Slow Cooker Pot Roast For One

Make this easy single serving slow cooker pot roast recipe today! Tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich gravy make this dish a comfort food classic.

Welcome to the delightfully easy world of slow-cooked dishes! Today’s spotlight is on a classic favorite: the humble pot roast. Our single serving slow cooker pot roast recipe brings simplicity and flavor together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this meal is designed for you. Just gather the ingredients and let the slow cooker transform them into a hearty, comforting dish.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Pot Roast Recipe
• What Is A Pot Roast?
• Ingredients
• Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
• How To Make A Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Expert Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations
• More Slow Cooker Recipes
• How To Freeze Chuck Roast
• Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast For One Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Pot Roast Recipe

• Simple: This recipe only requires basic cooking skills and a handful of ingredients, making it accessible to all.
• Versatile: It can be easily modified to cater to your specific dietary needs or preferences.
• Convenient: The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you more time for other activities.
• Perfect Portion Control: Serves one person perfectly, eliminating any worries about leftovers or waste.
• Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and veggies, this pot roast is not just tasty but also loaded with essential nutrients. Enjoy a balanced meal in one pot!
• Comforting: The end product is a heartwarming, mouth-watering meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt: Before searing, the beef is generously coated with this blend of seasonings. This seasoning mix not only enhances the meat’s natural flavors but also introduces an Italian-inspired zest, which gets beautifully amplified in the searing process. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, or substitute with Herbes de Provence.
• Boneless Chuck Roast: An 8-ounce cut is perfect for this recipe. Feel free to swap with other cuts like brisket or round roast.
• Avocado oil: Used for browning the roast, contributing to its rich flavor. Canola oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, or even butter can be used as alternatives.
• Onions, Celery, and Carrots: These classic vegetables add flavor and texture to the pot roast. Substitute with your preferred veggies, such as bell peppers or extra potatoes, if desired.
• Potatoes: I use 2 small red potatoes in this recipe. Red potatoes have a waxy texture that holds up well in the slow cooker. You could substitute with other types of potatoes like Yukon gold or russet potatoes. If you’re using larger potatoes, remember to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Garlic cloves: I love the intense, aromatic flavor of garlic, so I use three cloves in this recipe. Here’s a little trick to infuse the roast with an even deeper garlic flavor: using the tip of a sharp knife, make small, 1-inch deep slits all over the top of the roast. Insert an entire clove into each slit. As the roast cooks, the garlic slowly permeates the meat, infusing it with a savory richness that garlic lovers will truly appreciate. Plus, as the cloves cook, they soften and mellow, creating a delightful surprise in each bite. This method of studding the roast with garlic not only elevates the taste of the pot roast but also enhances its aroma, making the entire cooking experience more enjoyable.
• Beef Broth: This helps to tenderize the roast and provides a base for the gravy. You could use vegetable or chicken broth as a substitute.
• Cornstarch and Water: These are used to thicken the gravy. If cornstarch is not available, you can use flour as a thickening agent instead. Just remember to mix it with water to form a slurry before adding to avoid lumps.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

How To Make A Slow Cooker Pot Roast

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a pot roast in a slow cooker or in a small Crockpot. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Place the sliced onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes in the bowl of a 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker.

2. In a small bowl, combine pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set this seasoning mix aside.

3. Dry the beef with paper towels and season all sides with the prepared seasoning mix.

4. Heat oil in an 8 or 10-inch skillet over medium heat. If using an 8-inch skillet, use slightly less oil than we recommend using in the recipe.
5. Place the roast in the skillet and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the roast and transfer it to a plate.

6. Make small slits, about 1 inch deep each, all over the top of the roast using the tip of a sharp knife. Use your fingers to widen the slits, then insert the garlic cloves as far into the meat as possible.

Pro Tip: This method infuses the meat with the delightful flavor of garlic. As the roast cooks, the garlic gradually seeps into the meat, imparting a savory richness that will delight garlic enthusiasts. The cloves themselves soften and mellow during cooking, providing a pleasing surprise in each bite. Studding the roast with garlic not only enhances the taste of the pot roast but also amplifies its appealing aroma.

7. Place the beef in the slow cooker on top of the vegetables.

8. Pour the broth over the roast and vegetables, then cover with the lid. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

9. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water until smooth.
10. Remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a plate.
11. Add the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker, mixing it with the beef broth until blended.
12. Return the beef to the slow cooker and spoon some gravy over the beef. Replace the lid and continue cooking on high for 15 more minutes. This will thicken the gravy and allow the flavors to blend.

