Why You’ll Love this Crock Pot Roast
If you’re searching for a foolproof dinner that practically makes itself, this Crock Pot Roast recipe will become your new best friend. The magical combination of butter, mustard, and sugar creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that my family requests again and again.
What makes this recipe special? For starters, the prep work takes just minutes. Simply slather on the mustard-butter paste, sprinkle with sugar, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
No hovering required. The tender meat practically falls apart when done, while the drippings transform into a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for drizzling over everything on your plate.
What Ingredients are in Crock Pot Roast?
This crock pot roast recipe relies on a surprisingly simple mix of ingredients that work together to create deep, rich flavor.
The beauty lies in how these everyday items transform a humble cut of meat into something truly special. A good roast doesn’t need fancy ingredients – just the right combination of flavors to enhance the meat’s natural goodness while it slowly cooks to tender perfection.
- 1 roast (beef chuck or round work wonderfully)
- 4 tablespoons dry mustard
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- Minced garlic
- Chopped onion
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- Garlic powder (for the gravy)
- Worcestershire sauce (for the gravy)
- Bisto gravy powder (for thickening the gravy)
When shopping for your roast, look for a cut with good marbling, as the fat will melt during cooking and keep everything moist and flavorful.
Don’t worry if you don’t have Bisto on hand – it’s a British gravy powder that thickens beautifully, but you could substitute cornstarch or flour in a pinch.
The unusual addition of sugar might raise eyebrows, but trust me, it creates a lovely caramelization that balances the savory elements perfectly. Not too sweet, just right.
How to Make this Crock Pot Roast
Making this crock pot roast couldn’t be simpler, and your house will smell absolutely heavenly while it cooks.
First, create a flavorful paste by mixing 4 tablespoons of dry mustard with 1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine and minced garlic. Now comes the fun part—with clean hands, spread this mixture all over your roast, making sure to cover every surface. There’s something wonderfully tactile about this step, really getting in there and giving that meat a good massage with all those flavors.
Next, chop an onion and scatter it in the bottom of your crock pot, creating a flavorful bed for your roast. Place the mustard-slathered roast directly on top of these onions, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of white sugar over everything. I know, sugar on a roast sounds strange, but it works magic during the long cooking process.
Pop the lid on your crock pot and let it cook until the meat reaches your preferred level of tenderness. For a fall-apart texture, this might take 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, depending on your crock pot and the size of your roast.
When the roast is done, it’s time to make that luscious gravy. Drain the cooking liquids into a saucepan and add garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce to taste—these additions really amplify the savory notes.
Finally, whisk in some Bisto gravy powder and bring everything to a boil, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency. The result? A rich, silky gravy that perfectly complements your tender roast.
Serve it all up with your favorite sides, and watch as everyone at the table falls silent, too busy enjoying this comfort food classic to speak.
Crock Pot Roast Substitutions and Variations
While that classic crock pot roast recipe is absolutely delightful, let’s consider some ways to customize it to your preferences or pantry situation.
No dry mustard? Regular mustard works in a pinch. I’ve even used Dijon for a tangy twist.
Brown sugar can replace white sugar for a deeper caramel flavor. Can’t find Bisto? Cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water creates a similar thickening effect.
Vegetable-averse family members? Try hiding carrots, celery, or potatoes beneath the roast—they’ll absorb those amazing flavors.
For an Italian spin, swap the mustard paste for an herb mixture of rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Divine.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Roast
A perfectly tender crock pot roast deserves equally delicious accompaniments to round out your meal.
I love serving mine with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all that rich gravy—heaven on a plate. Roasted carrots and parsnips add a sweet contrast, while a simple green salad brings freshness to balance the heartiness.
For bread, try my foolproof dinner rolls or a crusty sourdough. They’re perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce, which is practically mandatory in my house.
Don’t we all judge a good meal by whether the plate needs washing afterward?
Final Thoughts
This crock pot roast recipe has been in my family for generations, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today. There’s something magical about the combination of mustard, butter, and sugar that transforms an ordinary roast into something truly special.
I’ve made this countless times, sometimes tweaking the garlic or Worcestershire amounts, but the essence remains unchanged. My kids request it for birthdays, my husband raves about the gravy, and honestly, it’s my go-to when company’s coming.
What I love most? It’s nearly impossible to mess up. Your home will smell divine, and memories will be made.
