Are you looking for a delicious and effortless dinner recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! This crock pot tri tip recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this slow-cooked masterpiece requires minimal effort for maximum reward. It's a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking and a fantastic example of healthy meals made easy. Get ready to experience the ultimate in quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound tri-tip roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Pat the tri-tip roast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the tri-tip roast, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Slow Cooking the Tri-Tip:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tri-tip on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Transfer the seared tri-tip to your slow cooker.
- Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Finishing Touches:
- Once cooked, remove the tri-tip from the slow cooker 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 tri-tip against the grain into thin slices. This is crucial for optimal tenderness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
This incredibly versatile tri-tip is perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It's also fantastic in sandwiches or tacos!
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker during cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Add chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker along with the tri-tip for a one-pot meal.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your tri-tip and your slow cooker. Check for doneness by inserting a fork; it should easily pierce the meat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of the tri-tip and the number of servings. However, a general estimate for a 3-4 pound tri-tip sliced into 6 servings is roughly:
- Calories: 300-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This crock pot tri-tip recipe is a perfect example of how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals at home. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!