Sunday Dinner Pot Roast | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (2024)

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This Sunday Dinner Pot Roast recipe is a classic combination that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.

This is my mother's recipe only I make it in the crock pot and it produces a tender, juicy beef, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and perfectly cooked carrots.

Oh and don't worry! We'll have plenty of homemade gravy for those potatoes too!

The meat is cooked perfect every single time! Let me show you another one of my Family's Favorite Crock Pot Recipes that's perfect for Sunday Dinner!

Sunday Dinner Pot Roast | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (1)

Quick! Name a favorite comfort food from your childhood. Today I am sharing my favorite comfort food, my mom's pot roast recipe.

Serve this easy recipe over mashed potatoes and buttered carrots for an amazing comfort food dinner recipe.

Table of Contents
  • Sunday Dinner at its Best
  • Rump Roast in the Crock Pot
  • How many Beef Bouillon Cubes for Pot Roast?
  • 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
  • 📋Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Directions:
  • How Long to Cook the Pot Roast
  • Expert Tip
  • How to Make Gravy for Pot Roast
  • Before You Begin!
  • 🍶Storage Tips
  • ❄️Freezing Tips
  • 🔁 Thawing and Reheating Tips
  • More Sunday Dinner Ideas
  • What should I serve with pot roast?
  • What is the difference between a chuck roast and a pot roast?
  • 📇Recipe Card
  • 💬 Comments

Sunday Dinner at its Best

Pot roast in my mind if Sunday dinner at its best because I grew up on having pot roast every single Sunday. My mother put a pot roast in the oven before we left for church almost every single Sunday.

However, I make my pot roast in a crock pot. It's great for busy days when you need to be out of the house most of the day.

You get to come home to the delicious smells of dinner cooking and know dinner is almost ready with this great recipe for pot roast made in the crock pot.

Sunday Dinner Pot Roast | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (2)

Rump Roast in the Crock Pot

Most people have a favorite cut of beef to cook for their Sunday Dinner. I always use arump roast. It's what my mother always used too.

When this cut of beef goes on sale at the grocery store, I try to buy a few and freeze. It is one meal even my picky kids will agree on!

How many Beef Bouillon Cubes for Pot Roast?

Depending on the size of your beef roast, 2 bouillon cubes are enough to give flavor to the roast while it cooks in the slow cooker.

You can use Better than Bouillon or my favorite Knorr Bouillon Cubes. Both are great ways to add flavor to a roast while it slow cooks.

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📋Ingredients

Make sure you print out the recipe below and save it for later!

For the Pot Roast:

  • Rump Roast
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Beef Bouillon Cubes
  • Water
  • Salt and Pepper

For the Homemade Gravy:

  • Butter; 2 tablespoons
  • Flour; 2 tablespoons
  • 2cupsof reserved beef broth from the crock pot

Step-by-Step Directions:

  • Step 1: In a heavy pan, brown the pot roast on all sides in a few tablespoons of oil. Season each side with salt and pepper.
  • Step 2: Once the roast is browned, add it to the crock pot that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Step 3: Add 2 cups of water and 2 beef bouillon cubes. My favorite brand of bouillon cube is Knorr.
Sunday Dinner Pot Roast | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (9)

How Long to Cook the Pot Roast

  • Cooking the pot roast can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours depending on the size of the rump roast you're using and how fast your crock pot cooks.
  • All crock pots cook differently.Newer crock pots cook much faster than older ones.
  • Here's a tip I learned from my mom, cook your pot roastuntil you can stick a small pairing knife into the center of the roasteasily. That tells you the meat is cooked to perfection!
Sunday Dinner Pot Roast | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (10)

Expert Tip

It's always best to cook this type of beef slow and low. Don't rush it!

How to Make Gravy for Pot Roast

Now on to making the gravy. We will have a thick, delicious gravy, don't worry! This is the method I use to make gravy all the time. You willneverhave lumps!

