How to Make Gravy for Pot Roast in Slow Cooker: A StepbyStep Guide
How to Make Gravy for Pot Roast in Slow Cooker?
To make gravy for pot roast in a slow cooker, you will need to combine broth, wine, cornstarch or tapioca pearls, tomato paste, and other seasonings.
After seasoning and browning the roast, place it in the slow cooker with onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients to make the gravy mixture, then pour it over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours until the roast is fork-tender.
Serve the pot roast with the rich gravy for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Key Points:
- Combine broth, wine, cornstarch or tapioca pearls, tomato paste, and seasonings for the gravy
- Season and brown the roast before placing it in the slow cooker with onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes
- Whisk together remaining ingredients to make the gravy mixture
- Pour the gravy mixture over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the roast is tender
- Serve the pot roast with the flavorful gravy for a comforting meal
Did You Know?
1. Gravy Secrets: Did you know that adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to your pot roast gravy while cooking in a slow cooker can give it a unique and rich nutty flavor?
2. Secret Ingredient: For an unexpected twist, try adding a small amount of dark chocolate to your pot roast gravy mix. The chocolate will melt seamlessly, adding a hint of richness and complexity to your dish.
3. Wine Not? To enhance the flavor profile of your pot roast gravy, consider substituting a portion of the broth with red wine. The wine will add depth and a gentle acidity, elevating your gravy to new culinary heights.
4. Magical Mushrooms: For a tantalizing umami boost, sauté a handful of finely chopped mushrooms and stir them into your pot roast gravy. The mushrooms will release their savory essence, creating a truly satisfying taste experience.
5. Spices Galore: Add a touch of warmth and complexity to your gravy by incorporating spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg. These unexpected additions will infuse your pot roast with a delightful and aromatic twist.
Ingredients And Equipment
To make a delicious pot roast with gravy in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pound chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon herb and garlic seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz baby carrots
- 16 oz gold potatoes, cut into large chunks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup tapioca pearls (optional)
Additionally, you will need a slow cooker, a skillet or multi cooker for browning the roast, a whisk for making the cornstarch slurry, and a knife and cutting board for chopping the vegetables.
Preparing The Roast
To prepare the roast for slow cooking, season it with the herb and garlic seasoning, ensuring it is evenly coated. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
Next, in a skillet or multi cooker, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the seasoned roast on all sides until browned. This optional step adds an extra depth of flavor to the meat.
After browning the roast, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, baby carrots, and gold potato chunks to the slow cooker alongside the roast. These vegetables will cook alongside the roast, absorbing the flavors of the broth, resulting in a delicious side dish.
- Season the roast with herb and garlic seasoning
- Sear the roast on all sides until browned
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, baby carrots, and gold potato chunks to the slow cooker
- Allow the vegetables to cook alongside the roast, absorbing the flavors of the broth
“The slow-cooked roast, alongside the well-seasoned vegetables, creates a delectable and flavorful dish.”
Making The Gravy
To make the gravy for your pot roast, follow these steps:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water to create a smooth slurry. This will thicken the broth.
- In a separate bowl, combine tomato paste, red wine (if using), beef broth, and tapioca pearls (if using). Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring it covers the roast and vegetables.
- This flavorful mixture will transform into a delicious gravy for your pot roast.
By following these steps, you’ll create a thick and savory gravy to enhance the taste of your pot roast.
Cooking The Pot Roast
Once all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, cover it with the lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours. This slow cooking method will ensure that the roast becomes tender and flavorful, while the vegetables cook to perfection.
During the cooking time, avoid removing the lid or stirring the pot too often, as this can lengthen the cooking time and affect the tenderness of the meat. Simply let the slow cooker work its magic.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid
- Set the cooking temperature to low for 8-10 hours
- Avoid removing the lid or stirring the pot too frequently
- Let the slow cooker work its magic
Serving And Optional Enhancements
After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it.
You can enhance the flavor of the sauce by stirring in some ketchup, which adds a brightness to the gravy. Feel free to adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
To serve the pot roast, arrange the sliced or shredded meat on a platter, surrounded by the cooked vegetables. Pour the delicious gravy over the top, ensuring that everything is well coated. The result will be a mouthwatering pot roast with rich flavors and tender meat.
Nutrition Information And Variations
The nutritional information for this pot roast recipe is as follows:
- Calories: 547 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 131 mg
- Sodium: 802 mg
- Potassium: 1334 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 6495 IU
- Vitamin C: 14.9 mg
- Calcium: 140 mg
- Iron: 9 mg
For variations on this recipe, you can try using different cuts of beef, such as blade roast, which also works well in slow cooking. If you prefer a lower carb version, you can substitute the potatoes with cauliflower, which will still absorb the flavors of the broth.
To brighten the flavors of the pot roast and gravy, you can add fresh parsley or a little extra balsamic vinegar.
Overall, this slow cooker pot roast recipe promises incredible flavor, fall-apart tender meat, and a rich gravy that will make your taste buds sing. Give it a try for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you thicken pot roast gravy in a Crock-Pot?
To thicken pot roast gravy in a Crock-Pot, there is a simple way to achieve a luscious consistency. Towards the last hour of cooking, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, and stir it into the gravy. For optimal results, switch the Crock-Pot to high heat during this final hour, as the gravy tends to thicken better in higher temperatures. Following these steps will ensure that your pot roast gravy is rich and velvety, enhancing the overall flavor of your delicious meal.
Can you make gravy from slow cooker juices?
Absolutely! Slow cooker juices can be used to make a delicious and flavorful gravy. To do this, you can transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a pan and place it on the stove. Start by melting some butter and adding a spoonful of plain flour to create a paste. Once the paste is formed, stir it into the slow cooker juices. Next, add a generous glass of red wine and season it to your liking. Let the mixture simmer and reduce until it reaches your desired consistency, resulting in a rich and tasty gravy.
Do I have to put liquid in a slow cooker with with the roast?
No, it is not necessary to put liquid in the slow cooker with the roast. The slow cooking process allows the meat to cook slowly and retain its moisture, while the vegetables and meat release natural juices, providing enough liquid for a deliciously tender and flavorful meal. Just make sure to have enough liquid to cover the base of the slow cooker and let the magic of slow cooking do its work.
Should pot roast be covered with liquid in slow cooker?
It is recommended to not fully cover the pot roast with liquid in the slow cooker. While the vegetables will release enough liquid to partially cover the roast by the end of cooking, complete submergence should be avoided to prevent boiling. Maintaining the roast slightly exposed allows for proper cooking and prevents excessive liquid from affecting the texture and flavor of the dish.