We go through stages where we don't care for roasts and then suddenly we want them pretty often. For some reason, roasts have been really popular in our house for the last couple months; and it's not even cold outside yet!
This is one I throw together often because we love the flavor of but I don't ever actually measure anything. You can also add/delete a couple items if you wish or you have them on hand.
I know most people buy Lipton Onion Soup mixes... it seems people usually have those on hand. I don't because I usually just whip up my own homemade version. So in the photo below you'll see some beef soup base (beef bouillon), celery seed, onion powder and dehydrated onions. This is what is in a store bought Lipton Soup Mix. So basically - if you have a package on hand just use that. If you don't, then use the items below. :)
Another option - you can brown or pan sear the roast before hand if you wish. I almost never do. I haven't found it's necessary and by the time the roast is finished cooking it's a nice dark brown color anyway and the flavor doesn't seem to be affected either way.
Slow Cooked Roast
1 chuck roast
1/4 c dried minced onion
2 T beef soup base (or 2 cubes bouillon)
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t celery seed
dash salt
1 can cream of mushroom soup
optional: extra mushrooms, baby potatoes
Use can use 1 envelope dry onion soup mix instead of the onion, beef flavor, onion powder and celery seed. I know some people will cringe to see it has mushroom soup in it. My husband would too... except you really can't tell in this dish once it's cooked. Seriously; he doesn't eat sauces or gravies if he can tell it's made with mushroom soup but this one cooks up wonderfully and adds to the flavor and texture of the gravy. Brown the roast beforehand if you wish (not necessary).
Place in the slow cooker or crock-pot along with the other ingredients and use the empty soup can to measure out water. Add 1 can of water to the crock, cover and cook on low for about 8 hours or high for about 6 (depends on your own crock pot).
You can add extra mushrooms if you wish and you can add some baby potatoes. If you can, just add them for the last 2-3 hours cook time but if you need to add them at the beginning, be sure to just put them on top of the roast so they cook slower. Remove the potatoes and roast when done to a serving dish and gently stir the gravy to mix it all before serving with the potatoes. You could also serve with pasta, rice or mashed cauliflower.
