Savory German-Style Beef Roast in a Slow Cooker
Experience the rich flavors of Germany with this comforting German-Style Beef Roast, expertly cooked in your crock pot. The dish features a succulent boneless beef chuck roast, slow-cooked to perfection in a blend of savory ingredients, including hearty vegetables and a unique mixture of red wine or beef broth, zesty mustard, and tangy dill pickles. This roast is an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal; simply prepare in the morning and return home to the mouthwatering aroma of a festive German dinner. Serve it alongside tender spaetzle noodles and a rich gravy, and enjoy a delightful dining experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless beef chuck roast
2 1/2-3 lb (Trimmed of fat)
Cooking oil
1 tablespoon (For browning the meat)
Carrots
2 cups (Sliced (about 2 medium))
Onions
2 cups (Chopped (about 2 large))
Celery
1 cup (Sliced (about 2 stalks))
Kosher dill pickle
1/2 cup (Chopped (or to taste))
Dry red wine or beef broth
1/2 cup (For cooking)
German mustard
1/3 cup (For flavoring)
Fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Bay leaves
2 (For flavoring)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (For thickening gravy)
Dry red wine or beef broth
2 tablespoons (For gravy)
Spaetzle noodles or cooked noodles
As desired (For serving)
Fresh parsley
For garnish (Snipped, optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the boneless beef chuck roast.
2
If necessary, cut the roast into pieces to fit comfortably in a 3-1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker.
3
In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef roast on all sides, ensuring a golden crust forms. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set aside.
4
In the slow cooker, combine the sliced carrots, chopped onions, sliced celery, and chopped dill pickles to create a flavorful vegetable base.
5
Place the seared beef roast directly on top of the layer of vegetables.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the dry red wine (or beef broth), German mustard, coarse black pepper, ground cloves, and bay leaves until well combined.
7
Pour this mixture evenly over the beef roast and vegetables in the slow cooker.
8
Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and infused with the flavors.
9
Once cooked, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Tent it with foil to keep warm.
10
For the gravy, transfer the cooked vegetables and the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a 2-quart saucepan. Skim off any excess fat and discard the bay leaves.
11
In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of red wine (or beef broth) until smooth, then stir this mixture into the saucepan.
12
Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes. Allow to cook for an additional minute.
13
Serve the sliced beef roast with the sautéed vegetables and gravy, accompanied by hot cooked spaetzle noodles. If desired, garnish with freshly snipped parsley.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beef is used for Savory German-Style Beef Roast?
This recipe uses a 2.5 to 3 lb boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat.
Can I use a slow cooker for this German beef roast?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a 3-1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker.
How long does the roast need to cook on low?
The roast should be cooked on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours for maximum tenderness.
What is the cooking time for the high setting?
If using the high setting, the beef roast will take approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Do I need to brown the meat before slow cooking?
Yes, browning the beef in a large skillet with oil before adding it to the slow cooker helps create a flavorful golden crust.
What vegetables are layered in the slow cooker?
The base consists of 2 cups of sliced carrots, 2 cups of chopped onions, 1 cup of sliced celery, and chopped dill pickles.
Is there a specific type of mustard required?
The recipe calls for German mustard to provide an authentic, zesty flavor profile.
Can I substitute the red wine?
Yes, you can substitute the dry red wine with an equal amount of beef broth if you prefer to cook without alcohol.
Why are dill pickles added to a beef roast?
Chopped dill pickles add a unique, tangy German-style flavor that complements the savory meat and vegetables.
What spices are used for seasoning?
This roast is seasoned with fresh coarse ground black pepper, ground cloves, and bay leaves.
How do I prepare the gravy?
Transfer the liquid and vegetables to a saucepan, stir in a flour and wine slurry, and cook until thickened and bubbling.
Should I remove the bay leaves?
Yes, the bay leaves should be removed and discarded before serving the gravy.
What is the best side dish for this roast?
This German-style roast is traditionally served with hot cooked spaetzle noodles.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of red wine or beef broth and stir it into the cooking liquid over medium heat.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
While fresh carrots, onions, and celery are recommended, frozen vegetables can be used as a substitute in the slow cooker.
Is it necessary to trim the fat from the roast?
Yes, trimming excess fat from the chuck roast helps prevent the resulting gravy from becoming too greasy.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 3-1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this specific recipe.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, freshly snipped parsley is recommended as an optional garnish for added freshness and color.
What if the roast is too large for the slow cooker?
You can cut the roast into smaller pieces to ensure it fits comfortably and cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
How do I keep the meat warm while making gravy?
Place the beef on a serving platter and tent it with foil to retain heat while the gravy thickens on the stove.
Can I use a different type of pickle?
Kosher dill pickles provide the most authentic flavor, but you can adjust the type and amount to suit your personal preference.
Does this recipe contain cloves?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to add a warm, aromatic spice common in German cuisine.
How much German mustard is used?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of German mustard for flavoring the cooking liquid.
How much liquid is needed for cooking?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry red wine or beef broth to be whisked with the mustard and spices.
How long does it take to thicken the gravy?
Once the flour mixture is added, the gravy should thicken and bubble in about 5 minutes over medium heat.
Can I use regular noodles instead of spaetzle?
Yes, if spaetzle is unavailable, you can serve the roast over any variety of hot cooked noodles.
What is the primary cooking method?
The primary method is slow cooking in a crock pot, preceded by browning the meat in a skillet.
Is there any oil used?
One tablespoon of cooking oil is used specifically for searing the beef roast on all sides.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need approximately 2 cups of sliced carrots, which is about 2 medium-sized carrots.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is a hearty, easy-to-prepare meal that is perfect for a festive or comforting family dinner.