Unleash the full potential of your slow cooker with our Slow Cooker Pot Roast Plus Extras recipe. This hearty and comforting dish combines tender pot roast with a medley of vegetables, all cooked to perfection in a savory mushroom and onion broth. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Let’s dive into the delicious world of slow-cooked goodness and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
- 5 ½ pounds pot roast
- 2 potatoes, cut into cubes
- 2 carrots, sliced and halved
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
Instructions:
- Prepare Slow Cooker: In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, water, and dry onion soup mix. Stir until well combined.
- Add Pot Roast: Place the pot roast in the slow cooker, ensuring that it is submerged in the soup mixture.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the pot roast is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Add Vegetables: About 2 hours before serving, add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine with the soup mixture and ensure even cooking.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and continue cooking on low heat for the remaining 2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once the pot roast and vegetables are cooked to perfection, serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Enhance Flavor: For added depth of flavor, sear the pot roast in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker. This will create a caramelized crust and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add additional vegetables such as onions, celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the broth before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or herbs such as thyme or rosemary to suit your taste preferences.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this dish, use a low-carb cream of mushroom soup or make your own keto-friendly mushroom sauce using heavy cream, mushrooms, and seasonings. Replace the potatoes with low-carb alternatives such as cauliflower or turnips. You can also omit the carrots or use them sparingly to reduce the carb count.
- Low-Carb Version: Similarly, for a low-carb version, use low-carb cream of mushroom soup or a homemade mushroom sauce made with broth and cream. Replace the potatoes with lower-carb vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Adjust the proportions of vegetables to keep the carb count within your desired range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use a different cut of meat such as chuck roast, brisket, or bottom round for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size and thickness of the meat.
Q: Can I cook this recipe on high heat instead of low? A: While cooking on low heat allows for a longer, slower cooking process that results in tender, flavorful meat, you can cook this recipe on high heat if you’re short on time. Simply reduce the cooking time to 4-6 hours on high, or until the meat is cooked through and tender.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers for later? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover pot roast and vegetables for later enjoyment. Allow the leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I add additional seasonings or herbs to the broth? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the flavor of the broth by adding additional seasonings or herbs such as garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Experiment with different combinations to create a flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast Plus Extras is the ultimate comfort food recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender meat, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables, it’s a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is a winner every time. So fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the delicious flavors of this classic comfort food favorite!