Are you tired of complicated dinners that take hours to prepare? Craving a healthy, flavorful meal without the fuss? Then look no further! This slow cooker eye round roast recipe is your answer. It's incredibly easy, requires minimal prep time, and results in a juicy, tender roast perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering delicious dishes without the stress. Get ready to experience the magic of effortless cooking!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound eye round roast (beef)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Roast
Pat the eye round roast dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a nice sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Browning the Roast (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cooker Magic
Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared (or unseared) roast on top of the vegetables. Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) over the roast.
Step 4: Slow Cooking
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender. The internal temperature should reach 190-200°F (88-93°C).
Step 5: Rest and Shred
Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Step 6: Serving Suggestions
Shred the roast and serve it on its own, on crusty bread, or with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. The cooking liquid can be strained and used as a delicious gravy.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Choosing your roast: Look for an eye round roast that is well-marbled for maximum tenderness.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked eye round roast can be tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.
- Make it a meal prep star: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Shred the roast and store it in the refrigerator for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Variations:
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the slow cooker.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, parsley, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 (depending on serving size and added ingredients)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This easy slow cooker eye round roast recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a delicious dish that's perfect for busy weeknights and will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!