Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat is best for this recipe?
You can use either a 3 lb lean beef roast or a venison roast trimmed of excess fat.
What kind of wine should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 cup of Cabernet Sauvignon or any dry red wine.
Can I use a different soup base?
The recipe specifically calls for one 10.5 ounce can of undiluted cream of mushroom soup for the best results.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes 1 tablespoon of liquid hot pepper sauce or Tabasco, which adds a mild kick.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The flavor is enhanced with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and 2 teaspoons of thyme leaves.
How should the onion be prepared?
One large onion should be diced before being added to the crock pot.
Do the mushrooms need to be fresh?
The recipe calls for one 8 ounce can of drained sliced mushrooms.
Are vegetables included in the recipe?
Yes, you can optionally add 6 quartered large potatoes and 8 peeled carrots.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Combine soup, wine, bouillon, garlic, onion, mushrooms, hot sauce, and seasonings in the crock pot first.
Should the roast be submerged?
Yes, ensure the beef or venison roast is fully submerged within the broth mixture.
What temperature setting should I use?
Set your crock pot to the high setting for this recipe.
How long does the meat cook initially?
The roast should cook for 4 to 6 hours until it is tender enough to shred with a fork.
How do I prepare the potatoes and carrots?
Boil them in a separate pot for 15 minutes until slightly tender before adding them to the crock pot.
When do I add the vegetables?
Add the par-boiled vegetables after the initial meat cooking period and cook for another 1 to 2 hours.
How do I make the gravy?
Thicken the broth by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water after removing the meat and vegetables.
What is the ratio for the cornstarch slurry?
Mix 3-4 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth.
Can I thicken the gravy in the crock pot?
Yes, with the crock pot on high, bring the broth to a boil and stir in the slurry for 1 minute.
Can I thicken the gravy on the stove?
Yes, transfer the broth to a saucepan, bring to a boil, and stir in the slurry until thickened.
Can I serve this as au jus?
Yes, the roast can be served au jus for a lighter option instead of thickening it into gravy.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 208 calories.
What is the protein content?
One serving of this roast provides 15g of protein.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
Each serving has 7g of fat and 19g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be easily reinvented into a savory stew or soup.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-pot wonder that is easy to prepare and clean up.
Does it require low-sodium ingredients?
The recipe specifically suggests using very low-sodium beef bouillon granules.
How many servings does it make?
The recipe uses a 3 lb roast, which typically serves approximately 6 to 8 people.
What is the total cooking time?
The total time in the crock pot ranges from 5 to 8 hours depending on meat tenderness.
Are the carrots cut in a specific way?
The carrots should be peeled and cut into 4-inch long pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for venison?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an excellent way to prepare a tender venison roast.