Slow Cooker Pot Roast (German)
Ingredients
For the marinade and beef:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 medium celery stalks chopped
- 1 medium onion halved and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp juniper berries
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 to 4 pound beef chuck roast or bottom round roast
For cooking and finishing the roast:
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: Stir all the ingredients except the beef together in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then remove from the heat and cool completely.
- Place the beef in the bowl of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker and pour in the cooled marinade. (The meat will not be completely submerged.) Cover and place the bowl in the refrigerator to marinate for 2 days, flipping the meat once or twice per day.
- Slow-cook the beef: Remove the beef from refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Transfer the meat to a large plate and pat completely dry with paper towels. Do not discard the marinade. Generously season the meat all over with the salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil over high heat in a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet until shimmering. Add the beef and sear each side until deeply browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
- Return the beef to the marinade in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid. Cook until the beef is tender and cooked through, 8 to 9 hours on LOW, or 5 to 6 hours on HIGH. Transfer the beef to a cutting board and rest for about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, strain the cooking liquid through a strainer or colander set over a bowl. Measure out 2 cups of the liquid and set aside (discard the remaining cooking liquid and solids).
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups reserved cooking liquid. Cook, whisking frequently, until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Slice the meat and serve hot.