Rich, falling apart, juicy with the best balance of flavors ever found in a pot roast, as my daughter in law exclaimed with the very first bite, "This ain't yo grandma's pot roast!". Today, I'll teach you ALL THE SECRETS TO PERFECT CROCKPOT POT ROAST !!!
The danger of this pot roast recipe for the slow cooker is that you crave it daily after the first bite. This is seriously the best version that I know of plus, gravy friends. Gravy! .
WHY "ALL THE SECRETS TO PERFECT CROCKPOT POT ROAST" WORKS...
- It's so easy a monkey can make it.
- Feeds a crowd for under $15.
- Rich, meaty, falling apart and zero tough pieces anywhere.
- Everyone loves it.
- This pot roast recipe for the slow cooker was taught to me by my friend Mary the Magical and Magnificent Pot Roast Chef
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL THE SECRETS TO PERFECT CROCKPOT POT ROAST
HOW DO YOU COOK A POT ROAST IN THE CROCK POT?
If you came here wondering how to cook a pot roast in the crock pot, then worry no more. This recipe will save the day. What you need to know about cooking ANY large piece of meat in the crockpot is YOU HAVE TO LET IT COOK LONG ENOUGH. Unlike any other kind of cooking - almost - meat will get more tender the longer you cook it in the crockpot.
WHAT IF MY POT ROAST IS STILL A LITTLE TOUGH WHEN IT SHOULD BE DONE?
If you find that your pot roast is still a little tough after the required time, then it hasn’t cooked long enough and that is the end of story. Put the lid back on and let that pot roast cook longer.
IS CHUCK ROAST TOUGH MEAT?
Well, that depends! Did you cook your Chuck Roast for THIS recipe and follow the directions? Then likely it is the most tender meat you ever ate!
Did you cook your chuck roast just a few hours? Then YES! It is probably the most tough meat you EVER ate!
THE BEST WAY TO MAKE A ROAST IN THE CROCK POT.
Do not take the lid off and stir it every hour or two because when you remove the lid, consequently, the steam and heat escape and it takes longer to cook the meat. You probably have a glass lid on your crock pot, just look through there to see your happy pot roast and be satisfied.
As difficult as it is, just let the lid stay on and that is the best way to make a roast in the crockpot.
HOW DO YOU COOK A BONELESS CHUCK ROAST IN THE CROCK POT?
Cooking a boneless chuck roast in the slow cooker isn’t going to be a lot different than any other cut of beef. The chuck roast in the slow cooker is a flavorful cut of meat (ever heard of ground chuck when buying hamburgers?) and is very affordable. You will see that it has a nice balance of fat and meat in the roast.
DO I TRIM THE FAT FROM A CHUCK ROAST BEFORE COOKING IN THE CROCK POT?
I beg you, do not ruin your dinner by deciding that a chuck roast has too much fat and therefore choosing some other cut for your pot roast. Then you will come back here complaining that your roast didn’t turn out right. That fat that you see equals BIG flavor! Just don’t look at it if the fat disturbs you that much - I promise, you’ll be so pleased when you serve it.
IS A CHUCK ROAST THE SAME AS A POT ROAST?
The short answer is YES, a chuck roast is a pot roast. There are other cuts of meat that people also use for pot roasts. If you want the BEST pot roast though, choose a chuck roast of a decent size and then follow this recipe EXACTLY.
WHERE IS THE CHUCK ROAST ON THE COW?
A chuck roast comes from the shoulder of the cow. It is one of the largest cuts on a cow. Because, as you can imagine, it takes a giant effort and force to move a cow around, the shoulder muscle itself would be tough. That is why cooking in the crockpot is the perfect kitchen expert move. Slow cooking renders the tenderest meat in the end.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COOK A CHUCK ROAST IN THE CROCKPOT?
It takes about 8 hours on a low temp, it can take up to 12 hours depending on your specific crock pot. Put it on in the morning before you leave for work. Come home to a perfect dinner! You really can not mess this up (unless you don’t follow the recipe exactly).
DOES THE MEAT GO ON THE BOTTOM OR THE TOP OF THE CROCK POT?
Either works for this recipe. You won't be adding more than ½ cup of water to the recipe, so there's no worry about the meat resting in too much water.
WHERE DO YOU FIND THE INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE?
- The chuck roast will be in the fresh cut meats section of your grocery and will be labeled "Chuck Roast". Check to make sure the pounds are correct. If you do not see one, ask the butcher. Do NOT opt for some other cut of meat because it is really important that you pick a chuck roast.
- The Au Jus that we are using here comes in a packet. In my grocery store there is an entire section of packets and they have things like meatloaf seasoning, instant gravy, etc. The one I buy is a McCormick Brand Spice packet.
- The Ranch seasoning mix is found in the salad dressing aisle and is used to make Ranch dressing in its usual application.
- The pepperoncini peppers are found in the same area where the pickles are (at my store). Like anything, if you can't find what you are looking for in your store, ask one of the employees.
CAN I FREEZE THE POT ROAST?
