Why You’ll Love this Sunday Pot Roast
When you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that practically melts in your mouth, this Sunday Pot Roast is exactly what you need.
I’m talking fork-tender beef that falls apart without effort, surrounded by vegetables that have soaked up all those savory juices.
What makes this recipe special? It’s the slow cooking magic—eight hours of transforming a humble cut of beef into something extraordinary.
The fresh rosemary and thyme infuse every bite with aromatic flavor, while the au jus creates a rich, silky sauce that ties everything together.
Perfect for those lazy weekends when you want impressive results with minimal fuss.
What Ingredients are in Sunday Pot Roast?
This hearty pot roast recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something magical during the long, slow cooking process. The beauty of pot roast lies in its simplicity—you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a meal that tastes like it came from grandma’s kitchen. Just gathering these basics from your pantry and refrigerator will set you up for a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- 4-5 pounds beef roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, peeled and halved
- 1 (16 ounce) bag baby carrots
- 2 (1 ounce) packages au jus mix
- 2 cups water
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 6 baby red potatoes
When shopping for your roast, look for cuts like chuck roast, round roast, or brisket—they have just the right amount of marbling that breaks down during cooking. The fresh herbs make a big difference here, but in a pinch, dried versions will work (just use about a third of the amount). And those baby red potatoes? They’re perfect because they hold their shape during the long cooking time, but regular russets cut into chunks would work too. Can we talk about the au jus packets? They’re my secret weapon for adding depth without fussing with complicated broths or seasonings.
How to Make this Sunday Pot Roast
Making this pot roast couldn’t be simpler, and the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting for you. To start, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a nice base that helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness to the final dish.
Next, place your 4-5 pound beef roast right in the center of the cooker. It should sit like a king on its throne, ready for its transformation from tough cut to tender deliciousness.
Now comes the fun part—arranging all those colorful vegetables around your roast. Tuck the 6 baby red potatoes, 1 bag of baby carrots, and 2 peeled and halved onions around the edges of the meat. Then nestle 2 sprigs each of fresh rosemary and thyme alongside everything. The aromatics really make a difference here, and your kitchen will smell divine in a few hours.
For the liquid component, mix 1 cup of water with one package of au jus mix and pour this flavorful concoction over the meat and vegetables. If you want to try a different cooking method with equally delicious results, consider using a premium deep fryer for other hearty meals. This creates the perfect environment for everything to cook and mingle together. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat for 8-10 hours. Who doesn’t love a set-it-and-forget-it meal?
About an hour before you’re ready to serve, there’s one important step that takes this pot roast from good to spectacular. Open the lid (careful of that steam!) and mix another cup of water with the second package of au jus mix.
Pour this over the roast and vegetables, which adds a fresh burst of flavor and creates more of that wonderful gravy. Cover again and let it finish cooking for the final hour. This last-hour addition is one of those little touches that separates an ordinary pot roast from one that has everyone scraping their plates clean.
When done, the meat should be fork-tender and practically falling apart—exactly what we want in a perfect Sunday pot roast.
Sunday Pot Roast Substitutions and Variations
Looking to put your own spin on this classic Sunday pot roast? I’ve got some simple swaps that’ll make this recipe your own.
Try beef chuck, brisket, or even venison instead of the standard roast. Not a fan of red potatoes? Regular russets or sweet potatoes work beautifully.
You can skip the au jus packets and use beef broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. For herbs, dried work if fresh aren’t available—just use one-third the amount.
Mushrooms, celery, or parsnips make delicious additions to the vegetable mix. The slow cooker method is foolproof, but a Dutch oven at 325°F works too.
What to Serve with Sunday Pot Roast
A perfect Sunday pot roast deserves equally delicious sides to round out your meal.
I love pairing mine with a crusty artisan bread for sopping up that rich au jus—nothing beats it for capturing every last drop of flavor.
For vegetables beyond those cooked with the roast, consider a bright green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creamy mashed potatoes make a wonderful alternative to the red potatoes if you prefer something softer.
Want something extra?
A crisp apple crisp or warm berry cobbler provides the perfect sweet contrast to complete your Sunday dinner tradition.
Final Thoughts
Pot roast remains one of those timeless comfort foods that brings families together around the table.
I’ve shared this slow cooker method because it’s practically foolproof, letting you enjoy your Sunday while dinner practically makes itself. The combination of tender beef, root vegetables, and savory herbs creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
What I love most about pot roast is its versatility.
Don’t have red potatoes? Use russets. No fresh herbs? Dried work fine. It’s a forgiving dish that always turns out delicious, regardless of small substitutions or adaptations to suit your family’s preferences.
