I always use the crock pot for beef roasts.... I put them on low for about 7-9 hours and the ONLY thing I add is a little bit of red wine. I season the beef and brown it on the stove and then throw it in the crock pot. It will fall apart and be SO tender!!!! It makes such a nice "au jus" on its own, you don't need to add anything!!!!!!! I have this at least once a week!!!!!