If you cooked a pot roast in a crock pot for 6 hours and it's still tough, there are several potential reasons why this could have happened:
Quality of Meat: The tenderness of the pot roast can greatly depend on the cut and quality of meat used. Tough cuts of meat with lots of connective tissue, such as chuck or brisket, are ideal for slow cooking methods like pot roasting, as the long cooking time helps break down the collagen and make the meat tender. However, if you used a lean cut of meat that lacks connective tissue, it may not have had enough time to tenderize properly.
Cooking Time and Temperature: Even though you cooked it for 6 hours, it's possible that the cooking temperature was too low. Slow cookers can vary in their actual cooking temperature, and if it wasn't high enough, the roast might not have cooked sufficiently to become tender. It's generally recommended to cook pot roasts on the low setting for at least 8 hours or on the high setting for 4-6 hours, but this can vary depending on the size of the roast and your specific slow cooker.
Size of the Roast: The size of the roast can also impact the cooking time needed. If the roast was large and thick, it might not have had enough time to break down fully during the 6-hour cooking period.
Insufficient Liquid: Liquid is essential for slow cooking, as it helps create steam and maintain a moist environment. If there wasn't enough liquid in the crock pot, the roast might have dried out, leading to toughness.
Opening the Lid: Each time you open the lid of the slow cooker, you release heat and steam, which can significantly extend the cooking time. Try to resist the temptation to check on the roast too frequently during the cooking process.
Incorrect Cooking Method: While slow cooking is generally effective for tough cuts of meat, it's not the only option. Some cuts might benefit from alternative cooking methods, like braising or pressure cooking, to achieve optimal tenderness.
To salvage the pot roast, you can continue cooking it until it reaches the desired tenderness. You can also try slicing the meat into smaller pieces to help it cook faster and absorb more flavor from the liquid. Additionally, make sure there's enough liquid in the crock pot to keep the meat moist during the rest of the cooking process. If time permits, you can let it cook for another 2-3 hours on low heat or until the meat becomes tender.