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Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast is a melt-in-your-mouth tender beef roast, prepared in the slow cooker with potatoes and carrots. This hearty meal is easy enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough for a Sunday dinner!

Sliced roast beef with potatoes and carrots on a dinner plate.

An Easy, Elegant Roast Beef Dinner

There’s nothing like a juicy, fall-apart tender pot roast. It’s a nourishing, comforting meal that can be as simple or as elegant as you like. This one is prepared in the crockpot, with the most tender potatoes and carrots, plus rich balsamic gravy. 

Have you ever seen such beauty in a piece of meat?! Honestly, I think I may have officially found our favorite pot roast recipe. No, joke. It’s all in the marinade. The balsamic vinegar and seasonings are truly scrumptious – you’ll want to pick up the bowl and slurp it up.

I think this crockpot pot roast is the perfect Sunday dinner. You can put it together in the morning and come back to it at dinnertime.

From top: Salt, pepper, dijon mustard, olive oil, potatoes, baby carrots, rump roast, garlic, balsamic vinegar, beef broth, seasonings.

What Ingredients Will I Need?

Just as in my Garlic and Rosemary Balsamic Roasted Pork (and for almost all my marinades) I start with my favorite balsamic marinade. In this recipe, the marinade is the base for a killer balsamic gravy. It starts with whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, beef broth, dijon mustard, and a few other flavorful goodies… and it ends up with one mouthwatering meal!

  • Potatoes: Cut the potatoes in half, if using small potatoes like I do, or into quarters if you are using larger potatoes.
  • Carrots: Using baby carrots makes this recipe so easy! You can also peel and cut whole carrots.
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Beef Roast: Rump roast is perfect, or you could use another braising cut like chuck roast.
  • Garlic: Peel a few garlic cloves, and cut them in half.
  • Olive Oil: I used STAR extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic Vinegar: I used STAR balsamic vinegar of Modena.
  • Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is my go-to, but you could use regular beef broth or even vegetable broth.
  • Dijon Mustard: This is one of my secret weapons for adding flavor to a sauce or gravy! Dijon mustard is tangy and has a wine-like depth to it that works really well in this recipe.
  • Brown Sugar: To balance the vinegar and mustard, and to bring out the flavor of the beef.
  • Dried Herbs: A blend of oregano, thyme, and basil add flavor and fragrance.
  • Nutmeg: You might associate nutmeg with desserts, but shaking a tiny bit of nutmeg into robust beef dishes is another secret weapon for adding depth and nuance. Don’t worry – it won’t taste like a dessert at all.
  • Parsley: Chopped fresh, for an optional garnish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast

If you’ve been with me for a while, you definitely know that I love using my crock pot. If I’m not mistaken, I’m pretty sure it all started with that Crock Pot Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe, then it was the Turkey Breast, and now this slow cooker balsamic pot roast. Slow cooker recipes are just so easy and so convenient. Just look at the steps for this one:

  • Prep the Slow Cooker and Veggies. Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray, and then place the carrots and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
Potatoes and carrots in the bottom of a slow cooker.
  • Prep the Roast. Make a dozen or so small cuts into the roast, and stuff a slice of garlic into each cut. Season the meat all over with salt and pepper. Then heat some olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the roast in the skillet and brown it in the oil for about 5 minutes per side. Place the browned roast on top of the veggies in the slow cooker.
  • Make the Sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients except the parsley (balsamic vinegar, oil, broth, mustard, brown sugar, herbs, and nutmeg). Slowly pour the balsamic mixture over and around the roast. If necessary, turn the roast and use your hands to coat the meat evenly in the slow cooker.
  • Slow Cook the Beef and Veggies. Cover and cook the roast beef on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours. The roast is done when internal temperature reaches at least 145-degrees Fahrenheit, and the meat is very tender.
  • Slice the Roast Beef. Remove the roast beef from the slow cooker, and let rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. Then slice the meat thinly, and serve it with the vegetables and sauce.
  • Enjoy!

Do You Have to Brown a Roast Before Putting It in the Crockpot?

