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This mini slow cooker pot roast delivers fall-apart tender beef and vegetables in a rich, savory broth, made in a small crock pot, just right for one.

a blue bowl filled with a pot roast and vegetables.

Quick Look

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
  • Cookware: 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker
  • Cook Method: Slow cook
  • Servings: 1
  • Difficulty: Easy

A slow cooker pot roast for one with tender beef, soft vegetables, and rich gravy.

My Favorite Small Crock Pot Roast

Headshot of Joanie Zisk, creator of One Dish Kitchen and cooking for one expert.

Pot roast is one of my favorite comfort foods, and making one in the mini slow cooker has become my favorite way to cook it. I can set it up in the morning and walk away.

The beef comes out tender enough to pull apart with a fork. The vegetables soak up all that savory broth. And the gravy, made right in the pot from the drippings, is the best part. I spoon it over everything and eat it straight from the bowl.

Eight ounces of chuck roast is the perfect amount for a slow cooker pot roast for one. I tested this recipe with everything from a 6-ounce cut to a full 1-pound roast, and 8 ounces gave the best balance of meal size, cook time, and possibly just enough leftover beef for a hot roast beef sandwich the next day.

If you love small crock pot recipes, try our mini slow cooker ribs, mini slow cooker Italian chicken, mini crock pot white chicken chili, and small slow cooker meatloaf.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients for single serving pot roast including 8oz chuck roast, red potatoes, and carrots.

Here’s everything you need to make this small slow cooker pot roast. If you have any ingredients leftover, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

Seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning): This is the beef pot roast seasoning I use to season the beef before searing. Salt and black pepper are essential. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth without requiring any prep.
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, substitute one or two dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary instead.

Boneless chuck roast: Chuck is the right cut for this recipe. It has enough fat and connective tissue to break down over the long, slow cooking time, which is what gives you tender, pull-apart beef and a rich braising liquid.
An 8-ounce cut is the ideal size for a single serving pot roast. Leftover chuck roast works well in Hungarian Goulash For One or Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja.
Have extra raw chuck roast? Wrap it tightly, place in a freezer bag with the air pressed out, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Avocado oil: Searing requires high heat, and high heat needs an oil with a high smoke point. Avocado oil handles it without burning, which gives you proper browning on the surface of the meat and deep, savory flavor in the finished roast. Canola or vegetable oil work just as well.

Onions, celery, and carrots: These vegetables build the flavor base of the braising liquid as they cook down over hours in the pot. Swap in mushrooms, parsnips, or extra potatoes if you’d like.
Extra vegetables can be used in single serving Split Pea Soup, Chicken and Dumplings For One, or a small batch of Tomato Sauce.

Potatoes: Two small red potatoes hold their shape in the slow cooker without turning mushy. Their waxy starch content resists breaking down the way a starchy russet would. Yukon Golds work too.
Extra potatoes? Use them in small Sheet Pan Steak and Potatoes, German Potato Salad For One, or a Roasted Potato Crustless Quiche.

Garlic cloves: Tucking whole cloves directly into slits cut in the roast puts the garlic inside the meat, not just in the broth. As they soften over the long cook, they infuse flavor all the way through the beef.

Beef broth: As it simmers for hours, the broth reduces and concentrates, picking up flavor from the beef, vegetables, and seasoning. Use a good quality broth. Low-sodium gives you more control over the final seasoning.
Leftover broth works well in Pepper Steak For One or Taco Soup For One.

Cornstarch and water: Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid. Starch granules need to hydrate in cold liquid first, or they clump when they hit the heat. A smooth slurry cooked in the braising liquid on high for 15 minutes turns that broth into a proper gravy.

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Recipe Variations

This small crock pot pot roast is easy to adapt. A few simple variations turn it into a completely different meal:

Pot roast for two: Double the ingredients and use a 3 to 3.5-quart slow cooker. Cook time stays the same.

Mississippi pot roast: Add a few pepperoncini peppers, a tablespoon of butter, and a teaspoon each of ranch and au jus seasoning on top of the roast before cooking.

Red wine: Add 2 tablespoons of dry red wine like Cabernet or Merlot to the broth for a deeper, richer braising liquid.

Fresh herbs: Lay a sprig of rosemary, a few thyme sprigs, or a bay leaf on top of the roast before cooking. Fresh herbs give a cleaner, brighter flavor than dried.

