Hearty Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Experience the comforting flavors of a classic family dish with this hearty slow cooker pot roast. Passed down through generations, this recipe combines tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich gravy that requires minimal effort. Perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy weekend meal, this pot roast is sure to warm both heart and soul with its delightful aromas and satisfying taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef roast
1 (none)
onion
1 (diced)
carrots
4 (sliced)
celery ribs
4 (sliced)
red potatoes
1 small (multiple) (quartered)
dry onion soup mix
1 package (none)
garlic powder
2 tablespoons (none)
minced onions
2 tablespoons (none)
water
1 cup (none)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (mixed with liquid)
salt & pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
1. Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Place it in the center of the Crock Pot.
2
2. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the roast.
3
3. Prepare your vegetables: Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery ribs, and quarter the small red potatoes.
4
4. Arrange the chopped vegetables around the roast in the Crock Pot, ensuring they are well distributed and surround the beef.
5
5. Sprinkle garlic powder and minced onions over the vegetables and roast.
6
6. Pour 1 cup of water into the Crock Pot, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
7
7. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
8
8. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the roast and vegetables from the Crock Pot and transfer them to a serving platter.
9
9. In a separate heatproof cup, take some of the cooking liquid and mix it with the cornstarch until smooth.
10
10. Pour the cornstarch mixture back into the Crock Pot with the remaining liquid, stirring gently until the gravy thickens.
11
11. Serve the roast and vegetables with the freshly thickened gravy. Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Slow Cooker Pot Roast?
Hearty Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a comforting classic family dish featuring tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich gravy cooked slowly for maximum flavor.
How long does it take to cook this pot roast?
The recipe calls for cooking on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked through.
What cut of beef should I use for this recipe?
A standard beef roast is used; chuck roast is typically the best choice for slow cooking to ensure a tender result.
How do I make the gravy for the pot roast?
Take some of the cooking liquid and mix it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth, then stir it back into the Crock Pot until it thickens.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The recipe includes diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery ribs, and quartered small red potatoes.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the instructions state to season the beef and place it directly in the center of the Crock Pot, making it a simple prep process.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The roast is seasoned with salt, pepper, a package of dry onion soup mix, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of minced onions.
How much water do I need to add?
You should pour 1 cup of water into the Crock Pot, ensuring it is evenly distributed before cooking.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
The recipe specifically recommends small red potatoes, quartered, but you could substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes if needed.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the beef, vegetables, seasonings, and thickening agent.
Is this a good meal for busy weekdays?
Yes, it is designed for minimal effort and uses a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy schedules.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be sliced before being added to the slow cooker.
What is the role of the cornstarch?
Cornstarch is used at the end of the cooking process to thicken the juices into a rich, savory gravy.
How do I arrange the vegetables in the slow cooker?
Arrange the chopped vegetables around the roast, ensuring they are well distributed and surround the beef.
Does this recipe use fresh onions?
Yes, it uses one fresh diced onion as well as 2 tablespoons of dried minced onions for extra flavor.
How much garlic powder is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of garlic powder to be sprinkled over the roast and vegetables.
What size should the red potatoes be cut into?
The small red potatoes should be quartered to ensure they cook through properly during the 8-hour period.
Can I cook this on high heat?
The recipe recommends low for 8 hours for the most tender results, though most pot roasts can be cooked on high for 4 to 5 hours if necessary.
How should the celery be prepared?
You should use 4 celery ribs and slice them before placing them in the Crock Pot.
Is this recipe considered a family-friendly meal?
Absolutely, it is described as a classic family dish passed down through generations.
Do I need to mix the soup mix with water first?
No, you sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the roast before adding the other ingredients.
How many celery ribs are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 sliced celery ribs.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to stir the cornstarch mixture into the cooking liquid to create a freshly thickened gravy.
Can I add salt and pepper at the end?
The beef is seasoned with salt and pepper at the very beginning, but you can always adjust to taste before serving.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, everything except the final gravy thickening happens inside the Crock Pot, making cleanup easy.
What type of soup mix is used?
The recipe uses one package of dry onion soup mix.
How do I remove the roast once it is done?
Carefully remove the roast and vegetables using tongs or a large slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving platter.
Is this recipe good for weekends?
Yes, it is described as perfect for both busy weekdays and cozy weekend meals.
Can I use beef broth instead of water?
While the recipe calls for water, you can substitute beef broth for a deeper, more savory flavor profile.
How do I ensure the gravy is smooth?
Make sure to mix the cornstarch with a small amount of liquid in a separate cup until it is completely smooth before adding it to the pot.