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–+ servings
Slow-cooked beef stew served in a bowl
Olivia

Crockpot and Slow Cooker: What's the Real Difference and Which One Should You Use?

A tender, richly flavored beef pot roast cooked low and slow in your crockpot or slow cooker—perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Calories: 395
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb beef chuck roast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 carrots cut into chunks
  • 3 celery stalks sliced
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. 1. Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a pan, sear the roast on all sides until browned.
  3. 3. Transfer the roast to your crockpot or slow cooker.
  4. 4. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery on top of the beef.
  5. 5. In a small bowl, mix beef broth with tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Pour over the meat and vegetables.
  6. 6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  7. 7. Remove beef and let rest before slicing. Serve with vegetables and pan juices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1½ cupsCalories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 38gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 510mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

You can use either a crockpot or slow cooker—crockpots tend to hold heat more evenly.
Great served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or can be frozen.

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