How To Cook A Small Pot Roast In A Mini Slow Cooker

A small roast cooks in a mini crock pot in 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. Here’s how to make this slow cooker pot roast step by step. For exact ingredient amounts, see the recipe card below.

  1. Prep the vegetables: Place sliced onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes in a 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker.
celery, carrots, onions, and potatoes in a slow cooker.
  1. Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, combine pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
seasoning mix for a pot roast in a small bowl.
  1. Season the beef: Pat the beef dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mix evenly over all sides.
Rubbing dry herb seasoning onto an 8-ounce boneless chuck roast for a mini slow cooker.
  1. Sear the beef: Heat oil in an 8 or 10-inch skillet over medium heat(use slightly less oil for the smaller skillet). Sear the beef until golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Searing a small beef roast in a skillet with avocado oil to create a golden-brown crust.
  1. Add garlic to the roast: Use the tip of a sharp knife to make 1-inch deep slits all over the top of the roast. Widen the slits with your fingers and insert garlic cloves into the meat as far as possible.

Note: This puts the garlic flavor inside the beef, not just in the broth. The cloves soften and mellow as they cook, giving you bites of garlic-infused meat throughout the roast.

Tucking fresh garlic cloves into slits in a chuck roast to infuse flavor during slow cooking.
  1. Assemble in the slow cooker: Place the beef on top of the vegetables. Pour the broth over the roast and vegetables, then cover with the lid.
seared chuck roast on top of vegetables in a slow cooker.
  1. Cook the roast: Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  2. Prepare the slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
  3. Thicken the gravy: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and transfer it to a plate. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the broth in the slow cooker until blended. Return the beef to the slow cooker and spoon some gravy over it. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken the gravy.

Pro tip: If the gravy is too thin, whisk together more cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker and cook until thickened.

  1. Shred the meat: Use two forks to tear the beef into smaller pieces and stir it into the gravy.
  2. Serve: Transfer the pot roast and vegetables to a bowl, and enjoy!
The finished mini slow cooker pot roast for one served with tender vegetables and rich gravy.

No mini slow cooker?

Try our stovetop pot roast for one instead, made in a small pot on the stove.

Expert Tips

Don’t skip the sear. Searing the beef before it goes into the mini crock pot is what builds flavor. That golden-brown crust on the outside is what gives the finished roast its deep, savory taste. A slow-cooked roast without searing tastes flat.

Low and slow beats high and fast. This slow cooker pot roast for one cooks in 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. I prefer low every time. The longer the beef cooks at a lower temperature, the more the connective tissue breaks down, and the more tender the finished roast.

Use a 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker. Anything larger and the liquid spreads too thin, which means less flavor in the braising liquid and a drier roast. A mini crock pot keeps everything in close contact with the broth.

Let the seasoned beef rest before searing. After seasoning, let the meat sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the salt penetrate the surface and gives you a better sear.

Mix cornstarch with cold water, never hot. Hot liquid causes the starch to clump before it dissolves. A cold-water slurry stirred into hot broth gives you a smooth, lump-free gravy every time.

Store leftovers properly. Keep leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavor actually improves on day two as the beef continues to absorb the gravy.

Troubleshooting

Slow cooking at this small scale has its quirks. Here’s how to handle the most common issues.

Why is my roast still tough?

Chuck roast needs time to break down. If your timer goes off and the beef isn’t fork-tender, give it another 30 to 60 minutes. Every mini slow cooker runs at a slightly different temperature, so trust the texture over the clock.

Why is the liquid reducing in my slow cooker?

In a 1.5 or 2-quart crock pot, moisture evaporates slowly but it can happen. If the liquid drops significantly partway through, add a few tablespoons of extra broth. Don’t open the lid just to check, though. Lifting the lid releases heat and adds 15 to 20 minutes to your cook time.

Why are my vegetables mushy?

If you like your carrots and celery with some bite, cut them into larger 1-inch chunks. For traditional pot roast texture (soft and infused with beef flavor), stick to the smaller dice in the recipe card.

What should I do if my gravy tastes flat?

Add a small splash of Worcestershire sauce (about 1/4 teaspoon) or a pinch more salt. Sometimes a little acidity or salt is all it takes to bring the beef flavor forward.

Serving Suggestions

This small crockpot pot roast is a complete meal on its own, but a simple side makes it even better.

Mashed Potatoes For One: Creamy and ideal for soaking up the gravy.
Sautéed Green Beans: Quick to make and a good green addition to the plate.
Small Loaf of French Bread: Good for mopping up the last of the broth.
Red Wine: A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs naturally with the richness of the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook a small roast in a crock pot?

