Tender Slow Cooked Roast Beef

a large plate of easy tender slow cooker roast with tomato, carrots, onions, and potatoes

5 from 3 votes

Tender Slow Cooked Roast Beef

This Tender Slow Cooked Roast Beef is a full soul-warming, hassle-free, meaty delight of flavor infused with protein and vegetables, and smothered in a rich homemade serving of gravy.

Prep Time30

Cook Time6

Total Time6 30

Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: roast, roast beef, slow cooked roast beef, slow cooker meals

Servings: servings

Author: Lama

Equipment

Slow cooker

Ingredients

For the Rub

6 pounds roast
6 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
1 tablespoon white pepper
1 tablespoon 7 spices or all spice
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon salt

For the Slow Cooker

3 bouillon cubes optional
2 small cinnamon sticks
5-6 cloves
2 anise star
2 carrots largely chopped
2 onions largely chopped
2 potatoes largely chopped

Instructions

Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the white pepper, seven spices (or allspice), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Season the roast: Place the roast on a large tray. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the roast and rub it evenly into the meat. Use half of the spice mixture to generously season the entire roast, making sure to rub the seasoning into all the sides and creases.
Sear the roast: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, sear the roast for about 2 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This adds a deeper flavor to the finished roast.
Add the roast to the slow cooker: Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the seared roast on top. Add the bouillon cubes around the roast, if using.
Sauté the aromatics and vegetables: Using the same skillet and the flavorful drippings left behind, add the cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, onions, and carrots. Sauté over high heat for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to brown and the spices become fragrant.
Assemble: Transfer the sautéed onions, carrots, and spices to the slow cooker, placing them around and over the roast. Add the cubed potatoes and tomatoes.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for about 6 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Cooking time can vary depending on the size and cut of your roast.
Serve: Carefully remove the roast, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice or shred and serve with the tender vegetables and flavorful juices from the slow cooker.

Video

Notes

Prep Ahead: Prep your ingredients the night before for an easier, stress-free cooking session. Chop your vegetables and store them in containers in the refrigerator, and have all of your spices measured and ready to go.

Mix Things Up: Add your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker. In addition to the carrots, tomatoes, and onions mentioned in the recipe, you can add broccoli, Brussels sprouts, winter greens, or cauliflower.
Add More Flavor: Give your roast beef extra earthy flavor by adding dried lime, rosemary, cardamom, or bay leaves to the slow cooker.
Season Generously: Don't be stingy with the seasoning! You're not only seasoning the roast—the vegetables and cooking juices will also benefit from those flavors. Add salt according to your personal preference.
Season Every Crease: When rubbing the seasoning mixture onto the roast, make sure to work it into all the creases and sides of the meat. This helps maximize the flavor so every bite is well seasoned.
Let It Rest: Once the roast is finished cooking, let it rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the meat tender and flavorful.

Gravy

Take 2 cups of the beef cooking stock and place it in a pot over medium heat.

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of starch with ¼ cup cold water, stirring until completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into the pot with the beef stock and increase the heat to high. Whisk continuously until the gravy thickens.

Season with salt and a pinch of allspice, adjusting to taste. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more beef stock or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition