Pot Roast With Beef Gravy

Name: Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Beef Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.5 lb chuck roast; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 3 cups hot water; 1 heaping tbsp beef bouillon paste; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 stick (4 tbsp) butter; 1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix; 1 (0.87 oz) packet brown gravy mix

This slow cooker pot roast delivers fall-apart tender beef infused with savory beef bouillon and finished with a creamy mushroom gravy made right in the pot, requiring minimal prep and hands-on time.

⚡Slow Cooker

🌍American 🏷️Pot roast 🏷️Slow cooker 🏷️Chuck roast 🏷️Beef Comfort food

🏷️

🏷️Easy recipe

-0:00

ethanmillersocialonTikTok

Total

8h 20m

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by ethanmillersocial

-0:00

ethanmillersocialonTikTok

Ingredients

2.5 lb chuck roast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
3 cups hot water
1 heaping tbsp beef bouillon paste
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 stick (4 tbsp) butter
1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix
1 (0.87 oz) packet brown gravy mix

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Season both sides of the chuck roast generously with onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the meat.
3
Carefully place the seasoned roast in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a brown crust forms.
4
Once browned, transfer the roast to your slow cooker. Leave the drippings in the skillet.
5
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the hot water and beef bouillon paste until fully dissolved.
6
Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the drippings. Whisk to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and bring to a low simmer.
7
Add the minced garlic and the can of cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Whisk until the soup is incorporated into the broth.
8
Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Carefully pour the hot sauce mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.
10
Place the butter on top of the roast, then sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and brown gravy mix over everything. Do not stir.
11
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 8 hours.
12
After 8 hours, the roast will be fall-apart tender. Shred the meat with two forks and serve hot with the gravy.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Sear the chuck roast in olive oil before slow cooking to develop a flavorful crust and improve browning of the gravy.
Dissolve beef bouillon paste directly into hot water before adding to ensure even seasoning throughout the liquid.
Add the cream of mushroom soup and butter in the final 30 minutes to prevent the dairy from breaking down during prolonged cooking.
Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part with a fork; the meat should shred easily without resistance.

Substitutions

Cream of mushroom soup → Cream of celery or beef broth thickened with flour (same amount)
Beef bouillon paste → 3 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water
Butter → Olive oil or beef tallow for richness

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat gently on low in the slow cooker, on the stovetop over low heat, or in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

Equipment

Slow cooker · Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet (for searing)

Common Questions

How long does pot roast take in a slow cooker?

Typically 6–8 hours on low heat, depending on the size and thickness of your chuck roast. It's done when the meat shreds easily with a fork.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and collagen content. Brisket or round roast work but may be drier; avoid lean cuts like sirloin.

How do I thicken the gravy?

The cream of mushroom soup and butter naturally thicken the liquid. For extra thickness, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Sear the roast and refrigerate with all ingredients overnight, then cook the next day. Or cook fully and reheat gently on low in the slow cooker or stovetop.

What vegetables pair well with this pot roast?

Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and onions all cook well alongside the roast and absorb the gravy. Add them in the last 3–4 hours if using soft varieties.