Savory Sweet Potato Chuck Roast
This Savory Sweet Potato Chuck Roast combines the hearty comfort of traditional pot roast with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Inspired by a classic Better Homes and Gardens crock pot recipe, this dish replaces water with apple juice, which beautifully enhances the flavors of the beef and vegetables. The gradual cooking process allows all the spices and ingredients to meld together, resulting in a tender, flavorful roast that is sure to impress. Serve it with a homemade gravy for a delightful finish.
N/A
Servings
367
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chuck roast
2 lbs (Trimmed of fat)
Oil
1 tablespoon (For browning)
Onion
1 medium (Sliced)
Sweet potatoes
2 lbs (Peeled and sliced)
Water or apple juice
1/4 cup (As a liquid base)
Beef bouillon granules
1 1/2 teaspoons (To enhance beef flavor)
Celery seed
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (For warmth and sweetness)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming excess fat from the chuck roast for a leaner meal.
2
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and carefully add the chuck roast, browning it on all sides until a rich golden crust forms, about 5-8 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the roast.
3
In your crock pot, layer the sliced onions and sweet potatoes evenly across the bottom.
4
Place the browned chuck roast directly on top of the vegetables in the crock pot.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple juice (or water), beef bouillon granules, celery seed, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot.
6
Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, allowing the ingredients to cook slowly and infuse each other with flavor.
7
Once finished, carefully remove the roast and vegetables from the crock pot and transfer them to a serving platter, taking care to keep everything intact.
8
For a delicious gravy, pour the remaining juices from the crock pot into a glass measuring cup. Skim off any excess fat. Add enough water to combine with the juices to total 2 cups of liquid.
9
In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the liquid to a gentle boil. In a separate bowl, mix together cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then add this mixture to the hot liquid, stirring continuously. Cook until the gravy thickens and becomes bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Serve alongside the roast.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
33g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Savory Sweet Potato Chuck Roast?
The main protein used is a 2 lb chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat.
How long does it take to cook this roast in a slow cooker?
You can cook it on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Can I use something other than apple juice for the liquid base?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of water as an alternative to apple juice.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 367 calories per serving.
Why should I brown the chuck roast before putting it in the crock pot?
Browning the meat for 5-8 minutes creates a rich golden crust that adds significant depth of flavor to the roast.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes one medium sliced onion and 2 lbs of peeled and sliced sweet potatoes.
How is the gravy prepared for this recipe?
The gravy is made by combining the crock pot juices with water to reach 2 cups, then thickening it with a cornstarch and cold water slurry over medium heat.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The seasoning mixture consists of beef bouillon granules, celery seed, ground cinnamon, and black pepper.
Is this recipe considered a low-fat meal?
Each serving contains about 13g of fat, and the instructions recommend trimming excess fat from the roast for a leaner meal.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 23g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this roast?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving, largely coming from the sweet potatoes and onion.
How do I layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
First, layer the sliced onions and sweet potatoes evenly on the bottom, then place the browned chuck roast on top.
What is the purpose of adding cinnamon to a savory roast?
Cinnamon adds a layer of warmth and subtle sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes and beef.
How much cornstarch is needed for the gravy?
The recipe suggests mixing cornstarch and cold water until smooth and adding it to 2 cups of liquid until thickened.
Can I make this dish if I don't have a skillet?
While the skillet is used for browning to add flavor, you could skip that step, though the depth of flavor may be reduced.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as a mouthwatering dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
What inspiration was used for this recipe?
It was inspired by a classic Better Homes and Gardens crock pot recipe.
How do I ensure the gravy isn't too greasy?
The instructions advise skimming off any excess fat from the juices before measuring out the liquid for the gravy.
What kind of oil should I use for browning?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil; a high-heat oil like vegetable or canola is typically best for browning meat.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and sliced before being added to the slow cooker.
What tags are associated with this recipe for searching?
Associated tags include pot roast, chuck roast, slow cooker, sweet potatoes, comfort food, and family dinner.
How much beef bouillon is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of beef bouillon granules to enhance the beef flavor.
Is the onion chopped or sliced?
The recipe specifies using one medium onion, sliced.
What is the texture of the finished meat?
The gradual cooking process results in a tender, flavorful roast that is easy to serve.
Do I add the spices directly to the meat?
The spices are whisked together with the apple juice (or water) and bouillon granules, then poured evenly over the meat and vegetables.
Can this be made in under 5 hours?
Yes, if you set the crock pot to high, it can be finished in 4-5 hours.
How much celery seed is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed for seasoning.
What is the serving suggestion for the finished dish?
It is recommended to serve the roast and vegetables on a platter with the homemade gravy on the side.
How much black pepper is added?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is the apple juice used to sweeten the gravy or the meat?
The apple juice is part of the cooking liquid poured over the meat and vegetables, which later becomes part of the flavorful gravy.