Slow Cooker Chuck Roast

This slow cooker chuck roast is the ultimate cozy weeknight dinner — fall-apart tender beef, carrots, potatoes, onions + a rich, savory gravy made with garlic, fresh rosemary & thyme. This recipe makes for a great weeknight meal because it requires minimal prep, minimal clean-up, and you get a complete & balanced dinner in one pot.

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless beef chuck roast

• 2 tbsp EVOO

• 1 ½ cups beef broth*

• ½ cup red wine*

• Fresh rosemary & thyme sprigs, whole*

• 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped

• 8oz white or baby bella mushrooms, sliced (optional)

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 lb mini potatoes, whole; or larger potatoes, cubed/quartered

• 1 lb baby carrots, or 1 bunch cut into large pieces

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat up your pot with EVOO. Pat the roast dry, and sear for about 3 minutes on each side. While each side is searing, season the upright side with salt & pepper. Set aside when done searing.

2. Add tomato paste, onions and garlic to the same pot with the EVOO/previously seared meat. Cook down for a few minutes, stirring and activating the tomato paste.

3. Transfer to the slow cooker (if not already using for the previous steps).

4. Add beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire, and Dijon mustard. Mix well to incorporate.

5. Add potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms.

6. Top with the chuck roast. Nestle the fresh herbs on the top or sides of the roast.

7. Cook on LOW for 8-9 hours. Remove the fresh herb sprigs before serving.

Notes:

• Searing the meat first adds great flavor. The slow cooker I use has a sear option. You can do this on the stovetop, or omit this step for a true one-pot meal.

• If you are not adding ½ cup red wine, then add an additional ½ cup of beef broth.

• If using fresh herbs, add the sprigs whole. This adds great flavor and allows you to remove them easily before serving.

• You can substitute fresh herbs for 1 tsp, dried, of each.

• **See cooking instructions below if you are not searing the meat first or do not have a slow cooker with a sear feature

**If you are not searing the meat first or do not have a slow cooker with a sear feature:

1. Add all the ingredients except the fresh herbs and the roast.

2. Stir to mix well and incorporate the ingredients, then place the roast on top and nestle the herbs on the top or sides of the roast.

3. Cook on LOW for 8-9 hours. Remove the fresh herb sprigs before serving.