It’s October, and what better way to savor warm days and cool nights than with slow cooker recipes? If you have a Ninja Foodi, these will work, too. I pretty much live off my Ninja Foodi and use it for all my slow cooker recipes.
If you are a working mom, enjoy the month with easy, delicious slow cooker meals for October. Of course, you can make these meals any time of the year.
An actual human has tested all of these recipes! I feel the need to say that in today’s blogging world.
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and the tantalizing aroma of a perfectly cooked pot roast fills your home. There’s nothing quite like a slow-cooked beef pot roast to bring comfort and warmth to your family dinner table.
Why Slow Cooking is Your Best Friend
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about why slow cooking is such a game-changer. For starters, it’s practically foolproof. Once you’ve prepped your ingredients and set your slow cooker, you can go about your day without worrying about dinner.
It’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Plus, slow cooking enhances the flavors, making even the simplest ingredients taste divine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 lb. beef roast
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 pkg dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 small red potatoes or white potatoes scrubbed
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
- Optional- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme to garnish with.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Pot Roast
1. Prepping the Beef Roast
First things first, let’s get that beef roast ready. Heat some oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating up, generously salt and pepper your roast. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—it’s what gives the roast its delicious crust.
Once the skillet is hot, place the roast in it—Brown all sides of the roast, which should take about 10 minutes total. Browning the meat helps lock in the juices, ensuring a juicy, flavorful roast. ( If you are using the Ninja, you can put this on the sear/saute setting and do it in the same pot.)
Tip: Use tongs to turn the roast to get an even sear on all sides.
2. Creating the Savory Sauce
After browning the roast, please remove it from the skillet and place it on a platter. Turn the heat down to low and, in the same skillet, mix the cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and water.
Stir well to combine and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to your sauce.
3. Setting Up the Slow Cooker
Now, pour half of the sauce mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared roast on top of the sauce, and then pour the remaining sauce over the roast.
This ensures that every bite of the roast is infused with that rich, savory flavor.
4. Adding the Potatoes
Next, arrange the scrubbed red potatoes around the roast in the slow cooker.
These little gems will soak up all the delicious juices, making them the perfect accompaniment to your roast.
Tip: For added flavor, lightly salt and pepper the potatoes before placing them in the cooker.
5. The Waiting Game
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Here’s where the magic happens—letting everything cook slowly for 6 to 8 hours. This low-and-slow method breaks down the fibers in the meat, making your roast tender and juicy.
6. Finishing Touches
After the cooking time is up, your roast should be fall-apart tender and the potatoes perfectly cooked. Serve the roast and potatoes with candied carrots for a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Consider elevating your pot roast with homemade dinner rolls and a simple green salad. The rolls are perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce, and the salad adds a refreshing crunch.
Bringing it All Together
This dish isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. It’s about the joy of coming home to a meal that’s been cooking while you’ve been out conquering the world (or just running errands).
Try this recipe if you’re ready to take your cooking to the next level. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
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