  • Step 1: After the pot roast is completely cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place on a cutting board and cover with foil.
  • Step 2: Pourthe broth from the crock pot through a fine sieve that's been placed over a glass or metal bowl. You should have about 2 cups of liquid. This is what we will use to make the gravy.
  • Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
  • Step 4: Once completely melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour.
  • Step 5: Cook the flour in the butter for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Step 6: Add 2 cups of the reserved broth and stir.
  • Step 7: Stir constantly, cook until your gravy thickens.
Sunday Dinner Pot Roast | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (11)

Before You Begin!

If you make this recipe, pleaseleave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.

Sunday Dinner Pot Roast | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (12)

🍶Storage Tips

  • Allow the pot roast and gravy to cool down to room temperature.
  • Separate the meat from the gravy if they are mixed together.
  • Transfer the pot roast into an airtight container.
  • Pour the gravy into a separate airtight container.
  • Place both containers in the refrigerator for up to five days.

❄️Freezing Tips

  • Follow the steps above. Then label the containers with the date you prepared the pot roast and gravy.
  • Place the containers in the freezer.
  • Frozen pot roast can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

🔁 Thawing and Reheating Tips

  • When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw the frozen pot roast and gravy in the refrigerator overnight.
  • I like to reheat the gravy in a large skillet on top of the stove and then add the pot roast slices. They warm up nicely in the hot gravy without getting tough like they might if you use the microwave.
  • You could also add the pot roast slices to a casserole dish and then add the gravy on top. Reheat in the oven until both are hot.
  • If you need to make more gravy, simply follow the steps above using beef broth. Then stir the leftover gravy into the fresh gravy.

More Sunday Dinner Ideas

  • Dutch Oven Roast Chicken - made with a homemade seasoning spice.
  • Potato and Corn Chowder - serve with homemade white bread for a comforting Sunday dinner recipe.
  • Homemade Tomato Sauce with Meatballs - my family loves pasta for dinner on Sundays!
  • Bacon Wrapped Chicken - another delicious crock pot recipe.
  • Pot Roast is even better with Homemade Biscuits!

What should I serve with pot roast?

This answer varies depending on who you ask. For some people, only mashed potatoes will do and others love buttered noodles. There are even some people who only want homemade mac and cheese. It's really up to you and your family to decide what you enjoy best.

What is the difference between a chuck roast and a pot roast?

A chuck roast is any cut of meat that comes from the shoulder of a cow. And a "pot roast" isn't really a cut of meat! It just refers to the process of cooking beef.

📇Recipe Card

Sunday Dinner Pot Roast | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (14)

Pot Roast in the Crock Pot

Yield: 6 - 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Pot Roast made in the Crock Pot is Sunday dinner at its best!Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for the perfect family meal.

Ingredients

For the Pot Roast

  • Rump Roast
  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 2 Beef Bouillon Cubes
  • 2 cups of water
  • Salt and Pepper

For the Gravy

  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon flour
  • 2 cups of reserved beef broth from the crock pot

Instructions

For the Pot Roast

  1. Heat the 2 tbsp. oil in a heavy pan on top of the stove.
  2. Add the rump roast to the pan and brown on all sides; seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Once the pot roast is browned on all sides, place it in the crock pot.
  4. Add the two beef bouillon cubes and the two cups of water.
  5. Cook for six to eight hours on low or four to six hours on high.
  6. Tip: The pot roast is done when you can stick a knife in the center easily.

For the Gravy

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the 2 tbsp. of butter.
  2. Add the 2 tbsp. of flour and stir; allowing the flour to cook for a few minutes.
  3. Then add the 2 cups of reserved broth from the crock pot. If you need to, you can add water if there is not enough broth from the crock pot.
  4. Stir and simmer until the gravy thickens to the consistency you desire.

Notes

All crock pots cook differently. You'll know when the pot roast is completely cooked when you can stick a small pairing knife in the center of the pot roast easily.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8Serving Size: 1 slice
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 92Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 408mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 4g

The nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you, please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator.

Pin this recipe and save it for later!

