Drunken Garlic Crock Pot Roast
Don't be afraid of all the garlic in this! It gets really mild from the long cooking process and gives the meat a wonderful flavor. This is a favorite for me, and I hope it will be for you, too. Different brands of beer will give you different amounts of sweetness ranging from bitter to malty (common beer characters). Try going with less sugar until you know how your beer will taste (as most of them add some amount of sweetness regardless).
Don't be afraid of all the garlic in this! It gets really mild from the long cooking process and gives the meat a wonderful flavor. This is a favorite for me, and I hope it will be for you, too. Different brands of beer will give you different amounts of sweetness ranging from bitter to malty (common beer characters). Try going with less sugar until you know how your beer will taste (as most of them add some amount of sweetness regardless).
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 medium onions thinly sliced
- 2 1/2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast trimmed of fat
- 8 ounces lager beer
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (cut back for a less sweet taste)
- cornstarch (dissolved in water for gravy)
- 24 garlic cloves minced (about 4 tbsp.)
- Carbohydrate 13.4267028006932 g
- Cholesterol 446.161350902465 mg
- Fat 152.815807541254 g
- Fiber 1.45568009566386 g
- Protein 51.7982235423047 g
- Saturated Fat 81.1016470998133 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -5 serving(s) (567g)
- Sodium 900.19578914964 mg
- Sugar 11.9710227050293 g
- Trans Fat 13.2692390596175 g
- Calories 1641 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil and brown roast on both sides, seasoning with salt and pepper; remove to a platter and keep warm.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and add the onions, cook until they just start to wilt then add the garlic, then cook until the onions are tender, a few minutes more.
- Add the bouillon cubes to the hot water and stir to dissolve; add that to the skillet along with the beer, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar; stir to mix well.
- Pour mixture into the bottom of the crock pot.
- Place roast on top of liquid, cutting into pieces if it doesn't lay flat.
- Set the crock pot on low and cook for 7-8 hours.
- Remove meat from crock pot and pour liquid into a pan on the stove; heat to a boil, and mix a slurry out of the cornstarch and water; thicken pan liquid with slurry to make a gravy.
- Serve gravy over meat or with potatoes or noodles.
My Favorite Drunken Garlic Crock Pot Roast
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I'm a working mom, always juggling deadlines and school pick-ups, and finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can be a challenge. This slow cooker roast is my secret weapon. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavour it produces with minimal effort. I discovered this recipe years ago, when I was desperately trying to improve my weeknight meal routine. I used to rely heavily on takeout or pre-packaged meals, but they weren't doing my health or my wallet any favours.
The aroma that fills the house as this roast simmers away is simply divine. The combination of garlic, beer, and beef creates a rich and intoxicating fragrance that promises a comforting and delicious meal. I've tweaked the recipe over the years, experimenting with different types of beer – I've found that a malty beer adds a wonderful depth of flavour, whereas a lighter beer keeps it a little more subtle. I don't think this dish can ever go wrong though!
The magic of the slow cooker cannot be overstated. It allows the flavours to meld together beautifully, creating a tender and succulent roast that practically melts in your mouth. I love that I can toss everything into the crock-pot in the morning before heading off to work, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen. It's the perfect example of how a little bit of planning can yield big rewards in terms of flavour and convenience.
This recipe isn't just about convenience though; it's about creating a comforting and nourishing meal for my family. There's something incredibly satisfying about sitting down to a home-cooked meal that you know is made with love and fresh ingredients. This roast is a perfect example of that. The rich, savoury flavours and tender meat are guaranteed to please everyone, from picky eaters to discerning palates. And the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. I usually make a big batch, so I can enjoy it for lunch too!
The best part? The cleanup is minimal! The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with little more than a pot to rinse. That, my friends, is a priceless benefit for a busy working mom. This recipe has become a staple in our home, a go-to meal whenever we need a hearty, flavourful, and easy dinner. It’s a true testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, resulting in a dish that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will become a family favorite as well.
Tips and variations:
- Experiment with different beers: Stouts, IPAs, lagers – each will impart a unique flavour profile.
- Add vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, or parsnips can be added to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.
- Make it spicier: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- Use different cuts of beef: A chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, but you can also use other cuts like a rump roast or even a sirloin tip.
This Drunken Garlic Crock Pot Roast is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food made with love. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that will nourish your body and soul, proving that you can indeed have a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
