Slow Cooked Amish-Style Pot Roast

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A Hearty Comfort Food!

For those busy days or cozy weekends, slow-cooked meals can be a lifesaver. One standout dish is the Amish-style pot roast, a comforting and delicious meal inspired by the simple yet flavorful traditions of Amish cuisine. This recipe blends tender beef with root vegetables for a satisfying, heartwarming dish that will bring a sense of comfort after a long day.

What Makes Amish-Style Pot Roast Special?

Amish-style cooking focuses on simplicity and wholesomeness. This pot roast is no exception, combining a well-seasoned chuck roast with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. The long, slow cooking method ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender, while the vegetables absorb the rich flavors from the broth and herbs.

Perfect Pairings for Your Pot Roast

Serve this pot roast with crusty bread to soak up the savory juices, or pair it with a fresh green salad for a lighter contrast. If you’re in the mood for indulgence, creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect side dish to elevate the meal.

Ingredients for Amish-Style Pot Roast

To make this flavorful pot roast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 3-4 lbs chuck roast
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (or additional beef broth)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions: How to Make Amish-Style Pot Roast

  1. Season the Roast: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the chuck roast.
  2. Brown the Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned roast in the slow cooker.
  4. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
  5. Add Vegetables: Layer the chopped carrots, parsnips, and potatoes on top of the roast in the slow cooker.
  6. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (or more broth), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables.
  7. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is tender and vegetables are fully cooked.
  8. Serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving. Shred the meat with forks if desired, and mix it with the sauce. Serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Pot Roast

  • Swap Vegetables: Feel free to substitute other root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, turnips, or celery root.
  • Add Depth of Flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar added to the broth can introduce a tangy twist.
  • Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, remove some of the liquid after cooking and mix it with a slurry of cornstarch and water before returning it to the pot.

Conclusion

Amish-style pot roast is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth, comfort, and simplicity to the table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a quiet weekend meal, this dish is sure to satisfy with its rich flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a wholesome, hearty feast that’s perfect for any occasion.

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