There’s something deeply comforting about walking into a warm kitchen after a long, chilly day and being greeted by the aroma of pot roast with sweet potatoes simmering away in the slow cooker.
I remember one particularly hectic homeschool Friday. The kids were squabbling over writing, the laundry pile had morphed into a mountain, and I was already behind before breakfast. That morning, I threw together this pot roast before the chaos really took hold, and by dinner, the whole house smelled like grace.
That simple meal turned our day around as we gathered at the table and focused on something sweet and grounding. It reminded me that nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
Table of Contents
Why Pot Roast with Sweet Potatoes is a Staple in Our Home
A Cozy Classic for Busy Homemakers
As a homesteading mama juggling everything from math lessons to muddy boots, I lean heavily on meals that don’t ask much of me after 2 p.m. Slow cooker pot roast with sweet potatoes checks all the boxes: nourishing, hearty, forgiving, and perfect for leftovers. With just a few minutes of morning prep, the rest of the day is freed up for homeschooling, chores, or—let’s be real—catching my breath.
A Connection to Simpler Times
There’s something timeless about pot roast. My grandmother made it, my mother made it, and now I do too. This dish speaks of tradition and care, of taking what we have and turning it into a gift. For me, there’s a spiritual element here too. Meals like this remind me of God’s provision. They echo the beauty of Sabbath simplicity, even on a Tuesday—a gentle reminder that every day holds the potential to honor God’s rhythm of rest and provision.
Nutrient-Dense and Budget-Friendly
With homegrown sweet potatoes, grass-fed beef from a local farmer, and pantry staples like onions and garlic, this meal supports both health and budget goals. When we grow and raise much of our food, it becomes not only more affordable but also more sacred. Every bite is a reminder of the labor and love that went into it.
How to Make the Perfect Pot Roast with Sweet Potatoes
The Right Cut of Meat Makes a Difference
For a tender, flavorful roast, I recommend a boneless beef shoulder roast or chuck roast. Both cuts have enough marbling to stay moist during a long, slow cook. If you raise your own cattle or buy a bulk beef share, this is a great way to use those tougher, more economical cuts.
Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot Instructions
I usually opt for the slow cooker because it fits my rhythm better. I can prep the meal right after morning coffee, and by evening, it’s ready with zero fuss. For an Instant Pot, use the “Meat/Stew” setting for about 60 minutes with a natural pressure release. Either method works beautifully—just adjust the timing to your day.
The Secret to Tender Meat and Perfect Potatoes
The real magic happens when you sear the roast first. It locks in flavor and gives a richer, more satisfying taste. As for the sweet potatoes, cut them into large chunks and place them on top of the meat. This helps them steam gently rather than break down. And if you’re adding apples (which I love for a touch of autumn sweetness), nestle them in last.
Beef Roast with Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb Beef Boneless Shoulder Roast
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1/2 c. Flour
- 1 tsp. Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 3/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- 1 c. Beef Broth
- Water
- 1 medium Onion, Sliced
- 2 minced Garlic Cloves
- 3 Sweet Potatoes
- 2 Green Apples, Cored and Sliced
- 1 Tbsp. Cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp. Cold Water
- Salt and Pepper t.t.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in cast iron skillet.
- Combine flour, thyme, salt, and pepper in a gallon Ziploc bag.
- Place roast in the bag and shake until roast is coated on all sides.
- When oil is hot, place the roast in the skillet and brown on all sides. Remove the roast and place in the slow cooker with the fat side facing up.
- Add beef broth and enough water to bring the liquid level up to 2 inches from the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add apples, sweet potatoes, onions and garlic. Cut the sweet potatoes into large cubes.
- Cook the roast on low heat for 8-9 hours.
