Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
A 3.5 lb boneless beef chuck roast is recommended for the best results and tenderness.
How long does the roast need to cook in the slow cooker?
The roast should be cooked on the 'low' setting for approximately 8 hours until fork-tender.
What size slow cooker is required?
A 5-6 quart electric slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
Do I need to add water or beef broth?
No extra liquid is needed as the juices from the stewed tomatoes and the cream of mushroom soup provide ample moisture.
What are the main ingredients for the gravy?
The gravy is made from a combination of stewed tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and dry onion soup mix.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 533 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 50g of protein.
Is there a lot of fat in this dish?
There is 30g of fat per serving, though you can trim the roast to reduce it.
Should I sear the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
Searing is not required for this recipe; you can place the trimmed roast directly into the slow cooker.
What should I serve with this beef roast?
It is delicious served over mashed potatoes or alongside crusty bread to soak up the tomato-mushroom gravy.
How should the stewed tomatoes be prepared?
The stewed tomatoes should be cut into 1-inch pieces before mixing with the other gravy ingredients.
Can I cook this on the 'high' setting?
While low is recommended for tenderness, you can typically cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, use both the stewed tomatoes and their juices to ensure a flavorful gravy.
Is the onion soup mix necessary?
The dry onion soup mix provides the primary seasoning and depth of flavor for the roast.
How do I know when the roast is done?
The roast is done when it is fork-tender and easy to slice after about 8 hours on low.
Can I add vegetables like carrots or potatoes?
Yes, you can add root vegetables to the bottom of the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
How much carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the preparation for the beef?
You should trim excess fat from the roast if needed before placing it in the cooker.
Can I use a different cream soup?
While cream of mushroom is suggested, cream of celery or cream of onion could be used as substitutes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the beef and gravy reheat very well and can be stored in the refrigerator.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The recipe data indicates a negligible or null fiber count, though the tomatoes provide a small amount.
How do I slice the roast?
Remove the roast from the cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing across the grain.
What kind of tomatoes should I buy?
Standard canned stewed tomatoes (14.5 ounces) are the intended choice for this recipe.
Can I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you must ensure your onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup are certified gluten-free.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are only 4 main ingredients required for this simple recipe.
Can I use a frozen roast?
It is safer and recommended to fully thaw the beef roast before placing it in a slow cooker.
Does the roast need to be submerged?
No, the roast just needs to be coated with the mixture; it will release its own juices during the slow cooking process.
Can I add fresh mushrooms?
Yes, adding fresh sliced mushrooms would enhance the mushroom flavor of the gravy.
What makes the gravy 'savory'?
The combination of the umami from the mushrooms and the savory seasonings in the onion soup mix creates a rich profile.