There's nothing quite like a tender, flavorful roast beef that has been slowly cooked to perfection. This slow cooker roast beef recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beef roast becomes incredibly tender, and the onions and garlic infuse it with rich, savory flavors.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a few items if you don't already have them. The beef roast is the star of the dish, so make sure to choose a good quality cut. Beef broth adds depth to the flavor, and you can find it in the soup aisle. Fresh onions and garlic are essential for the aromatic base, and olive oil is used for searing the meat to lock in the juices.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Roast Beef Recipe
Beef roast: The main protein of the dish, providing a rich and hearty flavor.
Beef broth: Adds depth and moisture to the roast, enhancing its flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle sharpness to the dish.
Garlic: Infuses the roast with a robust, aromatic flavor.
Olive oil: Used for searing the beef, helping to lock in the juices and add a slight crispiness to the exterior.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity to the dish.
Technique Tip for Making Roast Beef in a Slow Cooker
When searing the beef roast, make sure the olive oil is hot enough to create a good crust. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds a depth of flavor to the meat. Additionally, deglaze the pan with a bit of beef broth after searing to capture all those flavorful browned bits, then pour this liquid into the slow cooker for an extra boost of taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
beef roast - Substitute with pork shoulder: Pork shoulder has a similar texture and fat content, making it a good alternative for slow cooking.
beef roast - Substitute with lamb roast: Lamb roast offers a rich flavor profile that can complement the slow-cooking process.
beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth provides a lighter flavor but still adds depth to the dish.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian option that can still provide a savory base.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the dish.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion-like flavor and add a different texture.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch and still provides a similar flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor and additional sweetness.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and slightly different flavor profile.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and can blend more seamlessly into the dish.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different flavor profile if you want a spicier dish.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Roast Beef
How to Store and Freeze Your Roast Beef
- Allow the beef roast to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
- Slice the roast into manageable portions. This makes it easier to reheat and use in various dishes later.
- Place the sliced beef into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents. This ensures you know what you have and when it was stored.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the roast beef in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the beef gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
- For a quick meal, use the reheated roast beef in sandwiches, salads, or as a main dish with your favorite vegetables and sides.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the leftover roast beef in a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Slice the roast beef thinly and place it in a skillet with a bit of beef broth or gravy. Cover and heat over medium-low heat until the meat is warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- For a quick microwave method, place the roast beef slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Use a slow cooker to reheat by placing the leftover roast beef in the slow cooker with a bit of beef broth or gravy. Set it on low and heat for 1-2 hours or until the meat is thoroughly warmed.
- For a stovetop method, place the roast beef in a saucepan with a splash of beef broth or water. Cover and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is heated through.
Essential Tools for Making Roast Beef in a Slow Cooker
Pan: Used to sear the beef roast on all sides until browned.
Slow cooker: Used to cook the beef roast slowly over 8 hours until it becomes tender.
Knife: Used to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Tongs: Used to handle and turn the beef roast while searing.
Measuring cup: Used to measure 1 cup of beef broth.
Spoon: Used to stir and distribute the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Serving platter: Used to place the roast after it is cooked and before slicing.
Aluminum foil: Used to cover the roast while it rests before slicing.
Carving knife: Used to slice the roast after it has rested.
How to Save Time on Making Roast Beef in a Slow Cooker
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic the night before to save time in the morning.
Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought beef broth to skip the step of making it from scratch.
Sear in advance: Sear the beef roast the night before and store it in the fridge, ready to be placed in the slow cooker.
Set and forget: Use a programmable slow cooker with a timer to start cooking while you’re away.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy meal later.

Slow Cooker Roast Beef Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lb Beef Roast
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned.
- 2. Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- 3. Place the seared beef roast on top of the onions and garlic.
- 4. Pour the beef broth over the roast. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- 6. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Pair with Roast Beef
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Beanie Weenie Recipe30 Minutes
- Grilled Pork Chops Recipe25 Minutes
- Pineapple Grilled Pork Chops Recipe30 Minutes
- Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos Recipe25 Minutes
- Brunswick Stew Recipe1 Hours 50 Minutes
- Lamb Shank Vindaloo Recipe2 Hours 20 Minutes
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe20 Minutes
- Asian Beef and Rice Noodle Soup Recipe45 Minutes

Leave a Reply