Pot roast is a braised beef dish, meaning that it is slow cooked with liquid to tenderize it. This can be done in the oven, but I like to do this one in the slow cooker. So convenient! Browning a pot roast before braising it is traditionally part of the process. While it is possible to skip the browning step, I almost always recommend browning the meat, because browning the meat and deglazing the pan adds a ton of color and flavor to both the meat and the gravy.

Two dinner plates served with pot roast, carrots, and potatoes.

Is It Better to Cook a Roast on High or Low in a Crock Pot?

Both are totally fine, but if you have time, go for cooking the pot roast on LOW instead of HIGH. The gentler cooking temperature will make your beef and vegetables that much more tender and juicy. However, if you are short on time, feel free to cook on HIGH. The dish will still taste amazing and have a great texture.

Slow cooker balsamic pot roast in a slow cooker.

Recipe Notes

Want to know more about making the perfect slow cooker balsamic pot roast? I’ve got you covered! Here are my best tips and tricks for making an ultra-flavorful, juicy and tender roast.

  • Avoid Tender Cuts: You might think that using a tender cut of beef would be even better than a chuck roast or rump roast in this recipe, but the low and slow cooking method will actually ruin more tender cuts. So skip the rib roasts and tenderloin, and stick with the more tough (and affordable) cuts that work well with slow cooking.
  • Add Tomato Paste: Along with Dijon mustard, tomato paste is one of my go-to ingredients for adding depth to a beefy dish. Stir a couple of tablespoons into your sauce and enjoy!
  • Thicken the Gravy: If you would like to thicken the sauce into a homestyle gravy, all you need is a simple cornstarch slurry. Just mix a tablespoon or so of cornstarch with an equal amount of water, and whisk or stir with a fork until smooth. Then stir that mixture into the sauce about 20 minutes before the pot roast is done cooking. The gravy will be thick and perfect for drizzling over the slices of beef.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pot meal is practically complete without adding any side dishes, but it shines even more with a great side dish or two on the table. These easy recipes are perfect for serving with pot roast:

Hands picking up a dinner plate with a helping of slow cooker balsamic pot roast, potatoes, and carrots.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store your leftovers in a tightly-lidded container in the fridge. It will keep for 4 to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave, or in a covered skillet over low heat, until the sauce, meat, and vegetables are heated through. Don’t overheat or the roast may become tough.

Can I Freeze This?

Sure! Leftover slow cooker balsamic pot roast can be cooled, packed into freezer containers or freezer bags, and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the pot roast in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Sliced pot roast with veggies on a plate.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast

Katerina | Diethood
Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast is a melt-in-your-mouth, tender pot roast with balsamic gravy made in a slow cooker with potatoes and carrots!
4.80 from 5 votes
Servings : 8
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds small potatoes, halved
  • 1 pound baby carrots
  • salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 3 pounds boneless rump roast
  • 6 cloves garlic, halved lengthwise
  • salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
  • ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • ¼ cup low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
  • Place carrots and potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker; season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Make 12 incisions around the meat and insert a slice of garlic into each.
  • Season the roast with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add the roast to the skillet and sear on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
  • Remove from the skillet and place the roast over the carrots and potatoes. Set aside.
  • In a medium sized mixing bowl combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, beef broth, dijon mustard, brown sugar, oregano, thyme, basil and nutmeg; whisk until well combined.
  • Slowly pour the balsamic mixture over and around the roast. If needed, use your hands to coat it evenly.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours OR on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours.
  • Remove meat and let rest at least 10 to 15 minutes before cutting.
  • Cut into thin slices and serve with the potatoes and vegetables.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 354 kcal | Carbohydrates: 9 g | Protein: 39 g | Fat: 17 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g | Cholesterol: 105 mg | Sodium: 199 mg | Potassium: 773 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 7990 IU | Vitamin C: 5 mg | Calcium: 72 mg | Iron: 5 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pot roast, slow cooker pot roast, slow cooker recipes
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41 comments on “Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast”

  1. My roasts while tasting good, and tender, and eatable, are grey and fall apart. They get eaten, but not like a Boars Head deli sand-wich, firm, rare and sliceable. Hows do they doit?

