Discover The Secret Ingredient for the Perfect Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe!
Looking for an effortless way to make tender and juicy pot roast? Our Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe is the answer! With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can have a mouth-watering meal that will leave your taste buds craving for more. But here’s the thing, what’s the secret ingredient that makes this pot roast stand out? Keep reading to find out!
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While its origins may not be clear, slow cooking of tougher cuts of meat has been a technique utilized by many cultures for centuries. The concept is simple, yet genius – cook meat for a longer period of time at a lower heat to break down the collagen, which makes the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
This particular Pot Roast recipe is a perfect example of the magic that slow cooking can achieve. The key to its success is a perfectly seasoned, seared beef chuck roast that is then slowly cooked together with beef broth, onions, celery, and carrots, seasoned with garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. The aroma of the rich, savory broth will fill your home and have your mouth watering with anticipation.
As the roast slowly cooks to perfection, the potatoes and additional carrots are added, making this a complete one-pot meal that is as easy to make as it is delicious. The finishing touch comes in the form of a simple but effective cornstarch slurry that thickens the already flavorful broth into a luxurious sauce that will have you wanting to lick your plate clean.
Whether it’s a cool fall evening or a chilly winter day, Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a dish that will warm your soul and fill your belly with comfort. It makes the perfect meal for an easy Sunday family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead. So pull out your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to indulge in one of the most iconic American dishes around.
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Choose the Right Cut of Meat
Pot roast requires a tougher cut of meat that needs slow cooking to become tender. Chuck roast is the go-to for this recipe, but you can also use brisket or bottom round.
Don’t Skip the Searing
Searing the meat before slow cooking adds an extra layer of flavor and helps to seal in the juices. Remember to pat your meat dry before you sear it so that the moisture will evaporate quickly for a crispy sear.
Layer Ingredients Well
Layer your ingredients with the meat on the bottom and the vegetables on the top to allow everything to cook evenly.
Keep the Lid Closed
It is important not to lift the lid of the slow cooker while cooking as it releases precious heat and moisture. It will also lengthen the cooking process and might toughen your meat instead of making it tender.
Adjust Cooking Times
Cooking times may vary based on the size of your meat, the type of your slow cooker, and the desired tenderness. To make sure that your roast is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer on the thickest part of the meat. It should read 160°F-170°F for medium and 190°F for well-done.
Thicken the Sauce
Cornstarch slurry gives your sauce that nice, thick, glossy look. For best results, stir the slurry well before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps. Add the slurry in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time and let it simmer in the slow cooker until it thickens.
Make It Your Own
You can switch up your veggies depending on what you have on hand. Try adding diced tomatoes, turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for extra flavor. You can also add red wine or balsamic vinegar to enrich the taste.
How Many Calories are in Slow Cooker Pot Roast?
Nutrition Facts
6-8 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 459
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 45g
What Drinks Pair Best with Slow Cooker Pot Roast for Tender Meat?
Wine pairing: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah would pair well with this hearty and savory pot roast.
Beer pairing: A brown ale or amber ale would pair well with the rich, savory flavors of the pot roast and complement the hearty vegetables.
Cocktail pairing: A classic Old Fashioned is a great cocktail pairing for this slow-cooked pot roast. The sweet and spicy notes of the Old Fashioned will complement the tender beef perfectly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 4-5 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4-5 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on both sides until browned.
- Add the seared beef roast to the slow cooker.
- Add beef broth, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Add the chopped potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker for the last 2 hours of cooking.
- Remove the beef roast from the slow cooker and set it aside.
- Discard the bay leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Slice the beef roast across the grain.
- Serve the beef, potatoes, and carrots with the thickened sauce.
