Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Taking the time to make a smooth, thick gravy for this slow-cooked dinner is worth it. As the pot roast cooks, the water and juices from the vegetables and meat will thin the gravy out, creating just the right consistency.
Equipment
- 1 Large Nonstick Skillet For searing the roast and building the gravy base.
- 1 6-Quart Slow Cooker Essential for the long, slow cooking process.
- 1 Whisk For achieving a smooth, lump-free gravy.
- 1 Fine-mesh Sieve For straining the gravy from the cooked vegetables.
- 1 Carving Knife and Fork For slicing the tender pot roast.
Ingredients
Main
- One 4-pound beef chuck roast
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour plus more for coating
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium carrots cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 stalks celery peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 3 cloves garlic mashed
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup loosely packed parsley leaves chopped
Instructions
- Sprinkle the roast all over with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Coat in flour and shake off any excess. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the roast to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer the roast to the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker, along with the carrots, celery, onions and garlic.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and stir until the oil begins to turn brick-red, about 1 minute. Add the flour and wine and whisk until thick (it's OK if there are some lumps). Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, allspice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and bring to a simmer, whisking, until the gravy is smooth and thickens slightly, about 4 minutes.
- Pour the gravy into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. The roast and vegetables should be tender.
- Remove the roast and let rest for a few minutes. Discard the thyme stems and strain the vegetables, reserving the gravy. Toss the vegetables with half the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Stir the remaining parsley into the gravy and season with salt and pepper. Slice the roast against the grain. Serve the meat and vegetables on a platter, moistening them with some of the gravy; serve the remaining gravy on the side.
Notes
1. Achieving a deep, golden-brown sear on the chuck roast is crucial; this Maillard reaction develops immense flavor that forms the foundation of your dish. Don't rush this step or overcrowd the pan.2. When building the gravy base, ensure you scrape up all the flavorful 'fond' (browned bits) from the bottom of the skillet with your whisk after adding the wine. This intensifies the gravy's richness.3. Resist the urge to lift the lid of the slow cooker during cooking; each time you do, you release heat and extend the cooking time.4. Always rest the roast for several minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and moist result.5. Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar to the gravy for an extra layer of umami depth.