Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Try this Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes recipe.
- 1 cup milk
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 teaspoon montreal steak seasoning
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire
- 8 potatoes (i used yukon gold)
- 1/4 cup softened cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 2 1/2 pounds chuck roast
- Carbohydrate 8.27502796943654 g
- Cholesterol 244.081929539815 mg
- Fat 78.2171325734194 g
- Fiber 0.0489723953853051 g
- Protein 41.3494748306884 g
- Saturated Fat 41.5903708558692 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (454g)
- Sodium 798.266706283733 mg
- Sugar 8.22605557405124 g
- Trans Fat 7.55761211199394 g
- Calories 902 calories
Step-by-step
- Peel and quarter potatoes and place them into a large pot filled with cold water.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat and boil for 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Remove from heat and drain water.
- Add butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, onion powder, garlic powder and salt.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until ingredients are well combined and potatoes are smooth and creamy.
- Place mashed potatoes into a 9x9 baking dish and intentionally keep the surface of the potatoes bumpy and uneven.
- At this point, cover the baking dish place the potatoes into the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- To bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake potatoes uncovered for 35 minutes. The uneven surface of the potatoes allows for beautifully browned peaks of mashed potatoes.
- Place chuck roast in slow cooker.
- Combine beef stock and Worcestershire and pour over roast.
- Sprinkle the top of the roast with montreal steak seasoning, and top with fresh thyme.
- Cook on high for 2 hours, and then switch to low for 6 more hours.
- Before serving, remove woody stems from thyme sprigs and remove roast from slow cooker and break apart into large sections to remove fat.
- To make gravy, pour remaining liquid from the slow cooker through a strainer into a medium saucepan on low heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour until the milk is thickened but smooth.
- Slowly whisk the milk into the drippings, and bring to a low boil, whisking frequently until it has thickened to the consistency you prefer.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and extracurricular activities, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they’re my secret weapon for weeknight dinners.
This Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes recipe is a perfect example of a meal that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare. The tender, flavorful pot roast practically cooks itself in the slow cooker, while the creamy mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time, saving you precious time on busy weeknights. The best part? The combination of rich, savory pot roast and perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes is a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love.
The Magic of Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the ability to make the mashed potatoes ahead of time. This is a game-changer for busy schedules. I usually prepare them the day before and store them in the refrigerator. The slight chill doesn't affect the texture or flavor, and baking them before serving gives them a beautiful golden-brown crust and a delightfully warm center. The secret to perfectly textured mashed potatoes lies in the choice of potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to, as they offer the perfect balance of creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Don't be afraid to experiment, however. Russet or red potatoes also work well, just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
The Effortless Slow Cooker Pot Roast
The slow cooker does most of the work for the pot roast. Simply place the chuck roast in the slow cooker, add your flavorful broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning, and let it simmer for hours. The result is unbelievably tender and juicy meat that practically falls apart. I love using Montreal Steak Seasoning; it adds a complex blend of herbs and spices that elevates the flavor of the roast to another level. Fresh thyme adds a touch of aromatic freshness, balancing the rich, savory flavors of the beef. When it's done, simply shred the meat and make a quick, flavorful gravy using the cooking liquid.
Putting It All Together
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of the tender pot roast, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy creates a truly satisfying and memorable meal. It’s a recipe that I return to again and again, and I know it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too. The prep time is minimal, the cooking time is largely hands-off, and the cleanup is easy, which is a win for me every time. With a little advance preparation, you can relax and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without the stress. This recipe truly proves that delicious food and a busy lifestyle can coexist!
Tips and Variations
• For a richer flavor, try using bone-in chuck roast. • Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Rosemary, oregano, or garlic powder would all be delicious additions. • If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute soy sauce or balsamic vinegar. • To make the gravy even thicker, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to the milk mixture before whisking it into the drippings. • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
So, the next time you're looking for a simple yet impressive weeknight dinner, give this Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave your family asking for more.
