re: Using a crockpot without liquid.

More liquid = diluted flavor.

Typically, I'll sautee my vegetables in a skillet, then deglaze with beer, wine stock, etc. When deglazing, I'll keep adding liquid bit by bit and reducing. When I place my roast in to the crockpot, I try not to have liquid coming up anymore than halfway up the roast. It's amazing how much water the meat itself releases.

Cook on low. Check your roast after a few hours. If it looks like you're running out of liquid, just add a bit more.