This recipe for Slow Cooker Seasoned Roast is made with a homemade spice blend with a secret ingredient.
I used to throw some veggies and meat in my slow cooker, turn it on for about 8 hours, and return to find some veggies and somewhat bland meat. I was inspired to make a rub after reading through America’s Test Kitchen’s Best-Ever Recipes
The original recipe has celery seed, dried thyme, and cornstarch plus the ingredients I have listed, though the quantities in my recipe differ from America’s Test Kitchen. After I mixed it all of my ingredients together, I sampled a small amount on the tip of my finger and knew that this was a winning recipe.
Slow Cooker Seasoned Roast Recipe
Slow Cooker Seasoned Roast
The seasonings on this roast knock it out of the ballpark!
Ingredients
- 1½ tsp pepper
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp parsley flakes
- ½ tsp espresso powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 large baking potatoes
- 1 package baby carrots
- 1 large onion
- 1½ - 2 pound chuck roast
Instructions
- Mix spices together (excluding bay leaf) and set aside.
- Place carrots in the bottom of a slow cooker that has been sprayed with non-stick spray (or use a disposable slow cooker liner). Cut potatoes into 1 inch cubes and place on top of carrots. Cut onion into large chunks and add to the slow cooker. Top with bay leaves.
- Generously rub roast with spice mixture on both sides. Place on top of vegetables and cook for 6-8 hours on low.
- Remove from slow cooker and discard bay leaves.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 517Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 908mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 42g
How To Cook Roast, Potatoes, and Carrots
This is how I cook the best roast dinner. I take a bag of carrots and layer them in the bottom of my slow cooker (aka Crock Pot).
Then I add a layer of potatoes that have been cut into cubes. This is a good way to use up some of your supply of russet potatoes.
Adding onion is a good way to add flavor. Cutting it into large chunks makes it easy for picky eaters to pick it out. (Though when it becomes cooked and golden – it’s quite delicious on its own!)
Notice the two bay leaves on top. You want to be sure to remove them after cooking. Why? Because, according to eHow, “because the bay leaf has a bitter flavor when eaten and is difficult to chew.”
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Depending on the size of your roast, it usually takes 8 – 10 hours for it to cook. The roast pictured was relatively small and cooked perfectly in 6.5 hours.
Don’t have 8 – 10 hours? You can cook a roast on HIGH in your slow cooker in 4 – 5 hours.
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If you like this delicious Slow Cooker Seasoned Roast recipe, then you should check out these delicious recipes, too:
- Brownie Sheet Cake
- Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
- Quick and Easy Chicken and Dumplings
- Easy Peanut Butter Pie
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any alternative to the espresso powder? very interested in trying it and was hoping to find something similar that would bring the flavors out. thank you
I imagine you could use instant coffee. If I was going to substitute it, I would pound the instant coffee (with a mortar and pestle) into a powder and swap it out 1:1.
Hello! Do you discard the left over seasoning ?
What you don’t use, throw away.
Hi, is it okay if I don’t have espresso to add in?
Sure. The espresso enhances the overall flavor, but if you don’t have any, your roast should still come out delicious.
Sorry if this is a silly question but, does the roast taste sweet in any way?
Not a silly question. But I would say that it does not taste sweet.
Do you add any water or liquid seasoning of any kind?
I don’t typically add any – the juices from the meat are usually enough. You could add a little bit of broth, though, if you’d like. I hope you enjoy it!
This is my favorite slow cooker roast recipe!
I don’t see salt in the ingredients. How much do you use?
Thank you for catching that! 2 teaspoons of salt is the answer. (I have updated the recipe and really appreciate you bringing it to my attention.) It’s a great recipe. Let me know how you like it. 🙂
I’m down with anything inspired by America’s Test Kitchens. I probably have half their books! Trying this out soon.
America’s Test Kitchen books are awesome, aren’t they?!
Crockpot roast is the best! I love your recipes! You’ve won this Kentucky girl’s heart! I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award.
That’s so sweet of you!
I love roasts in the slow cooker in the winter!
I’m going to have to try this the next time I make a roast! I always make mine in the slow cooker because it always is so delicious that way.
I remember growing my dad would fix roast every Sunday for dinner. As a kid I hated it and though “not roast again!” Now I would love to have one every Sunday. Funny how things change 🙂
Great idea, thank you! Will Pin this!
Visiting via SITS. 🙂
This looks amazing. I’m never good at figuring out the seasoning for beef roast. I’m saving this for later!
Just made beef stew….wish I used your seasoning
That looks so good Lynda! We love pot roast here. I will have to try this next time I make one. Pinning it.
that looks incredibly tasty! It’s perfect fall food, too!