Description
This Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe offers a rich, tender beef roast simmered with vegetables, red wine, and herbs for a flavorful and comforting meal. Perfectly seared before slow cooking, the roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender with a savory gravy made from the cooking liquids. Ideal for a hearty family dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 2 to 3-pound or bigger beef eye round or top round roast (or chuck roast)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine (Merlot or Zinfandel recommended) or additional beef broth
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium or 1/2 of a large onion, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
- 1 cup baby carrots or 4-6 whole carrots, peeled and cut into fingers
- 1 large sprig of fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 10 oz cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms, halved or quartered
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mixture: Combine the cornstarch, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow dish. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat the roast: Roll the beef roast in the cornstarch mixture, coating all sides evenly. Set aside any remaining cornstarch mixture for later use.
- Sear the meat: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 2-3 minutes on each side, until a rich brown crust forms, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Prepare slow cooker base: In the slow cooker, combine the remaining cornstarch mixture, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste. Stir these ingredients to dissolve and create a flavorful cooking liquid.
- Transfer meat and sauté aromatics: Remove the seared roast from the pan and place it into the slow cooker. Add the onions to the hot pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Transfer these aromatics into the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the pan: Reduce heat to low and pour the red wine into the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon to capture all the flavors, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Arrange the carrots and rosemary sprig around the roast in the slow cooker to infuse more flavor during cooking.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook the roast on the low setting for 6-8 hours until the meat is fork-tender and cooked through.
- Add mushrooms and peas: About 30 minutes before serving, add the mushrooms and frozen peas to the slow cooker. Continue cooking to soften the mushrooms and heat the peas through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker. Slice or shred the meat as preferred. Strain or ladle the cooking liquid to serve as a rich gravy alongside the roast and vegetables.
Notes
- For variation, chuck roast may be used instead of eye round or top round for more marbling and tenderness.
- If red wine is not desired, substitute additional beef broth for a similar depth of flavor.
- Ensure the roast is well-coated with cornstarch to help thicken the gravy as it cooks.
- Natural pressure release in the Instant Pot method is crucial to maintain meat tenderness and juiciness.
- Frozen peas are added last to retain their color and texture without overcooking.
- Leftover gravy can be thickened with a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 200g meat with vegetables and gravy)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg