.
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Scatter diced onions and garlic around and on top of the roast.
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Pour brown gravy evenly over the roast, letting it coat the top and sides.
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Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth if using.
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Cover and cook:
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Low: 8–9 hours
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High: 4–5 hours
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Shred or slice the roast before serving and spoon extra gravy on top.
Notes
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Chuck roast is ideal because the fat breaks down and creates tenderness.
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No need to sear the meat first—this recipe is designed for simplicity.
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The gravy will thicken naturally as it cooks.
Tips
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For extra flavor, add a packet of onion soup mix.
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Add carrots and potatoes during the last 3–4 hours for a complete meal.
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If gravy is too thick, thin with warm beef broth before serving.
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Let the roast rest 10 minutes before slicing for best texture.
Servings
6–8 servings
Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Based on 8 servings)
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Calories: ~420
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Protein: ~35 g
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Fat: ~28 g
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Saturated Fat: ~11 g
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Carbohydrates: ~6 g
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Sodium: ~900 mg
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Cholesterol: ~115 mg
(Values vary by gravy brand and portion size.)
Benefits
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High in protein for muscle and energy
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Rich, filling meal that satisfies hunger
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Budget-friendly cut of meat
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Minimal prep and hands-off cooking
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Comfort food that feeds a crowd
Q & A
Q: Do I need to brown the roast first?
A: No. While browning adds flavor, this recipe is designed to be dump-and-go.
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes—bottom round or shoulder roast works, but chuck is best for tenderness.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Store in an airtight container with gravy for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I make the gravy thicker?
A: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.
Q: What should I serve with this?
A: Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread—anything that loves gravy.