An easy way to use an inexpensive cut of meat, this Slow Cooker Amish Pot Roast means more than just throwing meat in the crock pot, it adds a unique, bold flavor with the use of ingredients such as coffee, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce in the cooking process which enriches the flavor profile and creates a deep, savory flavor. The chuck roast is simmered until it’s meltingly tender, fortified with spices and herbs, and served with a thick gravy created from the drippings. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up every last bit, and finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Ideal for comforting family dinners or Sunday feasts. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Tender – The chuck roast is melt-in-your-mouth tender thanks to slow cooking.
- Unique Flavor Profile – Coffee and soy sauce make a rich, umami and somewhat earthy gravy that’s nearly irresistible.
- Hands-Free Cooking – Instead of hovering over the stove, let the slow cooker do its thing while you go about your day with a warm, hearty meal simmering away.
Key Ingredients
Chuck Roast
Chuck roast is a flavorful, marbled cut that turns pillowy tender when slow-cooked. You could also use brisket, or a boneless beef shoulder instead.
Coffee
Brewed coffee lends depth to the gravy. Don’t fret — it will not taste like coffee, but it adds depth to the plant’s savory quality.
Soy Sauce
The soy sauce brings umami richness to the roast and offsets the coffee’s earthiness. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your salt intake.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire adds a tangy, umami flavor that enhances the soy sauce and coffee.
Garlic Powder & Oregano
These basic seasonings are a nice boost of flavor to the meat. If you want more herbaceous notes, feel free to add some sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary.
Onion & Bay Leaves
The cooking roast softens and sweetens the onions and imparts an aromatic undercurrent of bay leaves to the gravy.
Cornstarch
These starches thicken the gravy and make it rich and clingy for each bite of meat.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Chuck Roast
In a large skillet, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown all sides of the chuck roast. This phase brings complexity and flavor to the meat.
Step 2: Season the Roast
Enhance the flavor by seasoning the seared roast with garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper.
Step 3: Get the Slow Cooker Ready
Add the seasoned roast to your slow cooker. Place sliced onions and 2 to 3 bay leaves around the roast for added flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour over the roast and onions: 1 cup brewed coffee, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. These liquids will combine to make a savory, rich gravy.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Roast
Cook on LOW for 9 hours. Covering the pot as you cook will help keep the moisture in, making the meat more tender.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
Transfer the roast to a plate and skim any excess fat from the liquid. Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the liquid in the slow cooker. Turn up the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for about 20 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 7: Shred and Serve
Shred the roast with two forks and return it to the slow cooker along with the thickened gravy. Let it simmer for a few minutes, about 5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. This tender roast pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic side to soak up every bit of gravy.
- Rice: Serve over garlicky white or brown rice for an easy, feel-good meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and parsnips roasted with garlic and herbs complement the dish beautifully.
- Bread: A warm piece of crusty bread is great for sopping up the rich, savory gravy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary. You can also microwave in small bursts.
- Freezing: Pot roast freezes well. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations
Red Wine Pot Roast
Swap out half the coffee for red wine for a richer, deeper flavor. The acidity of the wine helps tenderize the meat and complements the Worcestershire sauce and herbs beautifully.
Mushroom Pot Roast
For an earthy note in the gravy, add 1-2 cups of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions.
Herb-Infused Pot Roast
For extra aroma, sprinkle fresh thyme and rosemary in the slow cooker with the bay leaves. These herbs enhance both the beef and the coffee-based gravy.
Spicy Kick
To add a little heat, mix in 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the liquid mixture before cooking. The spice cuts through the richness of the gravy.
Conclusion:
Tender, delicious slow-cooked chuck roast comes together effortlessly with this classic, no-fuss recipe for Slow Cooker Amish Pot Roast. The double-decker gravy, enriched with coffee and soy sauce, is bold and complex but still lets the beef shine. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you have a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for any evening of the week. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Amish Pot Roast
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chuck roast
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup prepared coffee
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large white onion halved and thinly sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp cold water for slurry
- fresh chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned.
- Season the seared roast with garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper to taste.
- Place the seasoned roast in your slow cooker. Add sliced onions and 2-3 bay leaves around the roast.
- Pour 1 cup of brewed coffee, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce over the roast and onions.
- Cook on LOW for 9 hours with the lid on to retain moisture.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker and skim off any excess fat. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir this slurry into the slow cooker liquid. Set to HIGH and cook for 20 minutes until thickened.
- Shred the roast and return it to the slow cooker to warm through. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.