Chuck Roast in Savory Coffee Gravy with Roasted Carrots and Onions, and Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 chuck roasts, totaling about 6.5 lbs
- Coarse pepper, smoked salt, black truffle salt (to taste)
- 1.5-2 cups strongly brewed black coffee (espresso level)
- 4 cups water
- 1 packet McCormick’s savory pot roast seasoning
- 1 packet McCormick’s Mississippi pot roast seasoning
- 1 packet McCormick’s garlic potato seasoning
- Carrots, peeled and sliced
- Onions, peeled and sliced
- Homemade roasted garlic olive oil
- Potatoes, peeled and diced
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Flour
Instructions:
- Season the chuck roasts generously with coarse pepper, smoked salt, and black truffle salt.
- Sear the seasoned chuck roasts in a cast iron skillet until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the seared chuck roasts to the crock pot.
- In a separate container, brew 1.5-2 cups of strongly brewed black coffee.
- Pour the brewed coffee into the crock pot over the chuck roasts.
- Add 4 cups of water to the crock pot.
- Sprinkle in the McCormick’s savory pot roast seasoning and McCormick’s Mississippi pot roast seasoning.
- Lock the lid and cook on low for about 5 hours, then switch to high for the last 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Coat the carrots and onions with homemade roasted garlic olive oil.
- Place the coated carrots and onions in a baking dish, sprinkle with the McCormick’s garlic potato seasoning, and add a little water to the bottom of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour or until the vegetables are tender.
- Boil the diced potatoes until fork-tender, then drain.
- Mash the boiled potatoes with heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Let the chuck roasts rest for about 20-30 minutes before serving.
- To make gravy, combine 1 tablespoon of fat drippings from the roast with 1 tablespoon of flour per 1 cup of juices from the roast. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
Serve the chuck roast with the savory coffee gravy, roasted carrots and onions, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Note: Adjust seasoning and ingredient quantities according to taste preferences.
As for the most popular questions and their answers related to this recipe, here are some:
- Can I use a different type of roast?
- Yes, you can use a different type of roast such as brisket or bottom round, but cooking times may vary.
- What can I use instead of black truffle salt?
- You can use regular salt or any other flavored salt of your choice.
- Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
- Yes, you can use instant coffee, but adjust the quantity according to your taste preference for coffee flavor.
- Can I skip the homemade roasted garlic olive oil?
- Yes, you can use regular olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice for coating the carrots and onions.
- What if I don’t have the specific seasoning packets mentioned?
- You can use your favorite pot roast seasoning blend or a combination of herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Can I add other vegetables to the roast?
- Yes, you can add other vegetables such as potatoes, celery, and mushrooms to the crock pot along with the roast.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- You can substitute the chuck roast with seitan or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- What can I serve as a side dish instead of mashed potatoes?
- You can serve the roast with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
- Can I use a Dutch oven instead of a crock pot?
- Yes, you can cook the roast in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven at low heat for several hours until tender.
To achieve the perfect chuck roast, here are some secrets to follow:
- Selecting the Meat: Choose a well-marbled chuck roast with a good amount of fat. The marbling will keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Seasoning: Season the chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices. Allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat by seasoning it at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Searing: Sear the chuck roast on all sides in a hot skillet or Dutch oven before slow-cooking. Searing caramelizes the surface of the meat, enhancing its flavor and creating a rich brown crust.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cook the chuck roast at a low temperature for an extended period, either in a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or oven. This allows the tough connective tissues to break down slowly, resulting in a tender and succulent roast.
- Adding Liquid: Add liquid, such as beef broth, wine, or water, to the cooking vessel to keep the roast moist during the long cooking process. This also creates a flavorful braising liquid that can be used for gravy or sauce.
- Vegetables and Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of the chuck roast by adding vegetables like onions, carrots, and garlic to the cooking vessel. These aromatics infuse the meat with additional flavor as it cooks.
- Resting: Allow the chuck roast to rest for at least 15-20 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices evenly throughout the meat. This ensures juiciness and tenderness when slicing and serving.
- Carving Against the Grain: When slicing the chuck roast, always cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.
- Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the cooking liquid before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add salt, pepper, or other seasonings to enhance the flavor of the sauce or gravy.
- Using Leftovers: Chuck roast leftovers can be used in various dishes such as sandwiches, tacos, soups, and stews. The flavorful meat can add richness and depth to many recipes.
By following these secrets, you’ll be able to achieve a perfectly cooked and delicious chuck roast every time!