Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, incredibly flavorful rib roast but intimidated by the thought of hours of oven time? Then this crock pot rib roast recipe is your answer! This easy recipe delivers unbelievably tender, juicy results with minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to delicious, homemade goodness. This is one of those healthy meals the whole family will adore.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound bone-in rib roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds fantastic depth of flavor)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Rib Roast
Pat the rib roast dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub this spice mixture generously all over the roast.
Step 2: Searing (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor and a beautiful crust, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the rib roast on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step is optional but highly recommended!
Step 3: Crock Pot Cooking
Place the seared (or unseared) rib roast in your slow cooker. Add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery around the roast. Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) over the vegetables and roast.
Step 4: Slow Cooking
Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the rib roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Carve against the bone and serve with the delicious roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Rib Roast:
- Don't overcrowd the crock pot: Ensure there's enough space around the roast for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your roast is cooked to perfection.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your roast and your slow cooker.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Variations:
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano.
- Add more vegetables: Include other root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes.
- Garlic lovers: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the spice rub.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the roast and serving size. For a 4-pound roast serving 6, expect approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This crock pot rib roast recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and exceptional flavor make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this delicious and easy healthy meal!