Holiday Pot Roast | Slow Cooker
This holiday slow cooker pot roast is a simple, one-dish dinner made with protein, vegetables, and cozy seasonal flavors. It’s designed for busy families who want a nourishing, comforting meal that can be made in a slow cooker or pot with minimal prep. This flexible recipe works with chicken, beef, turkey, pork, or plant-based options and is perfect for holidays or easy weeknight dinners.
Mix and sub in anything you’d like for you and your family.
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time:
- Chicken: 4 hours on low or 2.5–3 hours on med/high
- Beef or Pork: 8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on med/high
- Plant-based roast: 3–4 hours on low
Choose Your Protein
Use 1 of the following (about 2–3 lbs):
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Beef
- Turkey tenderloins
Ingredients
- 1–2 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 carrots, chopped
- Optional vegetable of choice- we added brussels sprouts in the last 30 minutes. You can also add in green beans or your favorite vegetable in the last 30 min.
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup broth (chicken, beef, or veggie works)
- ½ cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- Optional festive add-ins:
- Handful of cranberries
- A splash of balsamic
- Fresh herbs on top
Instructions
- Layer the baby potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic on the bottom of the slow cooker or pot.
- Place your chosen protein on top of the vegetables.
- Season the protein with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
- In a bowl, whisk together the broth, apple cider, maple syrup or honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the vegetables and protein.
- Cook according to your protein choice:
- Chicken or turkey: 4 hours on low or 2.5 to 3 hours on high
- Beef or pork: 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high
- Plant-based roast: 3 to 4 hours on low
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Why This Holiday Pot Roast Works
- Slow cooking allows protein to become tender while preserving nutrients
- Root vegetables provide fiber and steady energy
- Simple ingredients support digestion and balanced blood sugar
- One-dish cooking reduces stress and cleanup for busy families
- Flexible protein options make this recipe work for many dietary needs
Enjoy and happy holidays to you and your family! Join Studio KSL for more recipes here!
