Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort? Then look no further! This crock pot roast recipe with cream of mushroom soup is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. It's a classic for a reason – tender, juicy roast beef swimming in a rich, savory gravy. Get ready to experience the ultimate in easy recipes and healthy meals!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound chuck roast
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup baby carrots (optional)
- 1 cup potatoes, cubed (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Roast
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. If using, place the chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients
Place the seasoned roast on top of the onions (or directly in the slow cooker if omitting onions). In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion soup mix, thyme, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture evenly over the roast.
Step 3: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender. If adding carrots and potatoes, stir them into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking time.
Step 4: Serving Your Delicious Roast
Once the roast is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. Serve the sliced roast with the delicious gravy, alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Roast:
- Choosing your roast: A chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it's a tougher cut that becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked roast will be dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C) for optimum tenderness.
- Thicken the gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the cooking liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or seasonings to customize your roast to your liking. Adding mushrooms, celery, or other root vegetables is a delicious option.
Variations:
- Herb-infused roast: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy roast: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Garlic lover's roast: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker along with the onions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your roast and the added vegetables. However, a general estimate for a 4-serving recipe is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-45g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This crock pot roast recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both easy and healthy. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and impress your family and friends with your homemade cooking skills! It's truly one of the best recipes for a satisfying and flavorful meal.