Slow Cooker Italian Roast Beef with Potatoes and Carrots
Gather the family around the table for this crockpot meal of tender beef, hearty potatoes, and sweet carrots seasoned with Italian herbs and spices.
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs bottom round chuck roast or top round roast also work
- 2 cup carrots chopped
- 4 large potatoes washed, peeled, and chopped
- 1½ cups beef stock beef broth will also work
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 7oz packets dry Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic minced
- ¼ cup onion chopped fine
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- fresh herbs optional
For Searing the Roast
- 1 cup beef broth red wine or water will also work
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Searing the Roast
- Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Heat a large skillet over high heat - I like to use a cast iron skillet for this.2-3 lbs bottom round
- Salt and pepper the roast all over just before you put it into the pan.salt and pepper
- Add 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil - it has a higher smoke point than olive oil.2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- When the oil is hot and shimmers in the pan, add the roast. Let the beef sear and don't move it for at least 2 minutes. If the beef doesn't easily release from the pan, let it cook a little longer. Adjust your temperature as needed, and add additional oil if the pan is too dry.
- Continue searing the roast one side at at time until all sides are browned.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set into the slow cooker.
- Add a little bit more oil to the pan, and cook the onions until tender. Add the garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more.¼ cup onion, 1 teaspoon fresh garlic
- To deglaze the pan - get all the flavorful bits off the bottom - pour 1 cup of beef broth, red wine, or water to the pan. As the liquid begins to bubble and boil, gentle scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.1 cup beef broth
- Add the onions, garlic, and remaining liquid to the slow cooker.
Slow Cooking the Roast
- Layer the chopped potatoes and baby carrots around the sides of the roast.4 large potatoes, 2 cup carrots
- In a medium bowl, add 1-½ cups beef broth and all seasonings and whisk together.1½ cups beef stock, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 7oz packets dry Italian dressing, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt
- Pour over the roast and veggies.
- Cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving (optional).fresh herbs
Notes
Do you sear a roast before cooking?
Searing a beef roast is not a required step, but one that I highly recommend. It improved the flavor of the beef and creates a caramelized exterior on the roast.
How to Make Homemade Gravy
Here's how to make a rich thick gravy for your pot roast:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of juices from the crockpot to the saucepan. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring frequently.
- Taste and add additional seasoning such as salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
- After searing, place the Dutch oven with the lid in a 400F oven and cook for 1 hour.
- Reduce the heat to 300F and cook for an additional 3 hours.
- Cook time may vary depending on the size of the roast.