Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Roast

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking for a dish that brings comfort and flavor all in one pot, this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Roast is it. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep superstar, this recipe transforms a humble beef chuck into a tender, flavorful experience. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, it's as convenient as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Roast

Beef chuck roast is the star of this recipe. It's a well-marbled cut that becomes incredibly tender when cooked slowly. Olive oil is used for searing the beef, locking in those juices and adding a depth of flavor. Onion and garlic are the aromatics that elevate the dish with their rich, savory notes. Beef broth and red wine create a robust braising liquid, while Worcestershire sauce adds a hint of umami. Fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the roast with earthy, herbal aromas. Finally, baby carrots and potatoes are the hearty vegetables that complete the meal, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a richer sauce, you can thicken the cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry before serving.
  • Feel free to swap the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.
  • If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step, though it adds a lot of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This beef roast is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread can round out the meal nicely. If you want to get fancy, serve it with a side of creamy horseradish sauce for a bit of zing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, a brisket or round roast can also work, but be aware they might not be as tender as chuck roast.
What can I use instead of red wine?
You can substitute with more beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Can I make this in an oven?
Absolutely! Cook it in a covered Dutch oven at 325°F for about 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Roast Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, it’s time to sear the beef chuck roast. This step is crucial as it locks in the meat's juices and gives it a beautiful, flavorful crust. Sear each side until nicely browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side.

Transfer the seared roast into your slow cooker. Now, let’s build the flavor base. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic directly to the slow cooker. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and that's how you know you're on the right track.

Pour in the beef broth and red wine. These will gradually tenderize the meat and infuse it with deep, rich flavors. Add the Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of complexity. Place the rosemary and thyme sprigs on top. They’ll slowly release their essence, making every bite fragrant and delicious.

Finally, arrange the baby carrots and potatoes around the roast. These veggies will soak up the cooking juices and become perfectly tender. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Now, just let it work its magic for about 8 hours. By the end, your beef should be fork-tender and the aroma irresistible.

When it's done, carefully remove the roast and vegetables. Let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every slice juicy and flavorful. Serve it warm with the cooking juices as a sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal hands-on time, maximum flavor.
  • Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
  • Rich, deep flavors thanks to a blend of beef broth and red wine.
  • One-pot meal that includes your protein and veggies.
  • Customizable with your favorite root vegetables.

Ingredients

3 lbs beef chuck roast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cups baby carrots
3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned.
2. Place the seared roast in the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Top with rosemary and thyme sprigs, then layer baby carrots and potatoes around the roast. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
5. Remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the cooking juices.

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