Description
Hearty slow cooker pot roast brings comfort and warmth to family dinners with tender beef melting in rich, savory gravy. Succulent meat and vegetables create a classic meal that promises delicious satisfaction for hungry gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3.4 pounds (1.52 kg) beef chuck roast (or shoulder roast)
Vegetables:
- 4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
- 3 large potatoes, cut into chunks (Yukon gold or russet)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) red wine (optional, or use extra broth)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- 1 tablespoon cold water (for slurry, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the roast by generously coating it with a robust blend of aromatic herbs and spices, ensuring every surface is thoroughly seasoned for maximum flavor infusion.
- Enhance the meat’s exterior by performing a quick sear in a scorching hot skillet, developing a rich caramelized crust that will intensify the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Strategically arrange a colorful medley of root vegetables and aromatics around the roast in the slow cooker, creating a flavorful bed that will slowly release its essence during the cooking process.
- Create a deeply flavored liquid foundation by whisking together a harmonious blend of robust beef broth, complex red wine, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and umami-rich tomato paste.
- Submerge the seasoned roast and vegetables in the liquid mixture, allowing the slow cooker to work its transformative magic over several hours of low and gentle heat.
- Monitor the cooking process, ensuring the meat reaches a tender state where it effortlessly pulls apart with minimal resistance, indicating perfect doneness.
- For those desiring a more luxurious sauce, craft a silky cornstarch slurry to gently thicken the cooking liquid during the final stages of preparation.
- Once cooking is complete, delicately deconstruct the roast using two forks, creating succulent shreds that mingle beautifully with the surrounding vegetables and rich gravy.
- Present the dish with artistic flair, offering multiple serving suggestions that complement the roast’s rich and comforting character, such as nestling it alongside creamy starches or crusty artisan bread.
Notes
- Enhance meat tenderness by selecting well-marbled chuck roast or shoulder cut for maximum flavor and softness.
- Searing meat creates delicious caramelized exterior, developing rich brown crust that locks in savory taste and improves overall depth.
- Consider using low-sodium broth to control salt content, allowing more precise seasoning throughout cooking process.
- Gluten-free modifications work perfectly by replacing wheat-based Worcestershire sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for similar umami profile.
- Vegetable variations add exciting texture: swap standard root vegetables with parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for unique flavor dimensions.
- Leftovers transform beautifully into stunning next-day meals like beef stew, tacos, or hearty sandwich fillings with minimal additional preparation.
- Freezing entire dish works wonderfully – store in airtight containers for up to three months, preserving succulent taste and tender meat quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-9 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg