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This Slow Cooker Eye of Round Roast is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. A budget-friendly cut that slow cooks to perfection with its own rich gravy.

There’s nothing cozier than a Sunday roast, especially one that doesn’t break the budget. Eye of round is one of those cuts of beef that looks fancy enough for holidays but is surprisingly affordable, making it perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike. While eye of round is a leaner cut, it becomes tender and sliceable when cooked slowly, and this recipe makes it practically foolproof.

I love this Slow Cooker Eye of Round Roast because it gives me all the nostalgia of a classic pot roast without hovering over the stove all day. The slow cooker does all the work, turning simple pantry staples into a melt-in-your-mouth roast with its own gravy built right in. My family devours this with mashed potatoes and rolls to soak up every last drop of that savory sauce. It’s one of those meals that feels like Sunday dinner but is easy enough for a weeknight.

What Is Eye of Round Roast?

Eye of round is a lean cut of beef from the hind leg of the cow. Because it doesn’t have much marbling, it’s not as naturally tender as ribeye or chuck roast, but with the right cooking method like a low and slow braise in the slow cooker, it turns out juicy, tender, and full of beefy flavor. It’s budget-friendly, feeds a crowd, and is delicious sliced thin against the grain.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Eye of round is one of the most affordable beef roasts.

• Slow cooker magic: Minimal prep, hands-off cooking, and the roast makes its own gravy.

• Perfectly sliceable: Tender enough to cut easily, but still holds its shape.

• Crowd-pleasing: Great for family dinners, holidays, or Sunday supper.

• Customizable: Switch up seasonings to fit your taste.

When to Serve Eye of Round Roast

• Holiday meals: A beautiful centerpiece for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.

• Sunday dinner: Cozy, hearty, and feeds the whole family.

• Meal prep: Slice and use leftovers in sandwiches or salads all week.

• Special occasions on a budget: Feels fancy without the price tag.

Ingredients 

• 1 (4-pound) eye of round roast – lean, budget-friendly, and perfect for slicing.

• 1 tablespoon oil – for searing and flavor.

• 1 teaspoon paprika – adds color and warmth.

• 1 teaspoon ground pepper – for a little bite.

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or garlic powder) – layers in seasoning.

• 1 envelope brown gravy mix – helps create rich sauce in the slow cooker.

• 1 envelope ranch seasoning packet – adds herby flavor.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic depth.

• 1 ½ cups beef broth – keeps the roast moist and flavorful.

• 4 tablespoons butter – for richness in the gravy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Eye of Round Roast

1. Season the roast: Rub eye of round with paprika, pepper, and garlic salt.

2. Sear: Heat oil in a skillet and sear roast on all sides until browned.

3. Mix gravy: In a bowl, combine brown gravy mix, ranch mix, and beef broth.

4. Assemble: Place roast in the slow cooker, pour gravy mixture over the top, and add garlic and butter.

5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 90 minutes or high for 60 minutes, or until roast reaches 130–140°F (medium rare to medium).

6. Rest: Remove roast, tent with foil, and rest 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

7. Serve: Spoon drippings over roast for gravy.

Substitutions

• Ranch seasoning: Swap with Italian dressing mix for a different flavor.

• Gravy mix: Onion soup mix works in place of brown gravy.

• Garlic salt: Use regular salt + garlic powder.

• Butter: Margarine can work, but butter gives the best flavor.

Variations

• Veggie roast: Add carrots, potatoes, and onions to the slow cooker.

• Herb-crusted roast: Rub roast with rosemary and thyme before cooking.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the gravy.

• French dip style: Slice thin and serve on rolls with au jus from the slow cooker.

• Wine upgrade: Replace ½ cup of broth with red wine for richer flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Always sear first: Locks in flavor and gives a beautiful crust.

• Rest before slicing: Keeps juices inside the meat.

• Slice thin: Eye of round is best when cut into thin slices against the grain.

• Don’t overcook: This lean cut can dry out quickly, so monitor the temperature.

• Make extra gravy: Double the broth and gravy mix if you love lots of sauce.

FAQs

Can I cook this longer?
Yes, but eye of round is best served medium rare to medium. Cooking too long may dry it out.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
Use a fork to test, the roast should be firm but sliceable. A thermometer is most accurate though.

Can I make this without searing?
Yes, but searing adds flavor and texture.

What sides go best with eye of round roast?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls are classics.

Can I make gravy thicker?
Yes, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the drippings and simmer.

Serving Ideas

• Sliced thin with mashed potatoes and gravy.

• On a platter with roasted carrots and potatoes.

• In sandwiches with horseradish cream.

• With a crisp side salad for balance.

• As French dips with au jus.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Slice and freeze portions with gravy for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven with a little broth.

• Make ahead: Season and sear the roast the night before, then cook the next day.

Did you make this SLOW COOKER EYE OF ROUND ROAST, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

This Slow Cooker Eye of Round Roast is the perfect way to turn an affordable cut of beef into a tender, flavorful dinner. Cooked low and slow, it’s melt-in-your-mouth good and makes a cozy, hearty meal for the whole family. And if you’re looking for more delicious slow cooker beef and pork recipes, check out these favorites:

• Slow Cooker Pot Roast Stroganoff – A twist on classic stroganoff made with pot roast that cooks until fall-apart tender in a creamy mushroom sauce.

• Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf – Juicy meatloaf slow cooked with French onion flavor and topped with gooey melted cheese.

• Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ribs – Tender, sticky ribs cooked in a sweet cherry cola BBQ sauce until they practically fall off the bone.

• Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef – Beef slow cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

• Slow Cooker Marry Me Pork Chops – Pork chops cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s so good, it’s marriage proposal–worthy.

• Slow Cooker Brisket – Juicy, flavorful brisket cooked low and slow until tender, served with a rich homemade sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Eye of Round Roast proves that budget-friendly cuts can still be delicious. With a simple seasoning rub, a quick sear, and a slow cook in a flavorful broth, you’ll have a roast that slices beautifully and makes its own savory gravy. Perfect for holidays, Sunday suppers, or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.