Savory Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast with Root Vegetables
Experience the warmth and comfort of a classic dish with our Savory Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast with Root Vegetables. This hearty meal features tender chunks of beef chuck roast paired with a medley of flavorful vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth with aromatic herbs. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Simply season, layer, and let your crock pot do all the work!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean beef chuck roast
2.5 lbs (trimmed of fat & cut into serving-size pieces)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
baking potatoes
3 medium (unpeeled & cut into quarters (about 1 pound))
large carrots
2 (cut into 3/4-inch slices)
celery ribs
2 (cut into 3/4-inch slices)
onion
1 large (sliced)
large parsnip
1 (cut into 3/4-inch slices)
bay leaves
2
dried rosemary
1 teaspoon
dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon
beef broth
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
2
In the crock pot, layer the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and parsnip evenly.
3
Sprinkle the bay leaves, dried rosemary, and thyme over the vegetables for added flavor.
4
Carefully place the seasoned beef roast on top of the vegetables and pour the beef broth over the meat.
5
Cover the crock pot, ensuring it is sealed tightly, and set to cook on LOW for 8 1/2 to 9 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
6
Once the cooking time is complete, transfer the roast to a serving platter and surround it with the roasted vegetables.
7
Remove and discard bay leaves before serving for a cleaner presentation.
8
To prepare the gravy, ladle the cooking juices into a 2-cup measuring cup and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the fat to rise to the top.
9
Skim off the excess fat from the surface of the juices.
10
In a small saucepan, heat the remaining juices until they reach a boil.
11
For each cup of liquid, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of cold water until the mixture is smooth.
12
Gradually stir the flour mixture into the boiling juices, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens (about 1 minute). Pour over the pot roast before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast?
It is a hearty, classic meal featuring tender beef chuck roast and a medley of root vegetables simmered in a rich, aromatic broth.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
A 2.5 lb lean beef chuck roast, trimmed of fat and cut into serving-size pieces, is recommended.
How long does the pot roast need to cook?
The roast should be cooked on the LOW setting of your slow cooker for 8 1/2 to 9 hours.
What vegetables are included in this Yankee Pot Roast?
The recipe calls for baking potatoes, large carrots, celery ribs, a large onion, and a large parsnip.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the recipe suggests using unpeeled baking potatoes cut into quarters.
How should I season the beef?
The beef chuck roast should be seasoned generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
How much beef broth is required?
You only need 1/2 cup of beef broth as the meat and vegetables will release their own juices.
What herbs are used for flavoring?
The dish is flavored with two bay leaves, one teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves.
How should the ingredients be layered in the crock pot?
Layer the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and parsnip at the bottom, sprinkle with herbs, and place the beef roast on top.
Do I need to brown the meat before slow cooking?
The recipe instructions do not require browning; you can place the seasoned meat directly on top of the vegetables.
What size should the carrots and parsnip be sliced?
They should both be cut into 3/4-inch slices.
How do I know when the meat is finished cooking?
The meat is ready when it is fork-tender after 8 1/2 to 9 hours on LOW.
How do I make the gravy?
Ladle the cooking juices into a cup, skim the fat, boil the remaining liquid, and whisk in a flour and water mixture until thickened.
How do I remove excess fat from the gravy?
Let the cooking juices rest for 5 minutes so the fat rises to the top, then skim it off with a spoon.
What is the flour-to-water ratio for the gravy?
Use 2 tablespoons of flour mixed with 1/4 cup of cold water for every cup of cooking liquid.
How long does it take for the gravy to thicken?
Once the flour mixture is added to the boiling juices, it should thicken in about 1 minute of constant stirring.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, remove and discard the bay leaves for a cleaner presentation and to avoid eating them.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a complete one-dish meal as it contains protein, vegetables, and starches all cooked together.
What type of potatoes work best?
The recipe recommends using medium baking potatoes, which hold up well during long cooking times.
How should I serve the pot roast?
Transfer the roast to a serving platter, surround it with the vegetables, and pour the homemade gravy over the top.
Do I need to trim the fat from the beef?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies the lean beef chuck roast should be trimmed of fat before cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is designed to be a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Can I use a parsnip if I've never tried one?
Yes, parsnips add a wonderful sweetness and earthy flavor that complements the beef and other root vegetables.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be large and sliced before being layered in the slow cooker.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried rosemary and thyme, you can use fresh herbs, though you may need to increase the quantity.
How much beef roast do I need?
The recipe specifies 2.5 pounds of lean beef chuck roast.
Why is the beef placed on top of the vegetables?
Placing the beef on top allows its juices to drip down and flavor the vegetables as they cook.
How do I prepare the celery?
The celery ribs should be cut into 3/4-inch slices.
Does the slow cooker need to be sealed?
Yes, ensure the crock pot is covered and sealed tightly to maintain the heat necessary for a 9-hour cook.
Is this a good comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a comfort food and a hearty dinner option.