Beef Roast Pot
Description:
Beef Roast Pot is a classic, savory dish featuring a tender beef roast that’s slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs, resulting in a rich and flavorful meal. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the accompanying vegetables absorb all the delicious juices, making it a comforting, one-pot dish perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Roast:
- Beef roast (chuck roast, round roast, or sirloin roast): 3-4 lbs
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (for searing the beef)
- Salt: 1 tablespoon (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh rosemary: 2 sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Fresh thyme: 2 sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Bay leaves: 2
- Beef broth: 2 cups
- Red wine (optional): 1 cup (for depth of flavor)
For the Vegetables:
- Carrots: 4 large, peeled and cut into chunks
- Potatoes: 4 medium, peeled and cut into chunks
- Onions: 2 large, peeled and quartered
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, smashed (optional)
Optional Ingredients:
- Mushrooms: 8 oz, sliced (for added flavor)
- Parsnips: 2, peeled and cut into chunks (optional, for extra flavor)
- Peas: 1 cup (added in the last 30 minutes of cooking for color and sweetness)
Tips for Success:
-
- Searing the roast: Searing the roast on all sides before slow cooking helps lock in the juices and adds a richer flavor.
- Low and slow cooking: The key to a tender roast is cooking it slowly at a low temperature. Don’t rush it, as this will give you the best results.
- Rest the roast: After cooking, allow the roast to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist roast.
- Use a meat thermometer: For the perfect roast, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F; for medium, 140°F; for well-done, 160°F.
Steps to Make It:
1. Prepare the Roast:
-
- Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Season the roast generously on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the roast on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side) until it is deeply browned.
- Transfer the seared roast to a slow cooker or large Dutch oven.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Arrange the carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery around the roast. Add garlic cloves if desired.
- Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) around the roast and vegetables. Add the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves on top.
- If using, add mushrooms or parsnips for extra flavor.
3. Slow Cook the Roast:
- For a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the roast is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
- For a Dutch oven, cover and cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 3-4 hours, basting occasionally with the juices.
- If you are using peas, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
4. Rest and Slice the Roast:
- Once the roast is done, remove it from the slow cooker or Dutch oven and place it on a cutting board.
- Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the roast against the grain for the best tenderness.
5. Serve:
- Plate the sliced beef roast with the vegetables and spoon some of the juices from the pot over the top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices or mashed potatoes for a more hearty meal.
Recommendations:
-
- Side Dishes: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the savory juices from the roast.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or in the microwave, adding a little beef broth to keep the roast moist.
- Freezing: The beef roast and vegetables can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop for best results.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Beef Roast Pot is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or holiday meals. The tender roast and flavorful vegetables are an unbeatable combination, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy!