Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pot Roast

Nov 09, 2023Updated Jul 17, 2024

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Give your beef chuck roast a different taste using apple cider in this super easy and tasty crock pot recipe. This is sure to become one of your favorite meals, especially for the cooler months. Get ready to enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends.

Apple cider is the flavor of the season! Enjoy it in different ways, like in my Slow Cooker Fireball Apple Cider and Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider.

Apple cider pot roast with carrots and potatoes on a plate.

Why you should try this apple cider pot roast recipe
Recipe Ingredients
What to serve with this
Recipe FAQs
More Pot Roast Recipes
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pot Roast Recipe

Why you should try this apple cider pot roast recipe

Cooking a delicious meal shouldn’t be hard, and that’s where this great recipe comes in handy. All you need are just a few classic pot roast ingredients for a comfort food that’s familiar to everyone. I also like easy recipes that can be tossed in the pot for slow cooking and a tender finish.

The whole family is sure to enjoy this absolutely delicious roast. And you’ll love the quick prep and cooking time that gives you time to get other things done. Tidy up the home or prepare for a dinner party during cooking time and rest assured that you’ll have an incredibly tender roast to serve. Another complete fall meal we love to make is Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Casserole.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for apple cider pot roast on a table with text overlay.

Chuck Roast: This is the best cut of meat to use in a recipe like this. There will be plenty of fall apart tender beef chuck roast. We use this same cut of beef in my Slow Cooker Cranberry Pot Roast Recipe.
Apple Cider: This is the hidden ingredient that gives this beef pot roast its delicious cider braised flavor. If you have leftover slow cooker apple cider, you can use that!
Seasonings and Herbs: kosher salt and black pepper are sprinkled in to taste while a couple of teaspoons of fresh rosemary and thyme leaves are added for additional earthy flavor.
Beef Broth: Helps create a braising liquid and fork tender roast.
Other Ingredients: Worcestershire sauce, garlic cloves, tomato paste, and Dijon mustard help finish up the braised pot roast.
Fresh Vegetables: Baby carrots and baby potatoes halved are the basics used in cooking a pot roast. You can always add additional vegetables.
Optional Garnishes: Fresh thyme, fresh parsley, and rosemary sprigs can be used for garnish just before serving.

Images showing how to make apple cider pot roast in a crockpot.

Step One – Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat the vegetable or olive oil in a cast iron skillet or large pan over medium-high heat.

Step Two – Sear the chuck roast until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the skillet and set aside.

Step Three – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, dijon mustard, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme. Whisk until thoroughly combined and set aside.

Step Four – Place the baby carrots and baby potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker.

Step Five – Carefully transfer the seared chuck roast onto the bed of vegetables in the slow cooker.

Step Six – Pour the apple cider mixture over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 8-10 hours or on HIGH heat for 4-6 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

What to serve with this

Optional serving: Once cooked, remove the cider braised pot roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred slightly. Return it to the beef braising liquid or turn the liquid into a gravy by adding a cornstarch slurry.
Serve this delicious comfort food with cooked baby carrots, potatoes, and a ladle of the flavorful cooking liquid. You can also use the baby potatoes to make mashed potatoes. Put a few fresh herbs on the side, too.
Garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, a bay leaf, and rosemary sprigs.
Don’t forget the homemade slow cooker cornbread, dinner rolls, or any other bread of your choice. Also, even pot roast is wonderful with a dollop of slow cooker cranberry sauce.

Recipe FAQs

Do I have to sear the chuck roast first?

It’s important to sear the chuck roast before slow-cooking as it adds a depth of flavor to the final dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and place the un-seared roast directly into the slow cooker.

How do you suggest thickening the gravy?

For a thicker gravy, you can strain the cooking liquid, transfer it to a saucepan, and simmer it over medium heat. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry once simmering. (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water mixed together) Whisk the slurry into the cooking liquid and simmer until thickened.

What other vegetables do you recommend I add?

You can add additional vegetables if desired such as sliced onions, celery, bell pepper, diced sweet potatoes, or mushrooms.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes; however, the tanginess from apple cider creates a unique flavor. Consider adding a dash of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for more of a flavor punch.

Can I cook this in a larger dutch oven?

Yes. You can yield the same results by using a dutch oven.

How do I remove the grease floating from the top of the liquid?

You shouldn’t have much, but if so, you can use a paper towel to soak it up.

What size roast do you suggest?

I suggest at least a 3 pound roast, though you can use any size you find.

pot roast on a plate with gravy and vegetables.

More Pot Roast Recipes

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