Albert Lea Family Pot Roast

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender beef roast slow-cooked with root vegetables and herbs, ideal for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, medium carrots, yellow onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 lbs beef chuck roast dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear in a slow cooker on high for 5 minutes per side until browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 medium carrots, 2 yellow onions (quartered), and 2 sprigs fresh thyme to the pot. Pour 1 cup beef broth over the top.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Remove meat, strain broth into a saucepan, whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, and simmer until thickened. Slice meat and serve with vegetables and sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Albert Lea Family Pot Roast take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Albert Lea Family Pot Roast?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Albert Lea Family Pot Roast?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Albert Lea Family Pot Roast for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Albert Lea Family Pot Roast?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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