How to cook melt in the mouth roast beef in slow cooker
Here’s how to cook melt-in-your-mouth roast beef in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lb boneless beef chuck roast (or another suitable cut like rump roast)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 beef bouillon cube (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 packet gravy mix (optional)
- Vegetables of your choice (potatoes, carrots, onions, etc.) – prepped and chopped (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Roast: Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, combine dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this spice mixture all over the roast.
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Sear Optional (for extra flavor): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides for a few minutes to brown the exterior. This step is optional but adds a nice caramelized flavor to the meat.
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Slow Cooker Setup: Place the seasoned roast in the bottom of your slow cooker. If using a bouillon cube, crumble it and sprinkle it over the roast. Pour in the beef broth or water.
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Optional Additions: For extra flavor and a simple gravy, you can add Worcestershire sauce, a packet of gravy mix, or both at this stage.
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Vegetables (Optional): If you’d like to include vegetables, add them to the slow cooker around the roast. Potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery are all good choices.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the roast rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
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Prepare Gravy (Optional): While the roast rests, you can prepare a simple gravy from the pan drippings if you didn’t use a gravy mix earlier. In a small saucepan, whisk together some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Carve the roast beef into thin slices and serve with your chosen vegetables and gravy (if using).
Tips:
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Choosing the Right Cut: For a truly melt-in-your-mouth experience, choose a well-marbled cut of beef like chuck roast or rump roast. These cuts have more fat content, which helps to break down the muscle fibers during slow cooking, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
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Liquid Level: The amount of liquid you use will depend on your preference. More liquid will result in a saucier dish, while less will create a more concentrated flavor in the meat itself.
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Vegetables: Adding vegetables to the slow cooker along with the roast allows them to cook to tenderness and soak up the delicious flavors of the meat and broth.
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Slow Cooker Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations. You can add a splash of red wine, a bay leaf, or other herbs and spices to customize the taste to your liking.
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Leftovers: Leftover slow cooker roast beef is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or reheated for another meal.
By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy a delicious and melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker roast beef that is sure to please the whole family.