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Slow Cooker Au Jus Pot Roast

My slow cooker au jus pot roast recipe produces tender, flavorful meat without vegetables or strong tomato flavors. Add onions and serve with mashed potatoes and dill carrots, if you like.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 35 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 4031.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 Large Skillet Heavy-bottomed for searing
  • 1 Tongs For handling and searing the roast
  • 1 Measuring Cup For liquids
  • 1 Small Bowl For dissolving bouillon

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 4 pound boneless beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Montreal-style steak seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cube beef bouillon
  • 1 cup hot strong black coffee
  • 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Rub chuck roast with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; sprinkle Montreal-style steak seasoning all over roast.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add roast; sear until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer roast to a slow cooker.
  • Dissolve bouillon cube in coffee; pour over roast. Pour tomato sauce over roast; season with oregano, and drizzle with remaining 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. Cover slow cooker.
  • Cook on Low until roast is tender, 8 to 10 hours.

Notes

1. Achieving a deep, rich sear on all sides of the chuck roast is crucial for developing robust flavor through the Maillard reaction. Ensure your skillet is adequately hot before adding the meat. 2. The strong black coffee, while subtle, adds a significant layer of depth and savory complexity to the au jus without imparting a distinct coffee flavor. Do not omit it. 3. Cooking on the 'Low' setting is key for breaking down tough connective tissues in the chuck roast, resulting in fall-apart tender meat. Resist the urge to rush it on a higher setting. 4. Serve the tender roast and its flavorful au jus with classic accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables to soak up all the delicious juices.