Braising a chuck roast is done using a liquid, such as water, broth or wine, and low steady heat. The roast is first seared in hot oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven, which helps to develop its flavors. When all sides brown, remove the roast and add flavoring vegetables such as onions, garlic and celery. Saute these for one or two minutes and add other vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and parsnips. Return the chuck roast to the pot and add enough water, broth, wine or a combination to a depth of about halfway up the sides of the beef. Season with salt and pepper, cover the pot and bake it in an oven set at 175 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 6 hours or until the meat can be easily pulled apart with a fork.

Stewing a chuck roast involves basically the same steps as braising, except that the meat and vegetables are completely submerged in the cooking liquid and cooked on the stove top instead of in the oven. Dust the roast with all-purpose flour and sear on all sides in hot oil. Saute the flavoring ingredients before adding other vegetables of your choice, place the meat on top, and add liquid to completely cover the top of the roast. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and bring the liquid to a boil on high heat. Reduce to medium or medium-low, cover the pot and cook for about 2 hours or until the meat and vegetables are fork-tender.

Unlike braising and stewing, cooking the chuck roast in a slow cooker surrounds the meat with steam from a small amount of water, broth or other cooking liquid added along with flavorings and vegetables. For more depth of flavor, sear the roast separately before placing in the slow cooker, making sure all sides are brown and slightly crispy. This helps to develop the classic roasted flavor and creates a rich brown stock that can later be thickened for gravy.

There are no hard and fast rules as to what seasonings to use when cooking a chuck roast. You can go the traditional route and stick to the basics such as onion and garlic, or you can incorporate sautéed peppers, whole bay leaves or spices such as paprika or allspice. The same goes for the stewing or braising liquid, which can be plain water, broth, tomato juice or tomato sauce, red or white wine, or even apple cider. Liquid seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce or balsamic vinegar can also be used to add interest. How you decide on what seasonings to use depends entirely on the basic recipe and your imagination.