Savory Slow-Cooked Pot Roast Delight
Experience the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of this Savory Slow-Cooked Pot Roast Delight. Perfectly infused with the rich flavors of French onion soup and complemented by the sweetness of baby carrots and the earthiness of red potatoes, this dish promises to impress. With minimal prep, this hearty one-dish meal cooks effortlessly overnight in your crock pot, allowing you to wake up to a fragrant kitchen and a meal ready to serve. Enjoy this comforting, classic recipe that's sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
bottom round beef roast
2 (lbs, fat trimmed off)
French onion soup
1 ((18.5 ounce) can, Progresso brand)
baby carrots
1 (lb)
red potatoes
1 (lb, cubed)
olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
cornstarch
3 (tablespoons)
cold water
1/4 (cup)
low-fat milk
1/2 (cup)
Instructions
1
24 hours before serving, trim excess fat from the bottom round beef roast.
2
Rub the roast generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
3
In a hot frying pan, add olive oil and sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).
4
Transfer the seared roast into the crock pot and pour the entire can of French onion soup over the top.
5
Set the crock pot to Low and allow it to cook for 12-14 hours, ideally overnight.
6
Approximately 6-7 hours before mealtime, add the baby carrots to the crock pot.
7
Around 3 hours before serving, add the cubed red potatoes, ensuring they are submerged in the cooking liquid.
8
About 15 minutes before serving, turn off the crock pot and carefully remove the meat and vegetables, placing them on a serving platter and covering with foil to keep warm.
9
Pour the remaining liquid from the crock pot into a 2-quart sauce pot and heat on medium.
10
Add 1/2 cup of low-fat milk to the pot and stir to combine.
11
In a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the boiling liquid, stirring continuously until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
12
Transfer the gravy to a serving dish and serve alongside the pot roast and vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Pot Roast Delight?
It is a tender, one-dish meal featuring bottom round beef roast, baby carrots, and red potatoes slow-cooked in French onion soup for a rich, hearty flavor.
Which cut of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies a 2 lb bottom round beef roast with the excess fat trimmed off.
How long does the pot roast need to cook in the crock pot?
The roast should be cooked on the Low setting for a total of 12 to 14 hours, making it ideal for overnight preparation.
Is it necessary to sear the meat before slow cooking?
Yes, searing the roast in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side helps lock in juices and enhances the overall flavor profile.
What liquid is used to cook the roast?
One 18.5-ounce can of French onion soup, specifically Progresso brand, is poured over the roast to provide moisture and seasoning.
When should the baby carrots be added?
Baby carrots should be added to the crock pot approximately 6 to 7 hours before your scheduled mealtime.
When do I add the red potatoes to the slow cooker?
The cubed red potatoes should be added around 3 hours before you plan to serve the meal.
Do I need to submerge the potatoes in the liquid?
Yes, ensure the cubed potatoes are submerged in the cooking liquid to ensure they cook through properly.
How is the gravy prepared for this pot roast?
The cooking liquid is moved to a sauce pot, mixed with 1/2 cup of low-fat milk, and thickened with a cornstarch and water slurry.
What is the ratio for the cornstarch slurry?
Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth before adding it to the boiling liquid.
Why do I use cold water for the cornstarch?
Using cold water prevents the cornstarch from clumping, ensuring a smooth gravy texture.
Can I use low-fat milk in the gravy?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of low-fat milk to be added to the gravy mixture.
How far in advance should I start preparing the roast?
You should begin the process 24 hours before serving by trimming the fat and seasoning the meat.
What seasonings are used on the beef?
The roast is generously rubbed with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
How much olive oil is needed for the searing step?
You will need approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a hot frying pan.
Why is it important to turn off the crock pot before making gravy?
Turning it off 15 minutes early allows you to safely remove the meat and vegetables to a platter while they stay warm under foil.
What size should the red potatoes be cut into?
The potatoes should be cubed into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly within the 3-hour window.
Is this pot roast considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, since the protein and vegetables are cooked together in the crock pot, it is a complete one-dish meal.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
While carrots and red potatoes are traditional, you can adapt the recipe with other hearty vegetables by adjusting their cooking times.
How should the cooked roast be served?
Serve the sliced meat and vegetables on a large platter with the hot gravy served in a separate dish.
Why are the vegetables added later in the cooking process?
Adding vegetables later prevents them from becoming too mushy during the long 12-14 hour meat cook time.
What should I do if the gravy isn't thick enough?
You can boil the liquid for a bit longer or gradually add a small amount of additional cornstarch slurry until it reaches your preference.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, with minimal prep work and the ease of a crock pot, it is an excellent recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
How much French onion soup is required?
The recipe calls for one standard 18.5-ounce can of soup.
Can I use a different brand of French onion soup?
While Progresso is recommended, any similar high-quality French onion soup can be used as a substitute.
Do I need to peel the red potatoes?
Peeling is optional; red potatoes have thin skins that are often left on for texture and nutrition.
What temperature should the gravy be heated at?
The gravy should be heated on medium heat until it reaches a boil to activate the cornstarch.
How do I keep the meat warm while making gravy?
Place the meat and vegetables on a serving platter and cover them tightly with aluminum foil.
Can this recipe be cooked on the High setting?
This specific recipe is designed for the Low setting to ensure maximum tenderness over a long duration.
What are the key flavor components of this dish?
The main flavors come from the savory beef, the onion-rich soup, and the natural sweetness of the carrots.