Slow Cooker Chuck Roast: A Delicious and Easy Family Meal in 2024

Introduction

Slow cooker chuck roast is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This hearty and flavorful dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a go-to meal for many families. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering slow cooker chuck roast that will have your family asking for seconds.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chuck Roast

Ingredients and Directions

Slow Cooker Chuck Roast

Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Calories

500

kcal

To make a delicious slow cooker chuck roast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 3-4 pound chuck roast

• 1 onion, sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons cold water

Directions

• Begin by seasoning the chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
• In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds depth to the flavor.
• Transfer the seared chuck roast to your slow cooker.
• Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker, distributing them around the roast.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the chuck roast in the slow cooker.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Creating the Gravy

Once the chuck roast is cooked, it’s time to create a rich and flavorful gravy to accompany the meat.

1. Remove the chuck roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.
2. Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan, discarding the solids.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
4. Bring the cooking liquid to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Continue to simmer the gravy, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
6. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker chuck roast is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is a perfect complement to the tender chuck roast and rich gravy.
• Roasted vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper make a healthy and delicious side dish.
• Egg noodles: Serve the chuck roast and gravy over a bed of buttered egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Crusty bread: Use a crusty baguette or sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Chuck Roast:

1. Choose the right cut of meat: Chuck roast or shoulder roast are the best options for slow cooking as they become tender and flavorful during the long cooking process.
2. Sear the meat before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor and texture of the roast.
3. Cut the vegetables into large chunks to prevent them from becoming mushy during the long cooking time.
4. Don’t add too much liquid, as the meat and vegetables will release their own juices during cooking.
5. Let the pot roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meal.

Variations and Substitutions:

1. Add different vegetables: Parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes can be used in addition to or instead of the potatoes and carrots for a change in flavor and texture.
2. Experiment with herbs: Try using fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to add depth and complexity to the dish.
3. Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the pot roast a kick of heat.
4. Substitute the beef broth: Use red wine, beer, or even coffee for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
5. Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy.

Leftover Ideas:

1. Pot Roast Sandwiches: Slice the leftover pot roast and serve it on crusty bread with some of the gravy and a side of horseradish sauce.
2. Shepherd’s Pie: Shred the leftover pot roast and mix it with the vegetables and gravy. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden brown.
3. Pot Roast Soup: Cut the leftover pot roast and vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them to a pot with beef broth, diced tomatoes, and additional vegetables like peas or green beans. Simmer until heated through and serve with crusty bread.
4. Pot Roast Hash: Chop the leftover pot roast and vegetables into small pieces and fry them in a pan with some diced potatoes and onions until crispy. Serve with a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
5. Pot Roast Tacos: Shred the leftover pot roast and serve it in warm corn tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a delicious twist on taco night.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chuck roast is a simple yet impressive meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. By following these easy steps and using your slow cooker, you can create a tender, flavorful roast with minimal effort. Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to make this dish your own, and enjoy the leftovers (if there are any!) for lunch the next day.