20 Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Roast Recipes for Busy Weeknights

recipesforlife

April 1, 2025

When it comes to busy weeknights, having a delicious and satisfying meal ready to go can be a lifesaver. That’s why slow cooker beef roasts are a staple in many households – they’re easy to prepare, tender, and flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients and some prep time on the weekend, you can come home to a mouthwatering roast that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

From classic pot roast with vegetables to more adventurous options like Asian-inspired beef roast or BBQ pulled roast, there’s something for everyone in this collection of 20 hearty slow cooker beef roast recipes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or a quick and easy solution for a busy evening, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.

In the following pages, we’ll take a look at some of our favorite slow cooker beef roast recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables

Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables
This hearty pot roast recipe is a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs beef pot roast (such as chuck or round)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. Season the pot roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Add the chopped onion to the slow cooker, followed by the garlic, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using).
4. Place the pot roast on top of the vegetables and cover the slow cooker.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours

Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Beef Roast

Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Beef Roast
This tender and flavorful slow-cooked beef roast is perfect for a weekend dinner or special occasion. With the help of garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

– 3-4 pound beef roast (chuck or round)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the garlic-herb mixture all over the beef roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the beef roast in the slow cooker and pour in chicken broth.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Red Wine Braised Slow Cooker Beef Roast

Red Wine Braised Slow Cooker Beef Roast
Red Wine Braised Slow Cooker Beef Roast Recipe

A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this slow cooker beef roast is infused with the rich flavors of red wine and aromatics.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs beef pot roast
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.
4. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, red wine, beef broth, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast
This classic Southern comfort food is a hearty, flavorful pot roast that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying a tender, juicy roast with a tangy sauce.

Ingredients:

– 3-4 pound beef pot roast
– 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup of brown gravy mix
– 1 teaspoon of ground mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the pot roast in a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the pot roast.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove the pot roast from the slow cooker and sprinkle with parsley.
6. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Mushroom Gravy

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Mushroom Gravy
A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion. This slow cooker recipe yields tender, flavorful beef and rich, earthy mushroom gravy.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs beef roast (chuck or round)
– 1 can of beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (low) or 2-6 hours (high)

Asian-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Roast

Asian-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Roast
Experience the bold flavors of Asia with this tender and juicy slow-cooked beef roast, infused with the aromas of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds beef roast (such as chuck or round)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, onion, and beef broth.
3. Add the beef roast to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in sugar.
5. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
6. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds (if using).

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Balsamic Glaze

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your slow cooker game with this rich and flavorful beef roast recipe, infused with the tanginess of balsamic glaze. Perfect for a stress-free Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

– 2-3 pound beef roast (chuck or round)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the garlic on top of the onion.
3. Place the beef roast in the slow cooker, fat side up.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour the glaze over the roast.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Let the roast rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 4-10 hours

Spicy Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Roast

Spicy Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Roast
Elevate your dinner game with this bold and flavorful slow-cooked roast, infused with the deep heat of chipotles in adobo sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight or weekend gathering.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs beef roast (such as chuck or round)
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, and cumin.
3. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
4. Place the roast in the slow cooker and pour the chipotle mixture over it.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Serve hot, sliced against the grain.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Root Vegetables

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Root Vegetables
Transform a tough beef roast into tender perfection with this easy and flavorful slow cooker recipe, paired with a medley of root vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 2-3 pound beef roast (such as chuck or round)
– 1 onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and parsnip.
3. Place the beef roast on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Time: 4-10 hours

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Beef Roast

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Beef Roast
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this sweet and savory slow cooker beef roast, infused with the warmth of honey and garlic. This effortless recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds beef roast (chuck or round)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, garlic, and thyme.
3. Rub the honey mixture all over the beef roast, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Place the roast in the slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Roast with Herbs

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Roast with Herbs
This slow cooker recipe yields a tender and flavorful beef roast infused with the aromatic flavors of Italy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 3 lbs beef roast (chuck or rump)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup red wine
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the slow cooker, layer the sliced onion, minced garlic, mixed herbs, diced tomatoes, and red wine.
4. Add the seared beef roast to the slow cooker, covering it with the herb mixture.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the beef roast from the slow cooker and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Onion Soup Mix

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Onion Soup Mix
This comforting recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With the help of onion soup mix, this slow cooker beef roast requires minimal effort and yields tender, flavorful results.

Ingredients:

– 3-4 pound beef roast (chuck or round)
– 1 packet onion soup mix
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your slow cooker to Low.
2. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper, then place it in the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and brown sugar.
4. Pour the mixture over the beef roast.
5. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Red Potatoes

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Red Potatoes
Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Red Potatoes: A Hearty Meal

This recipe is a perfect combination of tender beef and creamy potatoes, all cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. It’s an easy and convenient meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 3-4 pound beef roast (such as chuck or round)
– 2 large red potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine the beef roast, red potatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in the beef broth and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Roast

BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Roast
Transform a tough roast into tender, juicy pulled beef with this easy slow cooker recipe. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight meals.

Ingredients:
• 2 pounds beef chuck roast
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the beef roast in a slow cooker.
2. Add sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the roast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and cumin. Pour the mixture over the roast and onions.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (depending on desired tenderness)

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Carrots and Celery

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Carrots and Celery
Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Carrots and Celery: A hearty and comforting dish perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

– 3-pound beef roast (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, layer the sliced onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery.
3. Place the beef roast on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Serve hot, slicing the roast against the grain.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
This hearty slow cooker recipe yields a tender and flavorful beef roast smothered in a rich, creamy horseradish sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 3-4 pound beef roast (such as top round or rump)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup cream
– 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, cream, horseradish, and Dijon mustard.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Cooking Time: 4-10 hours

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Dijon Mustard

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Dijon Mustard
This hearty slow cooker recipe elevates the classic beef roast to new heights by adding a tangy and savory twist with dijon mustard. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:
– 3-4 pound beef roast (such as chuck or rump)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dijon mustard
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat slow cooker to low setting.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet, cooking until onions are translucent.
4. Transfer the cooked onion mixture and seared beef roast to the slow cooker.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together dijon mustard and beef broth. Pour over the beef and onions in the slow cooker.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
7. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Rosemary and Thyme

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Rosemary and Thyme
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This slow cooker beef roast is tender, flavorful, and infused with the aromatic flavors of rosemary and thyme.

Ingredients:

– 2-3 pound beef roast (chuck or rump)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the beef roast to a slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and dried thyme.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 4-10 hours

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Guinness Beer

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Guinness Beer
Rich and tender beef roast cooked in a flavorful slow cooker recipe infused with the depth of Guinness beer. Perfect for a cold winter’s day or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 3-4 pound beef roast (such as chuck or round)
– 1 cup Guinness beer
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the Guinness beer, onion slices, garlic, tomato paste, and thyme.
3. Place the beef roast in the slow cooker and make sure it’s covered by the liquid.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Sweet Potatoes
Get ready for a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week! This slow cooker recipe combines the rich flavor of beef roast with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, all in one easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs beef roast (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
3. Add the beef roast on top of the onions.
4. Arrange the sweet potato cubes around the roast.
5. Pour in the beef broth.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Summary

Get ready for a delicious and stress-free dinner with these 20 hearty slow cooker beef roast recipes perfect for busy weeknights. From classic pot roasts to international-inspired flavors, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy comforting dishes like Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Beef Roast, Red Wine Braised Slow Cooker Beef Roast, or Spicy Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Roast. These easy-to-make recipes are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

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