Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Beef Spoon Roast recipe! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, resulting in a tender, juicy roast that the whole family will love. This recipe provides healthy meals and is a great addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Roast
Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the roast from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process adds depth of flavor to your gravy.
Step 4: Simmer the Roast
Return the seared roast to the pot. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cook for 2-2.5 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your roast. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C) for optimal tenderness.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Slice the roast against the grain and serve with the delicious pan juices and your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or turnips.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, bay leaf, or sage.
- Make it a slow cooker meal: Brown the roast as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Beef Spoon Roast recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. It's one of the best recipes for achieving tender, flavorful beef without complicated techniques. Enjoy!