Pat your roast dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (or your favorite blend).
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear the roast 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned. This locks in flavor.
Transfer the seared roast to your crockpot.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Sauté sliced onions for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in: Half the can of tomato sauce (about 4 oz), 1 packet of ranch seasoning, 1 packet of au jus mix. Let it bubble, then slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Pour that savory gravy all over the roast in the slow cooker.
Top with thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Cover and cook: LOW for 8 hours — or — HIGH for 4–5 hours. Meat should shred easily with a fork when done.
Remove the roast, shred it, and spoon the juices over the top.
Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra ladle of gravy.