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2012 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. angela Thompson says

    Is Scrumptious and am willing to give it a whirl.
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Lois says

      Hope you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply

  2. Sarah says

    This is without a doubt THE BEST ROAST and gravy recipe. I have always been so picky on my gravy and could never find a recipe that was just perfect. I add a bit of thyme to the gravy for flavour, and sometimes I need to add more flour as two doesn’t seem enough. If I need more gravy or have a larger roast I just add another cup of water and one more beef cube to make more gravy if I have company. Other than that everything is perfect and is beyond delicious!! Thanks for this recipe that my whole family loves as well!

    Reply

    • Lois says

      Thank you for letting me know! Glad you enjoy the recipe as much as my family does!

      Reply

  3. Erlene - My Pinterventures says

    I love pot roast and so does my hubby. Will be including your recipe in tonigth's MM party round-up.

    Reply

  4. Nicole B. says

    My mom always made roast in the crock pot at least 2-3 times a month. It's a classic! Thanks for sharing your recipe at the #HomeMattersParty

    Reply

  5. Made In a Day says

    Looks fabulous!T hanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Pinned! Have a great week!
    Kim

    Reply

  6. Angela Muir says

    Making my mouth water! Thank for linking up!

    Reply

  7. Kimberly Lewis says

    This is my favorite way to cook a roast! Pinned. Lou Lou Girls

    Reply

  8. Catherine says

    Dear Lois, This looks delicious and hearty. Truly perfect comfort food. Blessings, Catherine xo

    Reply

  9. mickeydownunder says

    G'day and wow Lois, never did a pot roast in the slow cooker before, true!
    Yours looks very moist an bet it tasted great too!
    Cheers! Joanne
    http://whatsonthelist.net

    Reply

  10. sandra stinson says

    That's the way I cook mine. So good.

    Reply

  11. Angie Walker says

    Thank you for sharing this at the crock pot party. I already have this one pinned. YUUUUUMMMMMMYYYYY!!

    Reply

  12. Fiona says

    Have just bought a crock pot so am madly looking around for recipes-
    glad I found this one!

    x

    Reply

  13. Marlys Folly says

    I haven't made a pot roast for awhile... Should do it again. We always had pot roast on Sundays at home growing up.

    Reply

  14. Elena says

    Now that looks yummy!!

    Reply

  15. Cheryl @ The Farmer's Daughter says

    Looks good, Lois. I haven't used my crockpot in a while, I need to in this hot weather!

    Reply

  16. Chatty Crone says

    You gave me a couple of ideas for my next pot roast - I just made one last weekend. So tell me though - what does the knife signify - I know done - but why? I am probably dumb here. sandie

    Reply

  17. Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook says

    Now that is perfect comfort food. Looks delicious.

    Reply

  18. Blondee says

    Sounds wonderful. I like to make roasts in the crock pot, too. 🙂

    When making your gravy...you don't add any extra salt or pepper? (I suck at gravy making and any tips are helpful!)

    Reply

  19. Maple Lane says

    Thanks to you and your Mom for the recipe. I'll have to try out my crock pot. Makes me hungry just seeing your photos.

    Reply

  20. Debra says

    Mmmmm... that looks delicious. So good!

    Reply

  21. Sandra says

    Mmmmmm that is like comfort food at it's best, for me 🙂 Looks amazing 🙂

    Reply

  22. Cranberry Morning says

    Wow! Looks like a typical down-home American dinner. Yummy beef!

    Reply

  23. Nellie's Cozy place says

    Morning Lois,
    I saw your question yesterday but didn't know what to answer so figured I would think about it and answer later. When I have been sick I do like a steak, baked potato and salad after for some reason.

    I think I might have just come up with mine.........after seeing your wonderful pot roast and veggies.
    Works for me! Nothing like a good pot roast for sure.

    Hope you are doing well my friend,
    blessings, nellie

    Reply

  24. Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ says

    Lois,

    I love using my crockpot in the summer. As a matter of fact, it's going to be put to use today for cheese ravioli. But my your roast looks and sounds good! Great gravy tip too!

    Have a great Wednesday!
    Tammy

    Reply

  25. Beth says

    YUMM!! Sounds so good.

