◾️ Ingredients & Their Roles

• 👉 Chuck Roast (3–4 lb)
  ➡️ Provides rich marbling that melts during cooking, giving you incredibly juicy, tender meat.
• 👉 Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
  ➡️ Helps achieve a caramelized sear that deepens flavor.
• 👉 Salt & Black Pepper
  ➡️ Essential for seasoning and enhancing the entire dish.
• 👉 Onion Soup Mix (1 packet)
  ➡️ Brings savory, umami-packed flavor. Can be swapped with dried onion + bouillon.
• 👉 Beef Broth (3 cups)
  ➡️ Creates the base for a flavorful gravy.
• 👉 Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp)
  ➡️ Adds brightness and complex savory depth.
• 👉 Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
  ➡️ Enhances aroma and layers in warm flavor.
• 👉 Baby Potatoes (1 lb, halved)
  ➡️ Absorb the broth, becoming creamy and flavorful.
• 👉 Baby Carrots (3 cups)
  ➡️ Add natural sweetness and color.
• 👉 Onion (1 medium, diced)
  ➡️ Melts into the gravy, boosting aroma.
• 👉 Cornstarch + Water (Optional)
  ➡️ Thickens the cooking juices into a silky, rich gravy.

🔹 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 1. Sear the Meat

1. ◾️ Season the roast with salt & pepper.
2. ◾️ Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering.
3. ◾️ Sear on all sides until a deep golden-brown crust forms — this builds maximum flavor.

🔹 2. Layer the Crockpot

👉 Place the seared roast in the slow cooker. Add potatoes, carrots, and onions around the meat so everything cooks evenly.

🔹 3. Pour in the Flavor

➡️ Whisk together beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Pour over the roast and vegetables so the flavors infuse during slow cooking.

🔹 4. Slow Cook

◾️ Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. The roast is done when it’s super tender and pulls apart easily.

🔹 5. Make the Gravy (Optional)

👉 Remove the roast and vegetables to a platter. Whisk the cornstarch with cold water into a slurry and stir into the hot cooking juices. Cook on HIGH for 10 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.

🔹 6. Serve & Enjoy

✅ Shred or slice the roast. Spoon warm gravy over the meat and vegetables. Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔹 Why This Recipe Is Loved

• ◾️ Effortless — Minimal prep, the slow cooker does the work.
• ◾️ Deep flavor from searing and layered seasonings.
• ◾️ Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
• ◾️ Consistently tender — never dry when done properly.
• ◾️ Versatile for weeknights or gatherings.

🔹 Pro Tips for the Perfect Pot Roast

• 👉 Always sear the meat — it adds a depth of flavor you’ll notice in every bite.
• 👉 Do not open the lid while it cooks — the slow cooker loses heat and increases time.
• 👉 Use chuck roast for ideal marbling and tenderness.
• 👉 Cut vegetables evenly so they finish cooking at the same time.
• 👉 Let the roast rest 5–10 minutes before shredding to lock in juices.

🔹 Serving Suggestions

• ➡️ Buttered dinner rolls for mopping up gravy
• ➡️ Creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort
• ➡️ Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for brightness
• ➡️ A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance richness
• ➡️ Pair with red wine or iced tea depending on occasion