Meat,  Slow Cooker

Pot Roast

  • 4-5 lb. beef rump or round roast
  • 2 Tbs vegetable oil
  • 2 Tbs butter
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp marjoram
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cups water plus 1 Tbs beef soup base
  • 8 carrots, peeled and halved
  • 12 small white onions (pearl or other)
  • 1 sprig fresh parsley (or 1 Tbs parsley flakes)

Gravy

  • 4 cups pan drippings
  • 4 Tbs butter (1/2 stick)
  • ½ cup flour

Directions

  1. Rinse the roast and pat dry.
  2. Heat the oil and butter in a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy kettle over medium heat. Add the roast and sliced onion.
  3. Turn the roast every 5 minutes or so, so that it browns on all sides. This should take about 25 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic, thyme, marjoram, bay leaf, peppercorns and salt to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 2 1/2 hours, turning the meat occasionally.
  6. Add carrots, small onions and parsley. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until the vegetables and meat are tender.
  7. Remove the meat and vegetables to a warm platter. Keep in a warm place, loosely covered in foil, while you make the gravy.
  8. To make the gravy, strain the liquid from the pan into a 4-cup measuring cup. If necessary, add water to make 4 cups of liquid.
  9. Melt the butter in the Dutch oven. Add the flour and brown lightly.
  10. Add the 4 cups of liquid and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  11. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes, until nice and thick. Taste and add salt if desired.