How to Cook an English Roast in a Slow Cooker: A Delicious and Effortless Recipe Guide

ByAmelia Ellis Updated

How to Cook an English Roast in a Slow Cooker?

To cook an English roast in a slow cooker, start by seasoning the roast with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour on top of the roast, then sear it in a large skillet.

Once seared, set the roast aside.

In the same skillet, cook mushrooms in melted butter and add onions.

Cook until onions are translucent, then stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour and garlic until fragrant.

Add tomato paste and slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring.

Place carrots and celery in the slow cooker, then place the roast over the vegetables.

Add thyme and rosemary.

Pour the onion and mushroom mixture over the roast.

Cook the roast on High for 5 to 6 hours.

Skim off any fat on the surface, remove bones from the roast, and check the internal temperature of the meat.

Key Points:

  • Season the roast with salt and pepper
  • Sear the roast in a large skillet and set it aside
  • Cook mushrooms and onions in melted butter in the same skillet
  • Stir in flour, garlic, tomato paste, and chicken broth
  • Place carrots, celery, thyme, and rosemary in the slow cooker
  • Pour the onion and mushroom mixture over the roast and cook on High for 5 to 6 hours

Did You Know?

1. Contrary to popular belief, slow cooking a roast does not make it dry. In fact, the low and slow method of cooking helps retain the meat’s juices and results in a tender, moist roast.

2. The traditional English roast is often made using beef, typically a cut from the forequarters known as the “topside.” Slow cooking this cut can result in a succulent and flavorful roast.

3. The practice of slow cooking a roast in England can be traced back to the medieval times when meats were cooked over open fires for hours to ensure they were thoroughly cooked.

4. To add extra flavor and tenderness to an English roast cooked in a slow cooker, try marinating the meat overnight in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, red wine, garlic, and thyme before slow cooking.

5. Slow cooking an English roast in a slow cooker can save both time and energy compared to using a traditional oven. Plus, a slow cooker allows for easy preparation and minimal cleanup, making it an ideal method for busy home cooks.

Seasoning And Flouring The Roast

When cooking an English roast in a slow cooker, it is important to properly season the meat. Generously coat the roast with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage on all sides. This seasoning not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also helps to tenderize it as it simmers in the slow cooker.

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To further enhance the texture and richness of the roast, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour over the seasoned meat. The flour creates a beautiful crust on the outside, adding depth of flavor and ensuring a succulent, juicy interior. This simple step elevates the roast to new heights, providing a delightful taste experience.

  • Generously coat the roast with salt and pepper for even seasoning
  • Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour over the seasoned meat for a beautiful crust
  • Simmer the roast in a slow cooker for a tender and flavorful result

Note: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a deliciously tender and flavorful English roast.

Searing And Setting Aside The Roast

To begin the cooking process, it is essential to sear the roast to lock in the flavors and juices.

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.

  • Gently place the seasoned and floured roast in the skillet, allowing it to sear on all sides until it develops a rich, brown crust.

  • This browning process will create a delicious caramelization that adds complexity and depth to the dish.

Once the roast is beautifully seared, carefully transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

  • This step is important to prevent the meat from overcooking during the sautéing of the vegetables and the creation of a flavorful sauce.

  • Setting the roast aside will allow it to retain its tenderness and moisture until it is ready to be placed in the slow cooker.

Cooking Mushrooms, Onions, And Garlic

In the same skillet, melt a knob of butter and add sliced mushrooms. Cook them until they turn golden brown and release their savory aroma. This cooking process will enhance the natural umami flavors of the mushrooms, imparting a rich and earthy taste to the dish.

Next, add finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory mix. Finally, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until it becomes fragrant, infusing the mixture with a delightful garlic essence.

Creating The Sauce With Flour And Tomato Paste

To create a luscious sauce for your slow-cooked English roast, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour to the skillet, stirring it into the onion, mushroom, and garlic mixture. This will help to thicken the sauce and give it a velvety consistency.