A small 8-ounce chuck roast cooks in a mini slow cooker in 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. Low heat gives you the most tender result.

Is it better to cook pot roast on low or high?

Low. The longer cooking time at a lower temperature breaks down the connective tissue in the chuck roast more completely, which gives you pull-apart tender beef. High works if you’re short on time, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

What size slow cooker should I use for a pot roast for one?

A 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker is the right size for this recipe. Anything larger and the liquid spreads too thin, which leaves you with less flavor and a drier roast.

What is the best cut of beef for a slow cooker pot roast?

Boneless chuck roast. It has enough fat and connective tissue to break down over the long cook time, which is what creates tender beef and a rich braising liquid. Avoid lean cuts like round roast, which go tough in the slow cooker.

Can I skip searing the meat?

You can, but you shouldn’t. Searing builds the base layer of flavor for the entire dish. A slow-cooked pot roast without searing tastes flat.

Can I double a small slow cooker pot roast recipe?

Yes. Double the ingredients and use a 3 to 3.5-quart slow cooker. Cook time stays the same.

Can I freeze pot roast?

Yes. Store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this mini slow cooker pot roast or any of our small crock pot recipes, please let me know how it turned out by rating the recipe and leaving a comment below.

And if you take a picture, tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen). We’d love to see it!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

Mini Slow Cooker Pot Roast

5 from 24 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
This mini slow cooker pot roast is a single serving recipe with tender chuck roast, vegetables, and rich gravy, made in a 1.5 or 2-quart crock pot.
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Ingredients 
 

  • ½ small onion -thinly sliced (3.5 ounces)
  • 1 medium carrot -chopped (2.6 ounces)
  • ½ celery rib -chopped (1.4 ounces)
  • 2 small red potatoes -cut into quarters (4 ounces)
  • ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 ounces boneless chuck roast
  • ½ tablespoon avocado oil or use canola oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic -peeled
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions 

  • Add sliced onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes to a 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, mix together pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  • Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over all sides.
  • Heat oil in an 8 or 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Use slightly less oil if using an 8-inch skillet. Sear the beef until golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
  • Cut 1-inch deep slits across the top of the roast with the tip of a sharp knife. Widen each slit with your finger and press a garlic clove in as far as it will go.
  • Place the beef on top of the vegetables. Pour the broth over everything and cover with the lid.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until smooth to make a slurry.
  • Transfer the beef to a plate. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the broth until smooth. Return the beef to the slow cooker, spoon gravy over it, cover, and cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken.
    Pro Tip: If the gravy is too thin, whisk more cornstarch with cold water, stir it in, and cook until it reaches the thickness you want.
  • Use two forks to shred the beef, then stir it into the gravy.
  • Spoon the pot roast and vegetables into a bowl and serve.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear. Searing the beef before it goes into the mini crock pot is what builds flavor. That golden-brown crust on the outside is what gives the finished roast its deep, savory taste. A slow-cooked roast without searing tastes flat.
Low and slow beats high and fast. This slow cooker pot roast for one cooks in 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. I prefer low every time. The longer the beef cooks at a lower temperature, the more the connective tissue breaks down, and the more tender the finished roast.
Use a 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker. Anything larger and the liquid spreads too thin, which means less flavor in the braising liquid and a drier roast. A mini crock pot keeps everything in close contact with the broth.
Let the seasoned beef rest before searing. After seasoning, let the meat sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the salt penetrate the surface and gives you a better sear.
Mix cornstarch with cold water, never hot. Hot liquid causes the starch to clump before it dissolves. A cold-water slurry stirred into hot broth gives you a smooth, lump-free gravy every time.
Store leftovers properly. Keep leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavor actually improves on day two as the beef continues to absorb the gravy.
 
If doubling this recipe, cook in a 3 or 3.5 quart slow cooker.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 787kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 68g, Fat: 41g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 18g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 192mg, Sodium: 1194mg, Potassium: 1975mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 10225IU, Vitamin C: 38mg, Calcium: 81mg, Iron: 3mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Welcome!

I'm Joanie, a chef with over 35 years of cooking experience, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. For the past 15 years, I've developed and tested 700+ single serving and small batch recipes. Every one is made from scratch and built for one from the start, so nothing goes to waste. I'm so glad you're here.

