http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ericas-delicious-slow-cooker-beef-roast/
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-roast-beef/
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-beef-roast/
First, by a roast. I buy them usually when they are only on sale. You can get 3lbs for $10 app. I prefer boneless, but whatever will work. You can use this recipe with a pork shoulder too.
You want to brown the meat at some point the best flavor. My friend insists on seasoning and browning before putting it the crockpot. Sometimes, I let it sit in the crock pot for an hour and then I brown and season. It is up to you.
I recommend using a grill pan. I use this for almost all meat. Here is an example:
Second, regarding seasoning, you need to season the meat and you need to season the water, which will become broth or gravy. Seasoning can be as simple as salt and pepper, some take the easy route with lipton onion soup (my mom, rest her soul, included). Since I try to live preservative free and have a new found interest in spices (key word, "try"), I use some fresh organic seasoning from the Spice Market in Milwaukee. Today, I am using:
Ground Pepper
Sea Salt
Dried Parsley
Celery Salt
Paprika
Cumin
Cinnamon
Cayenne
ALSO, I love to add some Worcestershire -- actually a good amount (Lea & Perrins), and I added some chopped Garlic. I am pretty sure everything I cook has garlic and onion. : Ds in
Third, what do you have for vegetables in fridge? freezer? cabinet?
The staples tend to be carrots and onions (maybe celery), but beyond that, it is wide open. Can of carrots, freezer bag of beans...corn, peas, you get the idea. Dump them in the crock pot with some water.
Today, I am avoiding potatoes. Traditionally, I just add potatoes, carrots, and onion (Mom's influence). However, I am trying to reduce potatoes. So, I added a bunch of veggies and no potatoes.
So, that is about it, meat, seasoning, and veggies...
For the best taste, throw this in the crockpot on low in the morning and by the time you get home (maybe 8-10 hours later), you will have a delicious hunk of meat.
The meat can be use as a soup, put on rice or potatoes, or can be pulled and put on a bun or in a sandwhich. Or, you can do all of the above since you probably have enough to last a couple days.
Note, I did not use butter or oil, but you can. However, I would recommend organic beef broth instead. I did not use soy sauce, BBQ sauce, or balsamic vinegar, but you can. It really depends on your preferences (I used Worcestershire). I would chose olive oil or beef broth, if you must, and I would chose one maybe -- soy sauce, balsamic, BBQ sauce, or Worcestershire. Healthy choices!
Enjoy!
The beef can be served on mashed potatoes, rice, or on a sandwich (or even tacos). Once you eat most the beef, it makes a great vegetable beef soup that you can freeze.
