slow cooker beef roast is perfect for a comforting, hands-off meal. It’s easy to prepare and results in tender, flavorful beef that’s perfect for a hearty dinner. Here’s a simple recipe to make a quick and delicious slow cooker beef roast:
Quick Slow Cooker Beef Roast Meal
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) beef roast (chuck roast or brisket works great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cubes)
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening the gravy)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step adds great flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a hurry.
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Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:
- Place the sliced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Lay the seared beef roast on top of the vegetables.
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Add Liquids and Seasoning:
- Pour in the beef broth (and red wine, if using). Add the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Season with a little more salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
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Optional Gravy:
- If you’d like to make gravy, remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.
- Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Pour the gravy over the roast and vegetables when serving.
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Serve:
- Slice or shred the beef roast and serve with the cooked vegetables and gravy.
Tips:
- Add Other Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like parsnips, celery, or turnips for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: This meal is perfect for meal prep; the beef and veggies can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
- Serve with Bread: You can serve this meal with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
This easy recipe gives you a tender, flavorful beef roast meal with minimal effort! You’ll love how the slow cooker does all the work. Let me know if you’d like to adjust the recipe or need more tips!