Pro tip: If your gravy is too thin, you can whisk together additional cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Continue to cook on high until the gravy thickens.

13. Tear the meat apart with two forks and stir it into the gravy.
14. Transfer to a bowl and enjoy your slow cooker pot roast!

Expert Tips

• Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients. We provide a lot of information within the body of this recipe post to ensure that your pot roast comes out perfectly every time. It’s a good idea to fully understand the recipe and have everything ready before beginning.
• Searing: Don’t skip this step. Searing the roast before slow cooking helps to lock in the flavors and gives the meat a delicious crust.
• Seasoning: Allow the seasoning to sit on the meat for a few minutes before searing. This helps to enhance the flavors of the beef.
• Garlic: Insert whole cloves of garlic into the roast as described above. This infuses the roast with a delightful, deep garlic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

A slow cooker pot roast is a well-rounded meal on its own, with protein and vegetables cooked in one pot. However, pairing it with the right side can elevate your dining experience. Here are a few suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the tender beef and vegetables.
• Sautéed Green Beans: A lighter side dish that complements the rich flavors of the pot roast.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth.
• Red Wine: A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich, meaty flavors of the pot roast beautifully.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of a pot roast is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize this recipe:

• Red Wine Pot Roast: Add a splash of red wine to the broth for added depth of flavor.
• Herbed Pot Roast: Include a bundle of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
• Pot Roast with Mushrooms: Add some sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy twist.
• Spicy Pot Roast: Add a chopped chili pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish a kick.
• Sweet and Savory Pot Roast: Add a touch of sweetness with some chopped apples and a dash of cinnamon.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

If you enjoyed our single serving slow cooker pot roast, you might want to explore other single serving slow cooker and Crockpot recipes:

• Slow Cooker Ribs
• Slow Cooker Meatloaf
• Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
• Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
• Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata
• Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
• Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
• Slow Cooker Apple Butter

How To Freeze Chuck Roast

If you’re using 8 ounces of chuck roast for your single serving recipe, you may have some leftover raw meat. To preserve this leftover chuck roast, follow these freezing steps:

1. Wrap the Chuck Roast: Wrap the leftover meat tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper, ensuring the wrapping is pressed against the meat’s surface.
2. Add a Second Layer: Wrap another layer of aluminum foil around the meat or place it inside a zip-top freezer bag.
3. Freeze the Chuck Roast: Properly packaged, the chuck roast can be frozen for at least 3 months. After this period, the meat may show signs of freezer burn but will remain usable for a few more months.

To Thaw the Chuck Roast: Place the frozen package in the refrigerator, allowing it to thaw gradually. This method ensures the best texture and flavor when you’re ready to use the chuck roast.

These instructions will help you make the most of your chuck roast purchase, minimizing waste and maximizing value in your single serving recipes.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

Chicken and Rice For One

Chicken Spaghetti For One

Chicken Enchiladas Verde For One

Chicken Chili For One

• Beef: Beef Stew, Beef Stroganoff, Philly Cheesesteak
• Onion: Chickpea Curry, Baked Black Bean Tacos, Zuppa Toscana, Chili, Beef Tacos
• Garlic: Mexican Street Corn Salad, Caesar Salad, Squash Casserole, Rosemary Garlic Biscuits, Broccoli Casserole
• Celery: Stuffed Fish, Split Pea Soup, Tuna Salad, Jambalaya, Cornbread Dressing
• Carrots: Carrot Souffle, Carrot Cake, Roasted Carrots, Curried Carrot Soup, Fried Rice
• Potatoes: German Potato Salad, Creamy Vegetable Soup, Roasted Potato and Asparagus Crustless Quiche, Chicken Stew, Irish Stew
• Beef broth: Pepper Steak, Salisbury Steak, Taco Soup, Shepherds Pie, Swedish Meatballs
• Cornstarch: Mongolian Beef, Pepper Steak, Cashew Chicken, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Pudding
• Italian seasoning: Pork Tenderloin, Lemon Garlic Chicken, Cioppino, Stuffed Shells, Chicken Caprese Salad
• Garlic powder: Hash Browns, Loaded Deviled Eggs, Cheese Grits, Baked Pork Chop, Pizza Dough, Buffalo Cauliflower
• Onion powder: BBQ Sauce, Steak Fajitas, Taco Seasoning, Turkey Roast

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this easy pot roast recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!