Experience the comforting flavors of a classic American diner right in your kitchen with this incredible Crock Pot Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast. This recipe delivers a slow-cooked, exceptionally tender beef roast enveloped in a rich, savory BBQ tomato gravy, making it the ultimate comfort food, especially when served over creamy mashed potatoes.
RECREATE THE ICONIC TEXAS ROADHOUSE POT ROAST AT HOME
For many, the Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast was more than just a meal; it was a beloved staple on their country dinners menu, a dish synonymous with warmth, tenderness, and an unforgettable gravy. If you, like countless others, have been longing for that distinct flavor since it disappeared, your search ends here! This carefully crafted crock pot copycat version captures every nuance of the original, bringing that nostalgic taste back to your dinner table. Imagine succulent, fall-apart tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection, coated in a rich, homemade sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes, all piled high on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal that promises to become a new favorite.
The beauty of a slow cooker pot roast lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves with minimal effort. You simply set it and forget it, allowing the low, slow heat to transform an ordinary cut of beef into an extraordinary culinary delight. This Texas Roadhouse inspired dish is no exception, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed Sunday supper. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant, but with the added satisfaction of being made right in your own home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT POT ROAST
Browning the beef chuck roast before adding it to the slow cooker is an optional, yet highly recommended step. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a beautiful caramelized crust on the meat, significantly deepening its flavor profile and adding rich, complex notes that enhance the overall taste of your pot roast. While it only takes a few extra minutes in a hot skillet, the added depth it brings is truly worth the effort. However, if you’re pressed for time or prefer a more hands-off approach, skipping this step will still yield a delicious and tender roast, though with a slightly less intense flavor.
The rich, savory BBQ tomato gravy from this pot roast is truly the star, and you’ll want side dishes that complement it perfectly while also being able to soak up every last drop. Creamy mashed potatoes are the quintessential pairing, offering a soft bed for the tender beef and a perfect vehicle for the gravy. Other excellent choices include buttered egg noodles, fluffy white rice, or even hearty polenta. To round out your meal, consider adding some vibrant vegetables like crisp green beans (try Italian Green Beans for a twist), tender asparagus, roasted carrots, or a fresh garden salad for a touch of freshness and balance.
The ultimate test for a perfectly cooked slow cooker pot roast is its tenderness. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat can be easily shredded with two forks, practically falling apart with minimal effort. For a 3-pound chuck roast cooked on a low setting, this typically takes between 6 to 8 hours. If after the recommended cooking time the meat still feels firm or resists shredding, simply continue cooking it for another 30-60 minutes, checking periodically, until it reaches that desired fork-tender consistency. Patience is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
If you find your pot roast gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, a simple cornstarch slurry is your best friend. To make one, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until a smooth, lump-free mixture forms. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, pour this slurry into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. The cornstarch will activate with the heat, thickening the sauce to a beautiful, luscious consistency. For an even thicker gravy, you can add another slurry mixture, half at a time, until it reaches your desired texture. This method ensures a velvety smooth gravy that clings perfectly to the beef and your chosen sides.
This Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast recipe is incredibly versatile and open to various delicious additions to customize its flavor profile. If you enjoy a touch of heat, sprinkle in some chili powder, smoked paprika for a smoky kick, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. For those looking to boost their vegetable intake or add more texture, consider tossing in some chunky carrots, earthy mushrooms, or small potatoes alongside the initial vegetables. If you prefer a slightly sweeter gravy to balance the tang of the BBQ sauce, 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey stirred into the sauce mixture before cooking will do the trick, adding a lovely depth to the flavor.
While traditionally served with classic sides, this versatile pot roast can be reimagined in many creative ways. Once shredded, the tender beef and its flavorful gravy make an excellent filling for hearty sandwiches. Pile it high on toasted rolls, classic Texas toast, or sturdy brioche buns with extra BBQ sauce for a truly satisfying meal. You could also serve it as a filling for tacos or sliders, incorporate it into a savory shepherd’s pie, or even mix it with pasta for a unique take on a beef ragu. Its rich flavor and tender texture make it adaptable to a wide range of culinary applications.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious pot roast leftovers. Allow the pot roast to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store both the meat and the gravy together in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the roast and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions. For longer storage, this pot roast freezes beautifully. Transfer the cooled meat and gravy to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results, ensuring a convenient and flavorful meal ready when you are.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR TEXAS ROADHOUSE POT ROAST
Crafting this incredible slow cooker Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast begins with a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its signature rich and savory flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why these components are essential:
- Orange Bell Pepper: This adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. While orange bell peppers are used in the original inspiration, feel free to use any color bell pepper you prefer – red or yellow work wonderfully. If you’re not a fan of peppers, you can simply omit it without compromising the core flavor too much.
- Celery and Onion: The dynamic duo of classic aromatics. These form the foundational flavor base, slowly releasing their sweet and savory notes as they cook down with the beef, contributing to the overall depth of the gravy.
- Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the show! Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and connective tissue, which break down over hours to create incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful shredded beef. Other suitable options for slow cooking include beef brisket, round roast, or even a pork shoulder (pork butt) or pork roast for a flavorful alternative. Always opt for a well-marbled cut for the best results.
