Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Gravy
Ingredients:
1 pound chopped red potatoes Yukon Gold, Russets or similar
8 ounces baby carrots
½ cup red wine
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup tapioca pearls
1 tablespoon herb and garlic seasoning
½ sweet yellow onion Vidalia or similar
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 pounds chuck roast
¼ cup cornstarch
Instructions:
Sprinkle the seasoning over the meat and rub it in.
Melt the butter with the oil in a skillet over a high heat.
Add the meat and sear it all over until browned.
Put the meat in the crockpot with the vegetables and garlic.
Mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water and pour that in as well.
Add everything else and stir, then cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
While chuck roast is commonly used for pot roast due to its tenderizing qualities, you can use other cuts of meat suitable for slow cooking, such as bottom round roast or shoulder roast.
Keep in mind that different cuts may affect the final texture and flavor of the dish.
Is the red wine necessary, and can I substitute it with something else?
The red wine adds depth of flavor to the dish, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or even grape juice.
This will still contribute to the liquid needed for the slow cooking process.
What purpose does the tapioca pearls serve in this recipe?
Tapioca pearls are often used in slow cooker recipes to help thicken the cooking liquid and create a smoother gravy-like texture.
They also absorb some of the moisture during cooking, which helps prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Can I adjust the cooking time for this recipe?
Slow cooker cooking times can be adjusted to your preference and the size of the roast.
If you need the meal ready sooner, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours.
Alternatively, if you want it to cook longer, you can extend the cooking time on low, but be cautious not to overcook the meat, which can make it dry.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Certainly! You can add a variety of vegetables to the slow cooker, such as celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to enhance the flavor and nutritional content.
Just be mindful of the amount and size of vegetables to ensure they cook evenly alongside the meat.
Can I skip the step of searing the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?
While searing the meat adds extra flavor through caramelization, you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
However, searing does enhance the overall taste and texture of the final dish.
Can I use a different type of starch to thicken the gravy instead of tapioca pearls?
Yes, you can use other thickeners like flour or arrowroot powder instead of tapioca pearls.
Keep in mind that different thickeners may require different quantities, so adjust accordingly based on the thickness you desire.
Can I use a different type of roast instead of chuck roast?
Chuck roast is commonly used for pot roast due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.
However, you can use other cuts suitable for slow cooking, such as brisket or bottom round roast.
Can I adjust the cooking time for a smaller or larger roast?
Yes, you can adjust the cooking time based on the size of the roast.
Smaller roasts might require slightly less cooking time, while larger ones might need a bit more.
It’s important to ensure the roast reaches a safe internal temperature and is tender.