Crockpot Catalina Roast Beef

If you love a good slow cooker meal that basically makes itself, this crockpot catalina roast beef might just be your new favorite! It’s the perfect mix of savory and sweet — tender chuck roast, hearty veggies, and a tangy Catalina dressing that caramelizes into the most flavorful sauce as it cooks. Everything goes right into the crockpot, and by the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen smells incredible and dinner’s ready to serve. It’s classic comfort food with a little unexpected twist. Cozy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: 

• Sweet and savory perfection: That Catalina dressing adds just the right balance of tangy sweetness to the rich roast.

• Set it and forget it: Everything cooks together in the crockpot — no extra pans or fuss required.

• Tender and flavorful: The beef practically falls apart after slow cooking all day.

• One-pot meal: With meat, potatoes, and veggies all in one dish, dinner’s already done.

• Smells amazing: Your kitchen will smell like pure comfort by the time it’s ready.

• Perfect for leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s just as good (if not better!) the next day.

If you love a cozy crockpot dinner, I think you’ll also like my crockpot chicken pot roast, crockpot sausage and peppers, crockpot pork chops & stuffing, crockpot cranberry pot roast, and crockpot lasagna soup! Let me know which ones you try and what you think! 

Ingredients

You’ll find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

• Celery – adds a nice savory base and a little texture to the mix.

• Carrots – chop them into chunky pieces so they hold up well during the long cook time.

• Onion – sliced thick for sweetness that melts right into the sauce.

• Baby potatoes – no peeling needed! They cook up buttery and soak in all that tangy flavor.

• Chuck roast – the best cut for slow cooking; it turns fall-apart tender after hours in the crockpot.

• Catalina dressing – the secret ingredient! Sweet, tangy, and full of bold flavor that transforms the roast.

• Dry onion soup mix – gives the sauce that savory depth and a touch of nostalgia.

How To Make Crockpot Catalina Roast Beef 

• Add the celery, carrots, onions, and baby potatoes to the bottom of your slow cooker — this will make a perfect veggie base for the roast to sit on.

• Place the chuck roast right on top of the veggies.

• In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and dry onion soup mix until combined.

• Pour the dressing mixture evenly over the roast, letting it drizzle down into the veggies.

• Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and everything smells amazing.

• Serve the roast with those flavorful veggies and plenty of that sweet-and-savory sauce from the crockpot.

Recipe Notes 

Layer the veggies on the bottom of the crockpot so they cook evenly and soak up all those delicious juices. Cooking the roast low and slow for the full 8 hours gives you the most tender, fall-apart beef — it’s worth the wait. You can shred the roast for a cozy, pulled-beef style dinner, or slice it if you prefer a classic presentation. Make sure to use a large slow cooker (at least 6 quarts) so everything fits comfortably and cooks evenly.

Substitutions 

You can easily swap the chuck roast for a round roast, rump roast, or even pork shoulder — all become wonderfully tender in the slow cooker.

If you don’t have Catalina dressing, French or Russian dressing will give a similar sweet-and-tangy flavor that works just as well.

No onion soup mix? No problem — make your own quick blend with dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, and a pinch of garlic powder.

You can also mix up the veggies — try adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms for a little variety. For the potatoes, Yukon golds or red potatoes hold their shape best, but russets work too if you cut them into larger chunks.

Variations 

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing mix for a little heat.

• Herb Lovers: Toss in fresh thyme, rosemary, or a couple bay leaves for a more savory, aromatic flavor.

• Glazed Roast: Stir in a few tablespoons of brown sugar or honey with the dressing for a sweet, sticky glaze.

• One-Pot Meal: Add green beans or peas during the last hour of cooking for a built-in veggie side.

• Sandwich Style: Shred the beef and pile it onto toasted buns with a drizzle of the Catalina sauce for a tangy twist on a shredded beef sandwich.

Serving Ideas

This roast is truly a full meal on its own — tender beef, veggies, and potatoes all slow-cooked together in that flavorful Catalina sauce. Just add a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of that sweet-and-savory gravy, and you’re all set for the perfect comfort dinner.

Crockpot dinners don’t get much cozier than this! It’s perfect for family dinners, and I love serving this one up on Sundays when everyone’s in the mood for something hearty and wholesome. If you try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment and a star rating below, and don’t forget to tag me in your photos on Instagram @slimmingviolet.