- Garlic: Whether you choose fresh cloves, minced for a pungent kick, or convenient jarred minced garlic, its aromatic presence is non-negotiable. Garlic infuses the roast and gravy with a deep, earthy warmth that enhances all the other flavors.
- Tomato Sauce: This provides a tangy base for the rich BBQ gravy. In a pinch, crushed tomatoes can be used for a chunkier texture, or even a few dollops of ketchup for a sweeter, more concentrated tomato flavor. For a zesty, slightly spicy variation that adds another layer of complexity, consider using a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) instead of plain tomato sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: The barbecue sauce is central to capturing that signature “Texas Roadhouse” flavor. The beauty is you can use almost any type you like – smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy. Your favorite brand will work perfectly. Many find Sweet Baby Ray’s or Kinder’s Hickory BBQ sauce to be excellent choices, or for a truly homemade touch, consider using a Homemade BBQ Sauce to customize the flavor even further.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Often overlooked, this ingredient is a flavor powerhouse. It adds a crucial layer of umami, depth, and a subtle tang that elevates the entire dish, making it taste more complex and well-rounded. Do not skip this!
- Beef Bouillon Cubes: These concentrated flavor enhancers boost the beefy essence of the roast. You can substitute with an equal amount of beef bouillon paste (1 teaspoon equals one cube) or use beef broth or beef stock instead of water if you prefer, adjusting for salt content.
- Dried Thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef and vegetables. Its earthy, slightly minty notes infuse the roast with aromatic complexity. If you don’t have thyme, dried rosemary or a good quality Italian seasoning blend can also work as flavorful alternatives.
HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT TEXAS ROADHOUSE POT ROAST: STEP-BY-STEP
Creating this irresistible Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast in your slow cooker is surprisingly simple, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful, fork-tender meal with minimal effort. Follow these easy steps for a truly memorable dish:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Begin by adding your diced onion, orange bell pepper, and celery to the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker. These vegetables will not only add flavor but also create a natural rack for the roast, allowing it to cook evenly and absorb more moisture.
- Prepare and Brown the Beef (Optional, but Recommended): Place the beef chuck roast directly on top of the bed of vegetables in your slow cooker. For an even richer color and deeper flavor, take a few extra minutes to brown the chuck roast before this step. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chuck roast and sear it for 2-3 minutes per side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This browning process locks in juices and enhances the overall taste significantly.
- Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the minced garlic, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon cubes (crumbled if necessary), dried thyme, and water. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the bouillon cubes have dissolved. This creates the signature rich and tangy BBQ tomato gravy that sets this pot roast apart.
- Pour Sauce Over Roast: Carefully pour the whisked sauce mixture evenly over the beef chuck roast and vegetables in the slow cooker. Ensure the roast is well coated, allowing the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat as it cooks.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. It’s crucial to resist the urge to peek or lift the lid during the cooking process. Each time the lid is removed, precious heat escapes, increasing the cooking time and potentially affecting the tenderness of the meat. Allow the slow cooker to work its magic undisturbed for the recommended time.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the pot roast is fall-apart tender, gently remove it from the slow cooker. You can easily shred the beef using two forks. For an added touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish the finished pot roast with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve this magnificent, flavor-packed beef and its luscious gravy generously over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite accompanying side.
This Crock Pot Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor comforting, slow-cooked perfection. The tender beef, infused with a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet BBQ tomato gravy, creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite country-style restaurant. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delight of a meal that truly satisfies.
MORE COMFORT FOOD RECIPES TO EXPLORE
If you loved this hearty pot roast, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful recipes, perfect for any family meal:
- Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Outback Steakhouse Baked Potatoes
- Steakhouse Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Mississippi Pot Roast
- Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Crock Pot 3-Packet Pot Roast
- Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast
Crock Pot Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
6 hours
6 hours 10 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced (can use any color)
- 3 stalks of celery, diced
- 3 pound beef chuck roast (can use a 1 1/2-2 pound chuck roast, if needed)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup water
- chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Add 1 small onion, diced, 1 orange bell pepper, diced and 3 stalks of celery, diced to a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
- Place the 3 pound beef chuck roast on top of the vegetables.
Note: If you have a little more time to prep, try browning the chuck roast for even more color and flavor. Heat a large skillet up with a little oil. Once it is hot, add in the chuck roast and brown for a couple of minutes, flip over and do the same for the other side. Then continue with the recipe.
- In a bowl whisk together 3 garlic cloves, minced, ½ cup tomato sauce, ½ cup BBQ Sauce, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 beef bouillon cubes, ½ teaspoon dried thyme and ½ cup water.
- Pour this mixture over the roast.
- Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.
NOTE: Do not remove the lid while cooking. Just leave it alone. It will take longer to cook and the meat won’t turn out as tender if you keep removing the lid.
- When done, garnish with chopped parsley (optional).
- Serve over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Dinner, Main Course
American
Nutrition
Calories:
479kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
16g
|
Protein:
45g
|
Fat:
26g
|
Sodium:
938mg
|
Fiber:
2g
|
Sugar:
11g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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