Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-pound) beef roast (such as chuck, eye of round, etc.)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 onion, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary)
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons flour (use rice flour for a gluten-free option)
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Generously season the beef roast with salt and pepper, ensuring all sides are coated. Place the seasoned roast in the slow cooker.
2. Arrange the sliced onions and chopped garlic around the beef roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the fresh rosemary and thyme over the top. Pour the beef broth around the roast.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the beef roast from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Tent the roast with aluminum foil to keep it warm while preparing the gravy.
5. Using a ladle or fat separator, skim off 4 tablespoons of fat from the juices remaining in the slow cooker. In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the skimmed fat until it begins to sizzle.
6. Sprinkle the flour into the hot fat, stirring constantly to create a roux. Continue cooking the roux until it becomes golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, ensuring the flour is fully cooked.
7. Gradually pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into the saucepan, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to incorporate.
8. Season the gravy with coarsely ground black pepper and additional salt to taste. Allow the gravy to simmer for 2 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
9. Slice the beef roast against the grain into thick, tender slices. Serve the slices of beef drizzled with the rich gravy, alongside your favorite side dishes.
Options:
– For enhanced flavor and texture, sear the beef roast in a hot skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker.
– Elevate the flavor profile of the gravy by caramelizing the onions and garlic in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
– Customize the dish by incorporating additional vegetables such as potatoes and carrots during the cooking process.
– Add depth of flavor to the gravy with a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce, balancing the richness with savory umami notes