    1. Yes, you can. The main difference between the two is that chuck roast is cut from the shoulder area, and the rump roast is cut from the hindquarters. Chuck roast has a little more fat, but still lean, and rump roast is classified as extra lean.

  2. Just put it in the crockpot now….followed your directions to a tee (even seared it first) I’m not a fan of people who leave negative comments but they also drastically change the recipe) 🤦🏻‍♀️…so we will see 🤞

  3. a long time subscriber. After a Long rest from cooking it is time to get started again. This will be the first thing to get in my crock pot. I even have the vinegar
    love your recipes
    Janet in Arizona

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      Hi!

      After it was done cooking, I placed it under the broiler for several minutes – just until it browned. You can also sear it for about 5 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker to finish cooking.

  4. How can the WW SmartPoints be figured when there’s no listing of how many servings this is? Could we have that information, please? The recipe looks amazing, but I, like others, have never made a pot roast in the slow cooker without at least a cup of liquid…

  5. Oh My Gosh!!!!! Mine wasn’t as pretty as yours but it was fantastic!!! I added about 1/2 cup of water extra, but WOW!!! So good!! Thank you for sharing the awesomeness!!!

  6. I prepared the recipe exactly as stated- does it come out dry? I am contemplating having my roommate add water or maybe beef stock.

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      Hi! No, it shouldn’t be dry at all, and if you cook it on low, it most definitely won’t be dry.

  7. Thinking of trying this in my Dutch oven tonight as we don’t have time for a crock pot meal, hoping it turns out yummy!

  8. Looks amazingly delish! I just bought a pork loin roast and I’m searching for a yummy recipe. Do you think this would be as delicious using pork? Crock Pot recipes for pork are difficult to find.

    1. Check out Emeril’s Cochon de Lait recipe. The pork is fantastic and his slaw and creole mayo really help make for an amazing po’boy

  9. I made this and I was concerned about the lack of liquid or broth and it didn’t turn out quite right. My husband said it was sizzeling half way through so he added broth! GRR but I’m just wondering did your fall apart or did you cut the roast up? Thanks

    1. Andrea, I worried about the same thing! I once ruined a large roast by not including enough liquid and wound up with jerky.

      This time, I figured I would just add some water up to the level of the vegetables. The melting fat would also contribute but at least the roast would steam instead of dehydrating and I’d be assured the potatoes would be done after seven hours.

  10. Avatar photo
    Joan Abodeely Hagopian

    This pot roast doesn’t only look good, it tastes amazing!! We tried it today for the first time after seeing the recipe on Face Book, the flavors, the tender meat, everything was delicious. This recipe will be used many times when I want to impress my guests on how I made a perfect pot roast!! I signed up on your website and I look forward to trying many of your tempting recipes. Keep up the good work and keep the recipes coming. Joan in Florida

  11. Avatar photo
    eat good 4 life

    Wow, I have never thought about making this in the slow cooker. I might give this a go. Super easy and it looks superb.

  12. Avatar photo
    Aimee Shugarman

    Look at all that flavor!! I love using my crockpot as well, and this sounds like the perfect weeknight meal!

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      HI! Thank you, I’m very aware of that, but I write my blog the same way as I speak to my friends… for that reason, you will see me saying things like, ain’t, prolly, hurr, mah gah, etc… 😀

  13. Avatar photo
    Rebecca {foodie with family}

    STAR Balsamic is like my love language. I’m not even kidding. I could drink shots of that vinegar. Why I never put it in a slow-cooker pot roast is beyond me. This looks amazing.

  14. Avatar photo
    Kelly - A Side of Sweet

    Um, yum! Love a good slow cooker dinner! Not sure if you knew this, but your ad is playing sound automatically. I almost got busted at work! 🙂

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      OH NO!! I am sooo sorry! Someone else told me that so I fixed it, but apparently not?! UGH, Mondays… 🙁 Very sorry, Kelly!! Thank you for letting me know, though! XO

      1. Avatar photo
        Kelly - A Side of Sweet

        No problem! I’ve had a few people point out things for me on my blog and I’m always grateful! 🙂

  15. Avatar photo
    Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness

    Balsamic is my favorite flavor with meat! This sounds like a must make dinner!!

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