Mix together pepper, onion, garlic powder, parsley flakes, espresso powder, salt, and brown sugar.
Lightly spray the crockpot with non-stick spray or use a liner. Add the carrots to the bottom, followed by the potatoes, celery, and onion. Tuck the bay leaves into the vegetables..
Rub the seasoning blend generously over all sides of the chuck roast.
Rub the roast rub on both sides of the meat and then place the meat on top of the vegetables. Pour water or broth over the top of the roast. Top with bay leaves.