Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe - Easy Crock Pot Dinner

Pot roast is a classic comfort food that's perfect for busy households and slow cooker enthusiasts. With minimal preparation, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. Below, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation, cooking process, and serving suggestions for the perfect crock pot roast.

Ingredients

To create a mouth-watering pot roast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3-4 pounds of chuck roast – This cut of meat is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which renders into tender, juicy perfection.
• 3-4 large carrots – Peeled and cut into large chunks
• 3-4 large potatoes – Peeled and quartered
• 1 large onion – Chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic – Minced
• 2 cups of beef broth – For richness and flavor
• 1 cup of red wine – Optional, but it adds a depth of flavor
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste – Adds a hint of sweetness and acidity
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper – To taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil – For browning the meat

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Peel and chop the carrots into large chunks.
2. Peel and quarter the potatoes.
3. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Season the Meat

1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels.
2. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the chuck roast on all sides until it’s nicely caramelized (about 4-5 minutes per side).
3. Remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Assemble the Ingredients in the Crock Pot

1. Place the chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Lay the browned chuck roast on top of the onions and garlic.
3. Arrange the carrots and potatoes around the meat.
4. In a small bowl, mix the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables.

Step 5: Cook the Pot Roast

1. Set your crock pot to low and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
2. For a quicker option, set the crock pot to high and cook for 4-6 hours.

Final Touches

Step 6: Check for Doneness

1. Use a fork to check if the meat is tender. It should easily pull apart.
2. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove 1 cup of the cooking liquid and mix it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
2. Pour the mixture back into the crock pot and stir. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the pot roast with the cooked vegetables alongside a simple green salad or steamed green beans.
• Pair this hearty dish with a glass of robust red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
• For a comforting twist, serve the pot roast over creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the rich sauce to soak in.

Conclusion

Creating a delicious pot roast in your crock pot is easy and rewarding. With just a bit of preparation, you can have a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, perfect for busy days. Give this recipe a try and experience the simplicity and savory goodness of a classic pot roast. Happy cooking!