This slow cooker au jus pot roast recipe is a classic American comfort food dish that requires minimal effort. The tender and flavorful pot roast is cooked low and slow in a savory au jus sauce, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth meal that the whole family will enjoy. Serve it with mashed potatoes and vegetables for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions
- Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil.
- Sear the beef chuck roast on all sides until browned. This step helps to develop flavor.
- Transfer the beef chuck roast to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the beef broth and red wine. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Pour the au jus sauce over the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
- Strain the au jus sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Gradually pour the slurry into the saucepan with the au jus sauce, while whisking constantly.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook until thickened.
- Season the au jus sauce with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Slice the pot roast and serve with the thickened au jus sauce.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
The term 'au jus' is French and translates to 'with juice'. It refers to the serving of meat with its natural juices or a sauce made from those juices.
Slow cooking the pot roast allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a tender and succulent dish.
Using red wine in the au jus sauce adds complexity and depth of flavor to the pot roast.