Let’s face it: the holidays are incredibly busy for families, and also a time when you want to enjoy thoughtful and delicious food with the ones you love. So how do you do both without spreading yourself too thin? Try this flavorful slow-cooker recipe for a tender beef chuck roast that will make you a holiday hero in your home!
This simple recipe is not only seasonal but very adaptable. We encourage you to adjust the amount of pepper and seasonings in the dry rub and the red chile sauce to make it your own.
Ingredients:
- 1 beef chuck roast (Ours was three pounds and can easily serve 3-5 people depending on appetites!)
- Dry Rub:
- 1.5 Tbsp. Salt (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp. Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 Tsp. Cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp. Paprika
- A neutral oil, such as avocado or olive oil for binding.
- Red Chile Sauce (can be made in advance)
Other/Optional Ingredients:
- 3-5 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium yellow onion, medium diced (optional)
- 2 cups dried pinto or black beans (optional)
- 2-3 cups fingerling potatoes, medium-diced (optional)
Instructions:
- 1. Prepare the Roast
- Mix salt, pepper, cayenne, and paprika in a small bowl. Feel free to experiment with amounts to your preferred taste!
- Pat your roast dry with paper towels. Place on a large plate or baking sheet.
- Lightly brush oil on the roast and evenly coat all over. A little goes a long way, so less is more.
- Apply seasoning evenly over the roast, pressing it into the meat.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (allowing the flavors to penetrate the roast)
- 2. Searing the Roast
- Remove your roast from the refrigerator about 40-60 minutes before cooking, and slowly let it come to room temperature, while you prepare your other ingredients.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet or cast iron frying pan.
- Place the roast on the skillet and let each side sear to a nice brown to medium-brown color, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 3. Finish in Slow Cooker
- When your roast has a nice brown crust on all sides, remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board.
- Take a small paring knife and cut a few small slits on the top of the roast. Insert the garlic cloves and tuck them into the roast. This step is optional if you don’t like garlic (but who doesn’t love garlic?).
- Place roast inside your slow cooker, and gently add the red chile sauce, covering the roast.
- Add your onions, beans, and potatoes, or you can make use of other cozy and practical holiday ingredients. This is an excellent opportunity to use up what you have on hand and what your family loves.
A roast such as beef chuck requires a low, slow temperature (we set our slow cooker to the lowest, 10-hour setting). The roast is the star of the show, but the built-in sides of the veggies, potatoes, and other ingredients make it a complete meal. Serve with warm, fresh tortillas or cornbread.
Ready to prepare this in your home? Check out our Find A Market locator to pick up some local ingredients for extra New Mexico flavor when preparing this and other dishes.
Recipe and photos by Scott Knauer