Easy & Healthy Slow Cooker Arm Roast Recipe

Embrace the changing seasons with a heartwarming dish that's perfect for busy days: the Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Vegetables. This classic recipe is more than just a meal; it's a comforting experience, filling your home with inviting aromas and warming your heart. It combines simple ingredients into a culinary delight, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

The star of this dish is the chuck arm roast, a beef cut from the cow's shoulder. Known for its robust flavor and tender texture when cooked properly, this cut includes significant connective tissue and parts of the arm bone, enhancing its rich taste.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 3 ½ pounds beef chuck roast
•  2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow onion, cut into large chunks
• 4 carrots, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (white or Yukon gold), quartered
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (e.g., Pinot Noir or any full-bodied red wine)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
•  2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Optional for Gravy Thickening

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef: Season the beef roast with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast for 4-5 minutes on each side to create a dark brown crust. Sear the edges too. Then, transfer the roast to a 6-7 quart slow cooker.
2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Add garlic, onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Add the potatoes last. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
3. Shred and Serve: Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaves. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and shred it with forks. Place the meat on a serving platter, accompanied by the vegetables.
4. Thicken the Broth (Optional): For a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch or arrowroot powder with water in a bowl. Pour into the slow cooker, stirring until the broth thickens.
5. Final Touch: Serve the meat and vegetables, drizzling extra juice from the slow cooker over the top. Optionally, serve the gravy in a separate bowl.

For a visual guide, check out the video below. 

Tips

• Quality of Meat: Choose a well-marbled chuck roast for more flavor and tenderness.
• Searing: Don’t skip searing the meat, as it adds a depth of flavor to the roast.
• Low and Slow: Cooking on low for a longer period tends to yield more tender meat, but if short on time, the high setting is a suitable alternative.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are preferable for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch (use one-third of the amount).
• Vegetable Sizes: Cut vegetables in uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Liquid Level: Ensure the liquid covers at least half of the roast for optimal moisture.
• Resting the Meat: Let the roast rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the slow cooker for easier shredding.

Variations

(The chuck arm roast with barbecue sauce)

• Different Vegetables: Swap in or add other vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
• Wine Alternatives: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with more beef broth, a mix of broth and balsamic vinegar, or even a dark beer.
• Spice it Up: Add a bit of heat with crushed red pepper flakes or a diced chili.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or marjoram.
• Barbecue Style: Add a smoky barbecue twist by mixing in some smoked paprika and serving with barbecue sauce.

This Slow Cooker Arm Roast recipe is perfect for those cooler days when you crave something hearty and satisfying. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and the ease of slow cooking, this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings the comforting essence of home cooking to your table. Whether it's a regular family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises a delightful meal that's both nourishing and delicious. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen as you fill your home with the warm, inviting aromas of a lovingly prepared meal.