I just poke holes in the roast, soak in Vinegar about 15 minutes--tenderizes the meat. Pour off the vinegar after that time, and coat with Kitchen Bouquet--I buy it at Wal-Mart, but suppose any store has it. It gives the meat a nice Brown color and coats the meat.
Brown the roast on all sides, reduce heat and add water. Cook about 2 hrs. for a 3-4 # roast, less for smaller, ect.
If you use the crockpot, just put in the crockpot after it has been browned, ect. Cook longer as that is how the heat is on crock pots.
Good luck! Always works for me.
Mariah