This Easy Slow Cooker Parmesan Pot Roast is a warm and cozy meal that anyone can make! With tender beef, creamy parmesan, and a blend of herbs, every bite is packed with flavor.
Set it and forget it! I love how this roast cooks while I go about my day. Plus, the smell wafting through the house is simply incredible. Who doesn’t love a little kitchen magic? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it gets tender with long cooking times. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can try a round roast, but it may not be as juicy.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor. If you’re out, consider using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a non-dairy option. They provide a similar cheesy taste!
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the sauce, but feel free to substitute with half-and-half or whole milk if you’re cutting back on calories. Cashew cream is also a great dairy-free choice!
Herbs: Dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano work well here. If you have fresh herbs, use them! They usually provide a more vibrant flavor, just double the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Searing the Roast?
Searing the roast is an essential step to build flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high. Make sure it’s hot enough to sizzle when you add the oil.
- Use a good amount of oil to prevent sticking. Olive oil is great, but you can also use vegetable oil or canola oil.
- Don’t crowd the pan! If your roast is too large, you can cut it in half or sear in batches.
- Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until a nice brown crust forms—this is key for flavor!
Remember, take your time with this step; it makes a big difference in the final taste of your pot roast!
Easy Slow Cooker Parmesan Pot Roast
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pot roast requires about 15 minutes of prep time. After that, let your slow cooker do the work! You’ll need to cook the roast for either 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high. It’s a perfect option for busy days when you want a hot, delicious meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Roast:
Start by generously seasoning your beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper all over. This step adds a great flavor base for your pot roast.
2. Searing for Flavor:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the roast in the skillet. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned. This locks in the flavors and gives a nice texture to the meat.
3. Getting Everything into the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the seared roast to the slow cooker. On top of the roast, add the sliced onions, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano. These will infuse the roast with wonderful aromas as it cooks.
4. Adding the Broth:
Pour the beef broth over the roast. This will help keep everything moist and add flavor as the roast cooks.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender. You’ll know it’s ready when it effortlessly pulls apart with a fork!
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the roast is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside to keep warm. Stir the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream into the cooking liquid until everything is well combined.
7. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened to your liking.
8. Serving It Up:
Slice or shred your delicious roast and serve it with the creamy Parmesan sauce spooned on top. It’s great to see those tasty flavors come together!
9. Garnishing:
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
This Easy Slow Cooker Parmesan Pot Roast pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles—soak up that rich sauce and enjoy every single bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you can use a round roast or brisket. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, and leaner cuts might not be as juicy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by ensuring your beef broth is gluten-free. Also, if you need to thicken the sauce, use cornstarch as suggested, which is naturally gluten-free, instead of flour.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even non-dairy options like coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter version, though it may alter the flavor slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to keep the sauce creamy and delicious!
