Savory Apple and Onion Braised Beef Roast
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Savory Apple and Onion Braised Beef Roast. This recipe brings together the succulent tenderness of a perfectly cooked beef roast with the natural sweetness of tart apples and the aromatic richness of onions. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Serve it with the velvety gravy drizzled over your meat for an unforgettable dining experience. This roast serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for both intimate and festive meals. Share this culinary delight with friends and family and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
10
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless beef roast
3 lb (cut in half)
Water
1 cup (for deglazing and cooking)
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Tart apple
1 large (quartered)
Onion
1 large (sliced)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for thickening gravy)
Water
2 tablespoons (for cornstarch mixture)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
2
Brown the beef roast on all sides until it's nicely seared, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the roast to a slow cooker.
3
In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of water to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer for a minute, then pour this mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.
4
Sprinkle the roast evenly with seasoning salt, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder for added depth of flavor.
5
Layer the quartered tart apple and sliced onion generously over the roast, allowing their flavors to infuse the meat during cooking.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook the roast on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
7
Once cooked, carefully remove the roast and onions from the slow cooker. Discard the apples, and let the roast rest for about 15 minutes to redistribute the juices.
8
While the roast is resting, prepare the gravy: strain the cooking juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 2 cups.
9
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the simmering juices.
10
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 2 minutes or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
11
Slice the roast against the grain, serve it with the rich apple-onion gravy, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
15
Carbs
35
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Apple and Onion Braised Beef Roast?
It is a comforting dish featuring succulent beef roast slow-cooked with tart apples and onions to create tender meat and a rich, velvety gravy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 to 10 people.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 3-pound boneless beef roast, which is cut in half before cooking.
How do I prepare the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the roast on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until it is nicely seared.
What is the purpose of deglazing the skillet?
Deglazing with 1 cup of water helps scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan to be added to the slow cooker.
What seasonings are used for the beef roast?
The roast is seasoned with seasoning salt, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
What type of apple should I use?
The recipe recommends using one large tart apple, which should be quartered before being layered over the roast.
How should the onion be prepared?
One large onion should be sliced and layered generously over the meat in the slow cooker.
What is the recommended cooking time?
The beef should be cooked on low heat in a slow cooker for 5 to 6 hours until it is fork-tender.
Do I keep the apples after the roast is finished cooking?
No, you should remove and discard the apples after cooking, as their purpose is to infuse the meat with flavor during the process.
Why does the roast need to rest after cooking?
Allowing the roast to rest for 15 minutes helps redistribute the juices, ensuring the meat remains moist when sliced.
How do I make the gravy for this dish?
Strain the cooking juices into a saucepan, reduce to about 2 cups, and then thicken with a cornstarch and water mixture.
What is the ratio for the cornstarch slurry?
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
How long do I boil the gravy?
Once the cornstarch mixture is added, bring the juices to a boil and cook for 2 minutes or until thickened to your liking.
What is the best way to slice the beef roast?
The roast should be sliced against the grain to ensure the most tender texture for serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this braised beef roast contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in each serving?
This dish is high in protein, providing 35 grams per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavor profile and impressive presentation make it ideal for family gatherings, festive meals, or holiday dinners.
Can I cook this roast on high heat in the slow cooker?
While the recipe specifies low heat for 5-6 hours for optimal tenderness, high heat could be used, though it may affect the texture.
What flavor does the soy sauce add?
The soy sauce adds a subtle umami depth and saltiness that enhances the savory profile of the beef.
Do I need to peel the onion?
The recipe specifies slicing the onion; you should peel it first before slicing to layer it over the roast.
Should I use fresh garlic or powder?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to season the roast evenly.
Is the apple flavor very strong in the meat?
The tart apple provides a natural sweetness and aromatic infusion that balances the savory beef without being overpowering.
What should I do with the cooked onions?
Unlike the apples, the onions are kept and served alongside the roast and gravy.
How much water is used in total for the recipe?
You will need 1 cup of water for deglazing and 2 tablespoons for the cornstarch slurry.
What does 'fork-tender' mean?
Fork-tender means the meat is so soft that it easily falls apart or can be pierced without resistance using a fork.
Can I use more seasoning salt if I prefer?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, but you can adjust seasonings to your personal taste.
What is the main flavor profile of this roast?
The profile is savory and rich, balanced with the natural sweetness of fruit and the aromatic depth of slow-cooked onions.