Next, carefully stir in tomato paste, incorporating it into the mixture. The tomato paste will add a depth of flavor and a touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the dish. Cook this mixture for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.

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Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. As the broth combines with the flour and tomato paste mixture, it will form a silky sauce that will beautifully coat the roast and vegetables as they cook. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, ensuring a rich and flavorful result.

  • Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour
  • Stir in tomato paste
  • Slowly pour in chicken broth
  • Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

Layering Vegetables And Herbs In The Slow Cooker

Prepare the slow cooker by placing sliced carrots and celery in the bottom, creating a bed for the roast. These vegetables not only provide a flavorful base but also add a wonderful texture and color to the dish.

Place the seared roast on top of the vegetables and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and rosemary sprigs. These aromatic herbs will infuse the entire dish with their delightful fragrance, lending a savory and comforting element to the slow-cooked roast.

Once the herbs are in place, carefully pour the onion and mushroom mixture over the top of the roast. This will ensure that the flavors of the sauce and the vegetables penetrate the meat, creating a moist and succulent roast.

Cooking The Roast And Checking Its Temperature

Set the slow cooker to high heat and allow the roast to cook for 5 to 6 hours. The slow cooking process will tenderize the meat, allowing it to become incredibly juicy and easily fall apart. Throughout the cooking time, periodically skim off any fat that rises to the surface for a leaner and more flavorsome result.

Before serving, remove any bones from the roast, ensuring that you discard them safely. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat, which should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time if necessary to reach the desired level of doneness.

Once the roast has reached the desired temperature, it is ready to be enjoyed. Slice it into thick, juicy portions and serve alongside the flavorful vegetables and the rich, savory sauce. This slow-cooked English roast is a true delight, effortlessly combining tender meat, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables for a delectable and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of roast is best for slow cooker?

While each cut of meat has its own unique qualities, the boneless chuck roast reigns supreme when it comes to slow cooking in a crockpot. It is known for its marbling, which melts into the meat during long cooking times, resulting in tender and moist roast. The chuck roast’s rich flavor and ability to hold up well in the slow cooker makes it the ideal choice for creating a delicious and melt-in-your-mouth pot roast.

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The boneless chuck roast’s ample connective tissue breaks down during the slow cooking process, resulting in a succulent and tender roast that falls apart effortlessly. Its fat content adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish, making the chuck roast the prime candidate for a flavorful slow cooker pot roast. With its exceptional texture and taste, the boneless chuck roast consistently delivers a satisfying and mouthwatering meal when cooked in a crockpot.

Do you have to brown the roast before putting it in a slow cooker?

While browning the roast before putting it in a slow cooker may not be an absolute requirement, it does offer substantial advantages for a more delicious and visually appealing final dish. The process of caramelization creates a rich and flavorful surface on the meat, enhancing the taste and depth of the overall meal. Additionally, the browned exterior adds an attractive color to the roast, ensuring an appetizing presentation that will entice even the most discerning eaters.

Should roast be covered in slow cooker?

No, it is not necessary to cover the roast in a slow cooker. The slow cooker operates on the principle of slow cooking at a low temperature over a long period of time. The meat and vegetables release their own juices as they cook, providing sufficient moisture and ensuring a tender and flavorful roast. The open cooking method in a slow cooker allows for the development of a delicious crust on the roast, enhancing its texture and taste. So, no need to cover the roast in a slow cooker, let it cook uncovered and enjoy the juicy results.

Does slow cooker roast need liquid?

While it is possible to cook a roast in a slow cooker without liquid, the end result may not be as desirable. The slow cooker relies on the combination of low heat and moisture to break down the collagen in the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist roast. Without any liquid, the meat may become dry and tough, leading to a less enjoyable eating experience. Therefore, it is generally recommended to include some liquid, such as broth or wine, when cooking a roast in a slow cooker for optimal results.