If you’re craving a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth dinner, you’ll want to try my Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe. This recipe is the kind of comfort food that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your belly with pure happiness. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that this recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful roast surrounded by tender vegetables and a rich, luscious red wine sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic meal you’ll love to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooking: Just set it and forget it, perfect for busy days when you want comfort food waiting for you.
- Rich and Deep Flavors: The combination of red wine and balsamic vinegar creates a sauce that’s full of complexity and richness.
- Versatile and Easy to Customize: You can swap veggies or adjust herbs, making it your own every time.
- Perfect for Family Meals: Tender roast and hearty vegetables come together for a satisfying dish that everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients work together to give you that classic pot roast experience with a lovely twist from the red wine. When shopping, go for fresh veggies and a good quality red wine you’d enjoy sipping — it really makes a difference in the final taste.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a beautiful coating on the roast for a flavorful crust.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning – don’t skimp on this!
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complements the meat.
- Beef roast (eye round, top round, or chuck): I tend to use chuck for its marbling, which keeps the meat juicy.
- Olive oil: For searing the roast—this locks in all those tasty juices.
- Beef broth or stock: Builds that comforting, savory base for your pot roast.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a bit of tang and depth you’ll notice in every bite.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates flavor and enriches the sauce beautifully.
- Onion: Quartered for slow roasting; I like to use a sweet onion for a nice balance.
- Garlic cloves: Smash them to release the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Dry red wine: Merlot or Zinfandel work great – this really elevates the sauce complexity.
- Carrots: Baby carrots or regular carrots cut into fingers both work perfectly here.
- Fresh rosemary (or dried): One sprig goes a long way to infuse earthy aroma.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or baby bella mushrooms add earthiness and texture.
- Frozen peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness without overcooking.
Variations
I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tried a few twists to keep things interesting, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.
- Using different cuts of beef: I’ve used chuck roast when I want extra tenderness and eye round when I prefer a leaner option.
- Vegetable swaps: Sometimes I throw in parsnips or potatoes instead of carrots for a different texture and flavor.
- Herb variations: If you don’t have rosemary, thyme works beautifully as a fragrant alternative.
- Make it gluten-free: Just swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or omit it for a slightly thinner gravy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Roast
The first step is all about building flavor from the start. Mix cornstarch with kosher salt and black pepper in a shallow dish. Roll your beef roast around in this mixture so it’s evenly coated — this creates a lovely crust when you sear it. Save the extra cornstarch mixture; you’ll add some of it later to thicken the sauce. This little trick helps lock in juices and sets you up for that signature pot roast texture we all adore.
Step 2: Sear the Roast for Flavor
Heat olive oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side until you get that gorgeous brown crust—don’t rush this part! This browning is where the magic happens, developing deep, savory flavors. Once seared, transfer the roast to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
While the roast is searing, toss your reserved cornstarch mixture, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste into the slow cooker. Stir to dissolve the tomato paste and combine flavors. Next, add the onions to the now-empty pan and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for an extra minute. Pour in the wine, scraping up those browned bits with a wooden spoon – this pan sauce is pure gold! Pour everything into the slow cooker over your roast.
Step 4: Add Your Vegetables and Herbs
Arrange your carrots and a sprig of rosemary around the roast. These will slowly infuse their flavor throughout the cooking process. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours. The long cooking time tenderizes the meat beautifully and allows the veggies to soak up those savory juices.
Step 5: Finish with Mushrooms and Peas
When the cooking time is just about up, add the mushrooms and peas to the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes. This way, they stay tender yet retain some texture and freshness, rounding out the dish perfectly. Once done, remove the meat and vegetables, slice or shred your roast, and don’t forget to strain or ladle the cooking liquid into a bowl for a luscious gravy.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Sear: I learned that searing brings out those deep, savory flavors that make a homemade pot roast so satisfying.
- Use Good Wine: Choose a drinkable dry red wine – you can taste the difference in the final sauce.
- Add Peas Last: They cook quickly and retain their color and sweetness if added at the end.