Yes, you can freeze this dish without any problem, just put in a freezer safe container and place into the freezer for up to 3 months. Here's How
HOW LONG IS POT ROAST GOOD FOR?
This crock pot pot roast is good for 5 days when kept covered and refrigerated. Don't allow it to sit out for more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR ALL THE SECRETS TO PERFECT CROCKPOT POT ROAST
- This is so simple - just throw it all in the crockpot and come back 8 hours later and eat. That said, you want to choose the best piece of meat that you can at the store. Choose meat that is a deep red with a lot of fat marbling. The fat will cook out and stay in the crockpot, you won't’ eat that part anyway. It sure adds a lot of flavor though.
To Feed a Crowd:
- If you are feeding a crowd, you can put TWO roasts in the same crockpot and simply double the other ingredients. No need to double the water though.
- I realize, and you do too, that the Au Jus packet and the Ranch packet might have ingredients that you aren’t too tickled about. I agree. That said, this really does beat any other beef roast I’ve had. Ever. That is A LOT of roast ya’ll. If you are dead set against adding those things - then I firmly suggest that you check out this recipe for Delicious, Easy and Perfect Pot Roast and Daddy's Drooling again Gravy. It is delicious and tasty and perfect. Just not quite as perfect as this recipe on this page.
Substitutions:
- I have made this substituting a whole head of garlic sliced in half rather than the minced garlic - I LOVE it this way!
- If you like the taste of Bay Leaves - then feel free to use extra - I actually think 5 is about right for our house.
- If your pepperoncini peppers are long like a finger, then only use three.
- This recipe is pretty fail proof - I think you will be happy. I know I am.
- And finally - a special CONGRATS to the Bride and Groom!
PRO TIP: If you LOVE carrots and onion in your pot roast, simply Quarter and Onion and Cut your carrots into chunks and add those to the crockpot 4 hours before you plan to serve dinner.
IF YOU ENJOYED THE PERFECT CROCKPOT POT ROAST
Then you might also enjoy...
How to roast a chicken in the crockpot
Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwiches
LET'S SEE HOW ALL THE SECRETS TO PERFECT CROCKPOT POT ROAST IS DONE:
First place the chuck roast into the slow cooker.
Then add the garlic, bay leaves and peppers.
Add the flavor packets and put the lid on.
To make the gravy, mix up the cornstarch and water, pour it in, whisk and place the chuck roast back into the slow cooker.
YA'LL, HELP ME OUT, OK?
Please leave me a 5 star 🌟🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 in the comment section, all right? I would LOVE to know if you made this recipe or even if you are planning to! Of course, tool on over to Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram and tag me with some photos of your creation!
I can't wait!
🌟Ya'll know I love comments!! ❤
ALL THE SECRETS TO PERFECT CROCKPOT POT ROAST
Ingredients
For the Pot Roast
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 3-4 lb chuck roast - well marbled with fat
- 1 packet of Au Jus
- 1 packet of Ranch seasoning mix
- 4 pepperoncini peppers
- ⅓ cup water
- 4 Bay leaves
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic OR 1 head of garlic sliced in half like a book
For the Gravy
- 2 Tbs Corn Starch
- 2 teaspoon water
Instructions
For the Pot Roast
- Sprinkle the surface of the chuck roast with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the chuck roast into the bottom of a medium size crockpot. Set the crockpot on low
- Sprinkle the Au Jus, Ranch Seasoning over the top of the roast.
- Place the pepperoncini peppers, water, bay leaves and minced garlic in the crockpot too.
- Place the lid on securely.
- Allow to cook on low for at least 8 hours. After 8 hours you may remove the lid and using a fork, see if the roast is tender. If it is not falling apart (fork tender), place the lid back on and cook for another hour or more until it is fork tender and falling apart.
- When falling apart, remove to a serving platter OR you may use a large slotted spoon to remove the meat from the crockpot directly onto plates. Do not serve/eat the Bay leaves. Some people really like to eat the peppers and the garlic cloves if you have used those. The juice left in the crock pot is used to make the gravy in the next step.
For the Gravy
Mix the cornstarch and water together to form a slurry. The water must be cool and the pan juices hot.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry slowing into the juices while whisking. The liquid will thicken over the next few minutes. Replace the meat back into the gravy and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to use ONLY Chuck Roast for this recipe.
- The pepperonccini peppers are optional, they don't really add heat, they add flavor and you won't be eating them anyway.
- A Thyme bundle, like that shown in the photos makes a nice flavor with this pot roast as well.
- If you are using the bulk Ranch dressing, as in the video, use 3 Tablespoons. Otherwise, use a single packet.
Nutrition
***THIS POST FIRST APPEARED ON LOAVES AND DISHES IN OCTOBER 2017 AND HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH NEW INFORMATION AND VIDEO***
A VERSE TO SHARE
I’ve been reading as much as I can about the Las Vegas attack. My heart goes out to all of the many victims and their families as well as to the shooter's family and loved ones.
In remembrance of those victims, I am sharing Psalms 61 today verses 1-5. I ask that you lift up a prayer for the victims and their families.
Psalms 61: 1-5
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name
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