I started with a three-pound chuck roast, coating it with a spiced flour mixture that includes salt, pepper, cinnamon and garlic. That is when it goes in the fry pan to brown the outer portion. I also quartered 8 medium-sized potatoes, sliced 3 carrots and 1/2 purple onion, and added some leftover quartered mushrooms.
While the meat is browning, I load the crock pot. First the onions, then the potatoes to be followed by the carrots. The meat goes on top of the vegetables and the mushrooms top the meat. I add water to the top of the vegetables, cover and place the crock pot on high for hours. For this meal, it was a total of six hours. At hour five, I add red wine for more flavor.
Right before I took the meat out I placed biscuits in the oven. Then I put the dog in the office so he will not make an attempt to steal our dinner (he would if he could). That is when I scoop the meat onto the serving dish with the potatoes, carrots, onion and mushrooms surrounding the meat.
By the time we finished supper, there was enough food for one person to have lunch the next day. It is the kind of meal that is simple and satisfying. Comfort food at it’s best.
Roast beef in the Crock-Pot sounds really good. I don’t think Crock-Pots get nearly the love they deserve.
You are right, they really don’t. But the meals you can produce in a crock pot can be quite wonderful.
I love to cook and so do my children. But I never thought to have them choose the menu — on a regular basis, that is. Thanks for the inspiration. (And your pictures have me drooling, by the way!)
We have found that because they only do it about once a month, the task is less daunting. Plus the parents help the older ones which allows them to try something more daring.
It’s a great idea, and dinner looks delicious!
Thanks, it was tasty.
You know, I never would have thought of adding cinnamon to pot roast. That sounds actually really, terrifyingly good. I’ll have to try that–I’m glad I heard of this during December while the weather is still awesome for the making of pot roasts.
I tried it once, knowing that cinnamon increases appetites. I have a picky eater or two so it helps. Plus, it is not overpowerering if you use it sparingly for flavor.
Inspired by this post, I sit down to an afternoon of reading and presiding over a houseful of board game-playing kids, supper simmering away in the crock pot. Thanks for the nudge (and the yummy photos)!
you are welcomed!