- Place the roast, sweet potatoes, onions and apples on a serving platter and hold.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, cinnamon and cold water. Whisk until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Add the juices from the slow cooker to a small sauce pan and simmer over medium heat and whisk in slurry mixture. Simmer and whisk for 15 minutes or until it reaches desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve sauce with roast and potatoes.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 8 ozAmount Per ServingCalories 1015Total Fat 60gSaturated Fat 24gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 31gCholesterol 296mgSodium 627mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 3gSugar 8gProtein 91g
Homemaking Hacks for Making This Meal Work for You
Make-Ahead, Batch Cook, or Freeze It
This recipe is a multitasker. You can prep everything the night before, refrigerate the crock, and pop it in the slow cooker the next morning. I often double the recipe and freeze half of it in labeled quart jars or freezer bags, noting the date and contents. When it’s time to reheat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker to preserve the flavor and texture. It’s a lifesaver during recital week or when everyone catches a cold at once.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Adaptations
To make this gluten-free, skip the flour and coat the roast in a simple spice rub of salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. For a Whole30 or Paleo pot roast with sweet potatoes, swap the cornstarch for arrowroot powder and make sure your broth has no added sugars or starches. The result is still thick, savory, and delicious.
Getting Kids Involved in the Kitchen
My kids love helping with this one. They peel the sweet potatoes, measure the broth, and take turns shaking the roast in the flour bag. It’s a great opportunity to teach kitchen skills and talk about stewardship, gratitude, and even math (fractions in action!). Cooking together turns an ordinary chore into a memory.
Turning Dinner into a Moment of Meaning
Bless the Meal, Nourish the Soul
Before we eat, we pray. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A simple, “Lord, thank You for this meal and the hands that prepared it,” is enough to remind us who our true Provider is. Some nights, we go around the table and name one thing we’re grateful for. It shifts the mood and recenters our hearts.
Connecting Around the Table
Pot roast night is one of the few times we all linger a bit longer. I’m not overly tired from spending an hour or more in the kitchen, and there’s less cleanup afterward. The kids dip their bread in the gravy. My husband and teenage son usually go back for seconds. We laugh, share stories, and pause the rush of life. This is where real discipleship often happens—not in big, scripted moments, but in these everyday rhythms of family and food.
Stewarding God’s Provision
There’s a sacredness in using what we grow or raise. When the beef is from our own pasture and the vegetables came from our garden, dinner becomes an act of stewardship. It reminds me that honoring creation is one way we honor the Creator. Even if you’re shopping at Aldi instead of harvesting from your backyard, there’s beauty in choosing ingredients with intention.
Creative Twists for Seasonal and Leftover Variations
Add a Seasonal Spin
In the fall, I sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the broth for a warm, spiced aroma. In spring, I might add fresh parsley or a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten it up. You can also add parsnips or turnips for a variation on the classic.
Reimagine the Leftovers
Leftovers are where this roast really shines. Shred the beef and mix with leftover gravy to serve over mashed sweet potatoes or rice. Or tuck the meat into a tortilla with cheddar and apples for a sweet-savory wrap. I’ve even made shepherd’s pie with the leftovers and a little creativity.
Use What You Have
Homesteading and homemaking are all about flexibility. No apples? Use carrots. No broth? Add water and a splash of Worcestershire. Don’t have a slow cooker? Braise it low and slow in the oven. It’s not about perfection. It’s about doing the best we can with what we have—and trusting that it’s enough.
Sweet potatoes are also great for making baked sweet potato fries or roasting in the oven with other vegetables. Get creative and explore different ways to use this delicious root vegetable!
More Sweet Potato Recipes
Final Thoughts
Pot roast with sweet potatoes is more than just a recipe—it’s a rhythm of grace, a reminder that we don’t have to hustle to feed our families well. It meets us in the mess, fills our bellies, and centers our homes. Whether you’re feeding three or thirteen, whether your beef is home-raised or store-bought, or whether you’re stumbling through a chaotic homeschool Friday or enjoying a peaceful weekend, this dish is a chance to slow down, give thanks, and gather close.
So friend, pull out your slow cooker. Grab those sweet potatoes. Let the house fill with the smell of something simple and good. Then take a deep breath, set the table, and make this meal a moment of joy.
I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you. Do you have your own family variation? What faith traditions do you weave into your meals? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments. And don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for more nourishing recipes and grace-filled encouragement.