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4.96 from 24 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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56 Comments

  1. Cheryl says:

    I am a big fan and this is a nice little recipe, but I have to quibble with cooking the vegetables even for 4 hours (let alone 8!) in a slow cooker, Joanie. Especially as small as they are cut here. They would lose all their integrity and be mushy. I had good luck adding mine – larger than yours – just 90 minutes ahead of time on low temp. I also suggest using low sodium stock and allowing the diner to add more salt if needed.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      You’re right that long cooking softens the vegetables, and that’s actually what I’m going for here. This is the traditional pot roast style where the vegetables cook down until they’re fork tender and soaked with the broth. That said, if you like yours with more bite, adding them later the way you did is a perfectly good approach and comes down to preference. The low sodium stock is a smart call too. I use it in my stovetop pot roast for exactly that reason, so you can salt to taste at the end.

  2. william douglas says:

    can I use a 3 qt. slow cooker?

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      A 3 quart slow cooker can work, but the recipe is portioned for a 1.5 to 2 quart so the food won’t fill the larger cooker the way it should. Slow cookers work best when they’re at least half full, and with too much empty space, the cook time can shorten and the food may dry out or the liquid may reduce too quickly. If you’d like to use your 3 quart, I’d suggest doubling the recipe so the cooker is filled properly, or checking on it earlier than the recipe states to make sure nothing overcooks. You may also want to add a little more liquid to keep everything moist as it cooks.

  3. Kathy says:

    I’m not a big fan of pot roast …
    But made this today for a friend….
    Making again tomorrow for me.
    Delicious!! Thank you!!!!!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      What a wonderful thing to hear, especially from someone who isn’t usually a pot roast fan! So glad it won you over. Thanks for letting me know!

  4. Joanne Gay says:

    Great recipe. I have enough for another meal which is perfect. I did find a small pack of stew meat and used that instead a chuck roast. I will be making this again.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      So glad you enjoyed the stew and that it gave you a second meal! Using a small pack of stew meat is a great shortcut.

  5. Charlene says:

    Simply loved this slow cooker pot roast recipe! I would make a slow cooker pot roast recipe for my husband and I but always had so much leftovers. Since recently my husband has passed away but I was really in the mood for pot roast. Tried this recipe and it was perfect for myself. I even had leftovers for another meal. Smelled so good while cooking. I love that I could make it and forget about it until it was done. So flavorful. I did omit the celery, not my favorite, but I will be adding mushrooms the next time I make it. I will also try some of the recipe variations. Also, I had to purchase a 2 lb. chuck roast and divided it into 4 sections. Worked out perfectly. Also shared this recipe with my daughter, of course, I shared one of my meat sections with her. She, too, loved it. This will definitely be one of my go to favorite recipes. Thank you, more slow cooker recipes, please.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’m really glad this recipe could bring you some comfort. It sounds like you made some great adjustments, and dividing the roast like that is such a smart idea. I love that you shared it with your daughter too. I’ll definitely keep the slow cooker recipes coming.

  6. Claudia Castillo says:

    I have enjoyed making the stove top pot roast for one for a while. It is always so good and flavorful. I decided to purchase the Elite Gourmet 2 qt. crockpot and tried the crockpot pot roast recipe for one. It is so good! I may never go back to preparing the pot roast by stove top method again. Both of the one dish kitchen pot roast recipes are great, yielding a wonderful meal for one. My new crockpot is going to be used a lot. Currently, I am gathering all of the one dish kitchen crockpot recipes to make future meals for one. Great recipe.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so happy to hear this! The 2-quart slow cooker really is a great size for these recipes. I’m glad you enjoyed both versions of the pot roast, and I hope you enjoy our other small slow cooker recipes too.

  7. Paul Kirker says:

    I’m starting to meal plan for February. Can this recipe be doubled and still cooked in a 2 qt slow cooker?

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      You can double the recipe, but it won’t fit properly in a 2-quart slow cooker. For best results, I recommend using a larger slow cooker—something around 3.5 or 4 quarts will give the roast enough room to cook evenly.

  8. Cecilia Chambers says:

    Perfect for a very cold day in Kent, Ohio!
    I added some mushrooms and stuffed some chopped jarlic into my roast cause I didn’t have fresh!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Mushrooms are a great addition.

  9. June says:

    Made this Pot Roast exactly as printed. It was delicious! Joanie there are many of us either single, or living with only 1 other person.. Your recipe’s are wonderful. Thank you very much.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I love hearing that it turned out well for you, and it truly means a lot to know the recipes have been helpful. Thank you so much for sharing this.

