
There’s nothing quite like a tender, juicy pot roast infused with the rich flavors of garlic and fresh herbs. This Garlic-Herb Butter Crockpot Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Using a 3-4 pound beef chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe melds the savory taste of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley with the creamy richness of butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The addition of hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions rounds out this dish, making it a complete, satisfying meal that requires minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Garlic-Herb Butter Crockpot Pot Roast is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. There’s something magical about the slow cooker’s ability to tenderize a tough cut of beef while infusing it with aromatic herbs and garlic. The butter adds a luscious richness that elevates the roast to restaurant-quality status. Plus, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting, so you can set it and forget it. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress your family and guests with minimal hands-on time.
If you love the idea of a herb-infused roast, you might also enjoy the Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin Dinner Party Star, which brings a slightly different yet equally delicious twist to beef dishes.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into quarters
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
How To Make Garlic-Herb Butter Crockpot Pot Roast
Step 1: Prepare the Roast
Pat your 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season all sides generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it develops a deep brown crust. This step locks in flavor and adds a beautiful texture.
Step 2: Make the Garlic-Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Mix until well combined. This herb butter will melt into the roast during slow cooking, infusing it with fresh aromatic flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Crockpot
Place the quartered onions, carrot chunks, and potato quarters into the bottom of your crockpot. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth to create a flavorful base and help keep everything moist during cooking. Lay the seared roast on top of the vegetables.
Step 4: Add the Garlic-Herb Butter
Spread the garlic-herb butter mixture evenly over the top of the roast. As the roast cooks, this butter will melt and seep into the beef, creating an incredible flavor profile and tender texture.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. Cooking low and slow is ideal for tender, fall-apart beef. The vegetables will soak up the roast’s juices and become perfectly tender.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, carefully remove the roast and vegetables from the crockpot. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the roast slices with the vegetables and spoon some of the cooking juices over the top for extra flavor. This meal pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.
Expert Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, sear the vegetables in the skillet after searing the beef before adding them to the crockpot.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the vegetables and roast once cooked, then mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the crockpot juices. Cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor; dried herbs will work but reduce quantities by half.
- Make sure not to skip the searing step—it adds depth and richness to the final dish.
- To keep the roast moist, avoid removing the lid during cooking, as this lets heat escape and can extend cooking time.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetable Options: Swap out carrots and potatoes for parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to the herb butter for a subtle smoky heat.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: Toss in mushrooms or green beans in the final hour of cooking for added veggies.
- Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, substitute with fresh oregano or basil for a unique twist.
- Broth Swap: Use a rich mushroom broth instead of beef broth for a deeper umami flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your Garlic-Herb Butter Crockpot Pot Roast, store leftovers in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, making sure to separate the meat and vegetables to maintain texture and flavor. For longer storage, freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the meat. Leftover roast makes fantastic sandwiches, stews, or even a quick stir-fry.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because of its marbling and tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing is highly recommended as it enhances the flavor and color of the roast. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip it, but the depth of flavor might be less intense.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function to sear the beef, then cook on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
What can I serve with Garlic-Herb Butter Crockpot Pot Roast?
This pot roast is hearty enough to stand on its own with the included vegetables, but it also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad. For a cozy side, consider trying the Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup for a comforting meal combination.
Conclusion
The Garlic-Herb Butter Crockpot Pot Roast is a simple yet spectacular recipe that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. The blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and butter melds perfectly with the tender beef and hearty vegetables, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers a delicious result every time. Give it a try and discover why this is one of the most beloved crockpot pot roast recipes around.
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Garlic-Herb Butter Crockpot Pot Roast
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 large carrots cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes cut into quarters
- 1 onion quartered
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Roast
- Pat your 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season all sides generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it develops a deep brown crust. This step locks in flavor and adds a beautiful texture.
Make the Garlic-Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Mix until well combined. This herb butter will melt into the roast during slow cooking, infusing it with fresh aromatic flavors.
Assemble the Crockpot
- Place the quartered onions, carrot chunks, and potato quarters into the bottom of your crockpot. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth to create a flavorful base and help keep everything moist during cooking. Lay the seared roast on top of the vegetables.
- Spread the garlic-herb butter mixture evenly over the top of the roast. As the roast cooks, this butter will melt and seep into the beef, creating an incredible flavor profile and tender texture.
Slow Cook
- Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. Cooking low and slow is ideal for tender, fall-apart beef. The vegetables will soak up the roast’s juices and become perfectly tender.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once done, carefully remove the roast and vegetables from the crockpot. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the roast slices with the vegetables and spoon some of the cooking juices over the top for extra flavor. This meal pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Crockpot
- Small Bowl
Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, sear the vegetables in the skillet after searing the beef before adding them to the crockpot.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the vegetables and roast once cooked, then mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the crockpot juices. Cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor; dried herbs will work but reduce quantities by half.