While it's challenging to pick just one "most awesome" meal, one dish that consistently ranks high in popularity and deliciousness when made using a slow cooker is "Slow Cooker Pot Roast." It's a classic comfort food that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. Here's a recipe for a mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pot Roast:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can use more beef broth instead)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides until a nice crust forms. This step helps seal in the flavors.
- Place the sliced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Put the seared roast on top of the vegetables.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and additional salt and pepper.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
- Serve the pot roast with the vegetables, and you can also spoon some of the flavorful cooking juices over the top.
This Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a succulent and satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!