  10. Kathi says:

    Because of your recipes for 1, I now have a 2 quart slow cooker. Thanks so much for posting this recipe. I got a 16 oz roast instead of an 8 oz so I could have hot roast beef sandwiches with gravy the next day or so. Again, thanks for positing this.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I love hearing this. I’m so glad the recipe inspired you to try a smaller slow cooker. Thanks so much for sharing and for trying the recipe.

  11. Shirley says:

    My my that was wonderful, I know I could cook? But your results say: you can cook😏
    The meat was so tender and well seasoned, the potatoes and carrots were cooked perfectly. Ie even have enough for lunch tomorrow. thank you for this recipe.

  12. KathyM says:

    It’s good, but for me I would leave out the Garlic. I add a small bay leaf, and some beef base. It wasn’t thick enough for me so I add some more slurry and kept the cover off for 15 more minutes and. continued to cook on high. makes enough for two or for leftovers. I would make it again if the meat has a lots of fat trim before cooking. Didn’t have red potatoes so used Russet potatoes and it worked out fine.

  13. Alessia says:

    very good

  14. Joyce Sandles says:

    Not tried it yet, but it looks luvverly! I use McDougalls gravy thickener, instead of cornstarch. It can be sprinkled straight into the hot food, without being mixed with cold water. It never goes lumpy.

  15. S. Schumacher says:

    My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this recipe. I made some small changes based on the ingredients I had at hand. My roast was about 1.5lbs and I cooked it in my 3qt Instant Pot on slow cooker for 4 hours high. It was perfect. I didn’t have beef stock so I used chicken stock with a little Worcestershire and red wine. It was also helpful to sear the meet in the IP so I could deglaze the pot and get all the good bits before adding the veggies and meat on top. Thank you for the recipe. Can’t wait to try others.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed the pot roast! Your adjustments sound wonderful, and I’m glad you were able to make it work with what you had on hand. Thank you for taking the time to share – I hope you find many more recipes to enjoy!

  16. Eve says:

    This is a keeper ! The seasonings are perfect. I used some beef stewing cubes that I had and for some reason, the lower heat settings did not work well, the veggies were undercooked and the meat tough after 8 hours. I continued cooking at high temp for a few more hours and it was perfect. Really very good. The portion is quite large. I will make it again. Thank you Joanie !

  17. Barbara says:

    Have not tried this recipe yet, but I surely will. Glad to have found your site as I am alone now but love to cook. I half or even quarter many recipes, but some recipes don’t lend themselves to this. By the way, thanks for the memories. I remember my mother (many years ago) cutting a slit in her roasts for the garlic. Thank you for this site as I will be visiting often.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you for your kind comment! I’m so glad you found the site and that the recipes are a good fit for you. Cutting a slit in the roast for garlic is such a wonderful touch—it’s great to hear it brought back memories of your mother’s cooking. I hope you enjoy the pot roast and look forward to hearing what you think of the recipes as you try them.

  18. Lynn says:

    Excellent meal. I added a cheddar biscuit with my meal. Also I used stew meat and it turned out wonderfully. Can’t wait to try some of your other recipes. Thank you Lynn

  19. Tricia C says:

    I just turned on my mini crock pot with the beef stew first time making it and it smells good already lol hopefully it tastes as good as it smells

  20. Stephen says:

    Hi Joanie! Can this recipe, and your other mini slow cooker recipes for one, be made in a 6 qt. slow cooker using your trick of putting a smaller vessel inside the larger one?

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Yes, you can use a 6-quart slow cooker with an oven-safe bowl placed inside for our mini slow cooker recipes. Choose a bowl that fits inside your slow cooker—big enough to hold your meal but small enough to leave some space around it. For the best results, fill the bowl about two-thirds to three-quarters full to ensure even cooking.

  21. Alexis says:

    Tastes so good! Made enough for 1 plus a leftovers meal 🙂

  22. Carol Ann Burgess says:

    I have a 2 lb roast and I love leftover pot post!! I will just double the ingredients, and use the 3qt cooker, but how long should I cook it?
    I love your recipes
    Thank you.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you for the kind words! You can cook the 2 lb roast for the same amount of time—either on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Doubling the ingredients should work perfectly, especially in your 3-quart cooker. Enjoy the leftovers!

  23. Elizabeth Keck says:

    I had a quick question (will update my review when I make this recipe this afternoon- so excited!) If I double the recipe and use the 2X recipe, can I still use a 1.5/2 quart crock pot? Thanks so much!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      If you’re doubling the recipe, I recommend using a 3-quart slow cooker instead, as a 1.5-quart slow cooker will likely be too small to hold the increased ingredients comfortably. Enjoy making the pot roast, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!

