When it comes to one-pot meals, slow cooker pot roast is a classic favorite. Not only does it make meal prep a breeze, but it also fills the house with the most tantalizing aromas as it cooks low and slow. With 342 calories per serving, slow cooker pot roast is a satisfying and comforting meal for any day of the week.
Not only is slow cooker pot roast delicious, but it is also nutritious. A single serving will provide you with 28 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 18 grams of carbohydrates, making it a well-balanced meal. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of slow cooker pot roast, from cooking tips to variations, serving size, and leftover ideas.
What is Slow Cooker Pot Roast?
Slow cooker pot roast is a classic one-pot meal that is cooked in a slow cooker or crockpot. The dish typically consists of a beef roast, vegetables, and potatoes, all simmered together for several hours. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty meal. The beauty of slow cooker pot roast is that it requires very little hands-on time. You simply gather your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. This makes it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or days when you don't have much time to cook.
Nutritional Value of Slow Cooker Pot Roast
As mentioned earlier, slow cooker pot roast is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It also contains several essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. A single serving of slow cooker pot roast provides 342 calories, 28 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 18 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients.
How to Cook Slow Cooker Pot Roast?
Cooking slow cooker pot roast is easy and requires very little hands-on time. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:
- Season a 3-pound beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
- Cut up 4-5 potatoes and a few carrots into large chunks and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the seasoned roast on top of the vegetables.
- Pour a cup of beef broth over the roast and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Optional: you can thicken the cooking liquid with a slurry made of cornstarch and water to make gravy.
Note: Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to suit your taste. You can also use other meats, such as pork or lamb, if you prefer.
Meats Used in Slow Cooker Pot Roast
While beef chuck roast is the most commonly used meat in slow cooker pot roast, you can use other cuts of beef or different types of meat altogether. Here are some options:
- Beef brisket
- Pork shoulder
- Lamb shoulder
- Chicken thighs
Benefits of Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Slow cooker pot roast has several benefits that make it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Easy to make: Slow cooker pot roast requires very little hands-on time and effort.
- One-pot meal: All the ingredients are cooked together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Nutritious: Slow cooker pot roast is a well-balanced and hearty meal that provides essential nutrients.
- Leftovers: Slow cooker pot roast makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast for Meal Prep
Slow cooker pot roast is a great option for meal prep because it can be easily portioned and reheated throughout the week. To make meal prep even easier, you can chop up all the vegetables and season the meat the night before. In the morning, simply dump everything into the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.
Variations of Slow Cooker Pot Roast
While the basic recipe for slow cooker pot roast is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to mix things up. Here are some ideas:
- Italian-style: Add diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
- Mexican-style: Use beef roast, black beans, and corn, then season with chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Asian-style: Use beef roast, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then add vegetables like bok choy and baby corn.
Serving Size of Slow Cooker Pot Roast
A single serving of slow cooker pot roast is typically 4 ounces or 113 grams. This will give you around 342 calories, as well as the other nutrients mentioned earlier. Of course, your personal serving size may vary depending on your appetite and nutritional needs. However, be mindful of portion sizes, as slow cooker pot roast can be quite filling.
Side Dishes to Serve with Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Slow cooker pot roast is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a few side dishes to make it even more satisfying. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Sweet potatoes
Leftover Ideas for Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Slow cooker pot roast makes great leftovers, so be sure to save some for a quick and easy lunch or dinner the next day. Here are some ideas for using up your leftovers:
- Make a sandwich: Shred the beef and place it between two slices of bread with some cheese and condiments.
- Add it to soup: Use the leftover meat and vegetables to make a hearty soup or stew.
- Make a hash: Chop up the meat and potatoes and sauté them with some onions and garlic for a delicious breakfast hash.
Slow cooker pot roast is a classic one-pot meal that is cooked in a slow cooker or crockpot.
5 FAQ about Slow Cooker Pot Roast
1. How many calories are in one serving of Slow Cooker Pot Roast?
There are 342 calories in one serving (4 oz) of Slow Cooker Pot Roast.
2. What are the main ingredients in Slow Cooker Pot Roast?
The main ingredients in Slow Cooker Pot Roast usually include beef roast, vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, and onions), beef broth or stock, and seasonings (such as garlic, thyme, and rosemary).
3. Can I adjust the recipe to make it lower in calories?
Yes, there are several ways to make Slow Cooker Pot Roast lower in calories. You can use a leaner cut of beef, reduce the amount of oil or butter used, and use low-sodium broth or stock. You can also add more vegetables to the recipe to make it more filling without adding too many calories.
4. Is Slow Cooker Pot Roast a healthy meal option?
If you use lean beef and plenty of vegetables, Slow Cooker Pot Roast can be a healthy meal option. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. However, if you use a fatty cut of beef and add too much oil or butter, the dish can be high in calories and unhealthy.
5. What are some side dishes that go well with Slow Cooker Pot Roast?
Some side dishes that go well with Slow Cooker Pot Roast include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts or green beans), and crusty bread. You can also serve a side salad or a simple vegetable soup to round out the meal.