The first time I made a garlic butter pot roast, it was one of those moments where you realize the simplest meals are often the best. Picture this: a tender roast, cooked low and slow, smothered in garlic-infused butter that melts into the meat, creating a deep, rich flavor. The aroma filling the kitchen? Unforgettable.
This slow cooker garlic butter pot roast is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on relaxing while dinner cooks itself. You don’t need hours of preparation or complicated steps—just throw in the ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a cozy Sunday dinner, this pot roast will be your go-to recipe for a melt-in-your-mouth meal. The garlic butter sauce infuses every bite, making it irresistible with just the right amount of savory richness.
Why This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pot Roast Will Become a Favorite
This dish checks all the boxes: simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Tender, Juicy Meat – The slow cooking process transforms the roast into fall-apart tender bites that practically melt in your mouth.
- Garlic Butter Goodness – The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory flavor that coats the meat and vegetables perfectly.
- Set It and Forget It – With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can focus on other things while your meal cooks to perfection.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing – It’s a perfect dish for any gathering, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a holiday feast.
This recipe is the easiest way to turn a simple cut of meat into something extraordinary with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pot Roast
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef Chuck Roast – This cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking because it’s full of flavor and becomes tender with long cooking times.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds an irresistible, aromatic flavor that infuses the meat.
- Butter – Rich unsalted butter is key for creating the creamy, garlic-packed sauce that makes this roast stand out.
- Vegetables – A mix of carrots, onions, and potatoes make the perfect base, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the roast.
- Beef Broth – Adds depth and richness to the sauce while keeping the roast moist.
- Herbs – Rosemary and thyme add an herbal kick that enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
These ingredients come together to create a succulent, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pot Roast
Making this roast is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a meal that feels like it took hours of effort.
- Prepare the Roast – Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, and any desired spices. Sear the roast in a hot pan with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown. This step helps lock in all the flavors before it goes into the slow cooker.
- Make the Garlic Butter – In a bowl, melt unsalted butter and stir in minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. This will be your flavorful sauce that’s going to coat the roast.
- Arrange in the Slow Cooker – Place the browned roast in the slow cooker. Arrange the carrots, potatoes, and onions around the meat. Pour the garlic butter sauce over everything, making sure to coat the roast evenly.
- Add Beef Broth – Pour in a little beef broth to ensure the meat stays moist during cooking. This will also help create a delicious base for the sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow – Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The roast will be tender and full of flavor by the time it’s done.
- Serve and Enjoy – Once the roast is cooked, slice it against the grain and serve with the cooked vegetables. Spoon some of the savory garlic butter sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Your slow cooker garlic butter pot roast is now ready to enjoy—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pot Roast
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few sides can elevate the meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | Perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce. |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Adds a slightly bitter crunch to balance the richness of the roast. |
| Creamy Mashed Potatoes | The creamy potatoes complement the tender beef and rich sauce. |
| Green Beans Almondine | A fresh and nutty vegetable side to balance out the savory flavors. |
| Caesar Salad | Crisp and tangy salad to contrast the richness of the pot roast. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pot Roast
If you have leftovers (or just want to prepare ahead), here’s how to keep it fresh:
How to Store Leftovers
- Allow the pot roast to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the beef and vegetables are well-coated in the garlic butter sauce to prevent them from drying out.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Place the roast and vegetables in a microwave-safe container, adding a little liquid. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Slow Cooker: You can also reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours to bring the flavors back together.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pot Roast
To make sure your pot roast turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Brown the meat first. This step helps build flavor and creates a nice crust on the outside of the roast.
- Don’t skip the garlic butter. This sauce is key to making the roast tender and flavorful.
- Add more vegetables. Feel free to toss in parsnips, celery, or turnips for extra flavor and texture.
- Use fresh herbs. Fresh rosemary and thyme make a huge difference compared to dried.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just make sure the cut has some fat to ensure tenderness.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This stew tastes even better the next day. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and enjoy.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This pot roast freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
4. Can I make this without the slow cooker?
You can make this on the stove or in the oven! Use a large pot or Dutch oven and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours until the roast is tender.
5. How can I thicken the sauce?
If you like a thicker sauce, you can make a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This slow cooker garlic butter pot roast is rich, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. It’s an easy, hands-off dish that creates a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing a special treat for yourself, this recipe will leave you coming back for more!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pot Roast
Equipment
- Large Skillet For browning beef and sautéing vegetables
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the pot roast
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into chunks
- 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
- 1 sprig rosemary fresh
- 1 sprig thyme fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning beef
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef chunks for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the beef broth and melted butter to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Once the beef is tender and the flavors have melded, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a handful of **mushrooms** to the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- This stew can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
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