  24. Karla says:

    I bought my 2qrt crock pot on Amazon for $19 and made this recipe!! I had enough for leftover for the next day!! It was super easy!
    I’m so relieved to know I don’t have to get out my 7qrt/9qrt heavy crock pot anymore!!!
    Now I’ve got my eye on a few other recipes, especially the meatloaf!! Decisions Decisions?
    Thank you so much!!!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you for sharing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the pot roast, and it sounds like your new 2-quart crock pot is a perfect fit! Enjoy trying out more recipes—I’m excited for you to give the meatloaf a try next. Thanks again for your kind comment!

  25. Susan says:

    I love your recipes. It has really helped since my mother passed away. Do I have to buy a smaller crockpot for the recipe or will a larger crockpot be okay? Thank you

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so glad to hear you love the recipes, and I’m very sorry for your loss. For the best results, we do recommend using a 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker, and you can see the one we use on our One Dish Kitchen Store page – https://amzn.to/4fuglIl.

      Although you can still cook smaller meals in a larger slow cooker and we show how to do that here: https://onedishkitchen.com/cook-small-meals-in-slow-cooker/ , it’s really best to use the size we recommend. Thanks for reaching out!

  26. Anita Wingerter says:

    Very Good! I only wish my Roast was bigger!

  27. Rheta says:

    How do you find an 8 ounce chuck roast??

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Finding an 8 oz chuck roast is simpler than you might think. Your first option is to buy a larger chuck roast and just use the 8 ounces you need for your recipe. The great part about this approach is you can freeze the remaining portion for another time. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to ask the butcher at your grocery store to cut a chuck roast to the exact size you’re looking for. They’re usually more than willing to accommodate such requests.

  28. Deb A says:

    Easy recipe–have made this twice! My big mistake was buying shoulder b/c it was smaller than the chuck and no butcher available. The vegs and gravy were tasty but meat was overdone and tough at 4/Hi (time constraints).Tried again with #2 of 3 mini roasts, making a point of checking the grain and cooking 8/Lo. A bit more tender and less overdone. Will not use #3 roast but possibly will try a small chuck in the future. Must add that I’m not a HUGE fan of pot roast…to be hpnest…

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you for trying out the pot roast recipe twice and sharing your experience. It’s great to hear your feedback. You’re right, chuck roast is our preferred choice for this recipe as it tends to yield the most tender results. However, it’s understandable that sometimes you have to work with what’s available, like the shoulder cut you mentioned.

      If the beef isn’t as tender as you’d like, a little more cooking time can make a big difference. Adding even an extra 30 minutes of cooking can help achieve that fall-apart tenderness we’re aiming for.

      Regarding your preference, it’s absolutely okay if pot roasts in general aren’t your favorite. Taste varies from person to person, and it’s all about finding what you love. Should you decide to try the recipe again with a chuck roast, I hope it aligns more with your tastes.

  29. Sarah says:

    Thank you for this recipe! I live in a tiny home (with tiny appliances) so this recipe specifically tailored for the 1.5 qt slow cooker is greatly appreciated.

    Next time I’ll try the red wine variation! I didn’t have garlic powder but I really liked the idea to stick the cloves in the meat.

  30. Anna says:

    Absolutely delicious!!

  31. Mary Byers says:

    Made this today. Not sure what chuck roast is in Canada so I used blade steak, cut in 4 to fit in slow cooker. Other than that followed recipe, including glass of red wine(put a splash in the slow cooker too). So good. Meat fall apart tender. Enough for 3 small portions for me, so I gave 2 portions to my elderly neighbours. I love your recipes. You are a necessity for single people! 💜Mary
    PS love the cookbook.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you so much, Mary!

  32. Robin says:

    I’m going to give it 5 stars because I already know this is going to be delicious. My only question is can I do the same process w/o a slow cooker? Hoping to do this on the stove top. I guess I’ll need to invest in a small slow cooker.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you, Robin. We have not tested this particular recipe on the stovetop but it can definitely be cooked on the stove. I haven’t experimented with seasoning amounts or cooking time but when I do, I will be sure to update the recipe with those notes.

    2. Valerie Harris says:

      I got a tiny crockpot at Walmart for $10.00

  33. J.Hegyi says:

    Terrific recipe.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you!