- Watch Your Cook Time: Overcooking can dry out leaner cuts, so use a probe or fork to check tenderness starting at 6 hours.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top before serving. It brightens all those rich flavors and adds a pop of fresh green color, making the plate really inviting.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, which soak up all that fabulous red wine gravy. Sometimes I’ll serve it alongside crusty bread for sopping up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged the sliced roast over a bed of mashed potatoes with roasted vegetables around the edge, drizzled with a little extra gravy and garnished with rosemary sprigs. It really impresses guests and turns a homestyle meal into something memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. The meat stays juicy and the veggies keep their texture for up to 3-4 days. It’s also perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners when you’re pressed for time.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well. I usually freeze the meat and veggies together, but I keep the gravy separate to avoid it thickening too much. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it tastes almost as good as fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave with a little splash of broth to loosen the gravy. This helps keep the meat tender and the sauce silky without drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of meat for this Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is my favorite because of its marbling and tenderness, other roasts like eye round or top round work well too. Just keep in mind leaner cuts may cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked, so check for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low.
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What type of red wine should I use?
I recommend using a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking—Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon are great choices. Avoid cooking wines or anything too sweet as it may affect the flavor balance of your sauce.
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Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! This Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe translates well to the Instant Pot. Sear your meat, deglaze with wine, then pressure cook for about 90 minutes followed by adding vegetables and cooking a bit longer. It’s a great time-saver that still delivers tender results.
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How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is thinner than you like, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce, then cook for a few minutes more to thicken. This recipe already includes cornstarch for coating the beef, but adding more near the end works wonders.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep everything the night before by coating the roast and chopping veggies, storing them separately in the fridge. The next day, just assemble everything in the slow cooker and turn it on. It’s a great way to reduce day-of cooking stress.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a hearty meal that’ll warm you up on a chilly day, this pot roast hits all the right notes. Give it a try—you’ll love the way the tender meat, savory sauce, and tender veggies come together as one delicious, unforgettable dish. And hey, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite comfort food too!
PrintSlow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe features a tender, flavorful beef roast cooked low and slow with carrots, mushrooms, peas, and aromatic herbs. The meat is first seared for a rich crust, then slow-cooked in a savory broth enhanced with balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, red wine, and fresh rosemary, resulting in a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners. An Instant Pot variation is also provided for a quicker preparation while retaining the same robust flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (2 to 3-pound or bigger) beef eye round or top round roast (or another beef roast like chuck)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Broth and Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth/stock
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine (Merlot or Zinfandel suggested) or additional beef broth
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium or ½ of a large onion, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
- 1 cup baby carrots or 4-6 whole carrots, peeled and cut into fingers
- 1 large sprig fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 10 oz. cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms, halved or quartered
- ½ cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Roll the beef roast in this mixture, coating it evenly on all sides. Set aside the remaining cornstarch mixture for later use.
- Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the cornstarch-coated meat for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a nice brown crust. Remove the meat and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base: While the meat is searing, add the reserved cornstarch mixture, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste into the slow cooker. Stir well to dissolve the ingredients and create the base liquid.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pan used for searing, add the quartered onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté for an additional minute. Transfer both onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze with Wine: Reduce heat to low and pour the red wine into the pan. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release the browned bits, then pour this flavorful liquid into the slow cooker.
- Add Roast and Vegetables: Place the seared roast into the slow cooker. Arrange the baby carrots and rosemary sprig around the meat for even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and cooked through. This slow cooking method ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add Mushrooms and Peas: Thirty minutes before cooking is complete, add the mushrooms and frozen peas to the slow cooker. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Serve: Remove the meat and vegetables from the slow cooker. Slice or shred the roast as desired. Ladle or strain the cooking liquid to serve on the side as a rich, savory gravy.
Notes
- Select a cut like eye round, top round, or chuck for best slow cooking results.
- For a non-alcohol version, replace red wine with additional beef broth.
- Searing the meat is essential to develop deep flavors and texture.
- The leftovers store well and can be reheated gently in their cooking juices.
- You can use dried rosemary if fresh is unavailable, but fresh offers better aroma.
- The recipe includes Instant Pot instructions for a faster alternative, cooking under pressure.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the sodium content of your broth.
- Ensure natural pressure release when using Instant Pot to keep meat tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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