    I think you and I must be related. I have always made gravy the same way you do. I also make a roux of the melted butter and flour, add a can of peas to make creamed peas. delicious.

    Reply

  26. allisamazing says

    Your pot roast looks delicious and your gravy looks so good. I think I need to pull a roast out of the freezer now 🙂

    Reply

  27. Jill says

    You're making me hungry for a roast and it's only 7:35 am here! 😉

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Sunday Dinner Pot Roast | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a classic Sunday roast? ›

It consists of roasted meat, roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes, and accompaniments such as Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, gravy, and condiments such as apple sauce, mint sauce, or redcurrant sauce.

Is it better to cook a roast in the oven or crock pot? ›

For the most appealing tenderness and and juiciness that's coveted in the best pot roasts, the pot roast is either cooked in a slow cooker for 4 hours on High or 7-8 hours on Low or for better and more even temperature control, slow-cooked in the oven at 200F/100C for 4 hours for firm, knife-ready meat and 8 hours for ...

What to serve with pot roast on the side? ›

I recommend including one salad, one or two roasted/sautéed vegetables, one type of bread, and one potato dish for a meal planning shortcut. And whatever recipe you choose, do not forget to pick up a bottle of your favorite red wine to make it the perfect pot roast dinner!

What is the best meat for pot roast dinner? ›

The best meat for pot roast is a beef cut with abundant connective tissue, like chuck roast, beef brisket or bottom round roast. This connective tissue called collagen is what makes pot roast melt-in-your-mouth tender.

What are the most popular items on a Sunday roast? ›

The five most important roast items, and the percentage of the British public who selected them, are:
  • Gravy - 97%
  • Roast Potatoes - 94%
  • Meat - 84%
  • Yorkshire Puddings - 84%
  • Carrots - 81%

What not to do to pot roast? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Pot Roast
  1. Using the wrong roast.
  2. Not browning the roast.
  3. Deglazing with just broth.
  4. Cooking the vegetables too long.
  5. Not thickening the gravy.
Mar 29, 2017

Do you put vegetables on top or bottom of pot roast? ›

Using tongs, sear meat on all sides until browned and place on top of vegetables in the crockpot. Add whole garlic cloves into the crevices of the roast (on the top and bottom usually where there is a seam of fat).

What can I add to pot roast for more flavor? ›

Incorporate herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves, and spices like garlic powder, paprika, or a hint of cumin. These seasonings build layers of flavor that penetrate the meat during the slow-cooking process. Slow cooking is key to a mouth-watering pot roast.

What is the difference between a pot roast and a Yankee pot roast? ›

Many people have asked us what differentiates a Yankee Pot Roast from just a “pot roast.” Basically a pot roast is beef that is braised in liquid – but a Yankee-style pot roast is cooked and served with root vegetables (our recipe includes carrots, potatoes, parsnip and turnip).

Is pot roast the same as chuck roast? ›

A pot roast isn't a specific cut of meat — it's just a method of preparing a cut of meat by slowly braising it with liquid (like stock or wine) until it's juicy and tender. Pot roast can be made with many cuts of meat (including chuck), and goes by various nicknames, including arm roast and clod roast.

Which roast is most tender in a crock pot? ›

Chuck roast is one of the more popular slow-cooker options because of how tender and flavorful it becomes after several hours of cooking on low.

What cut is classic roast beef? ›

A timeless roast beef recipe for rump, round, or sirloin roast. Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019.

What is the main ingredient in a traditional Sunday dinner? ›

While roast beef is perhaps the most quintessential centerpiece of a roast dinner, it's common to utilize other proteins as well. Roast chicken, lamb, and pork all make delicious alternatives to beef.

What is Folgers classic roast? ›

Is Classic Roast Coffee medium roast coffee? Yes, Classic Roast Coffee is medium roast coffee.

Why do British people eat Sunday roasts? ›

The British peoples love affair with the traditional Sunday Roast is believed to have begun way back in 15th century Britain during the reign of King Henry VII. Every Sunday, after church, his royal guards would enjoy a ritual of freshly roasted beef, this is where the affectionate term “Beefeaters” came from!

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