Amish pot roast is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker, this recipe infuses the chuck roast with a rich blend of savory and aromatic ingredients, resulting in a tender, juicy roast that falls apart with a fork. The combination of garlic powder, dried oregano, soy sauce, and prepared coffee creates a deep, complex flavor profile that enhances the natural richness of the beef. Cooking low and slow ensures the roast becomes incredibly tender while soaking up all the delicious seasonings. This dish is ideal for busy weekdays, weekend gatherings, or when you’re craving a satisfying, no-fuss dinner. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking

Once everything is in the slow cooker, it requires minimal effort. Just set it and forget it, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

2. Rich, Deep Flavors

The combination of coffee, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dried herbs creates a rich, savory base that perfectly complements the tender roast.

3. Perfectly Tender Roast

The slow cooking method ensures that the chuck roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making every bite a treat.

4. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it easy and budget-friendly to prepare.

5. Leftovers Make Great Meals

Not only is the pot roast delicious on its own, but the leftovers can be used in sandwiches, salads, or soups for another satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Chuck roast (3 pounds)
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp)
Garlic powder (1 tsp)
Dried oregano (1 tsp)
Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
Soy sauce (1/4 cup)
Prepared coffee (1 cup)
Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
White onion (1 large, halved and thinly sliced)
Bay leaves (2)
Cornstarch (2 tbsp)
Cold water (3 tbsp, for slurry)
Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, or parsnips to the slow cooker for a complete meal that cooks alongside the roast.
Use Different Cuts of Meat: While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, other cuts such as brisket or round roast can be substituted, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
Add Red Wine: For a deeper flavor, replace the coffee with red wine or a mix of wine and broth.
Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Herb Variations: While oregano is used here, you can substitute or add other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to change the flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Roast

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with garlic powder, dried oregano, and fresh ground black pepper. Once the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in the flavors and helps develop a rich crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared roast into the slow cooker. Add the soy sauce, coffee, Worcestershire sauce, and sliced onion. Place the bay leaves on top of the roast.

Step 3: Cook the Roast

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the roast is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Once the roast is done, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside to rest. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

Slice or shred the roast, then serve it with the thickened gravy. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Searing the Roast: While searing is optional, it adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the roast and improves the overall taste of the dish.
Check the Roast Early: If you’re cooking on high, check the roast after 4 hours to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Every slow cooker is different, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
Make the Gravy Lighter: If you prefer a lighter gravy, you can substitute the cornstarch with a flour slurry or omit it entirely for a thinner sauce.
Flavor Adjustment: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash more soy sauce if desired.

How to Serve

With Mashed Potatoes: The rich gravy from the slow cooker pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Over Rice: Serve the roast and gravy over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
With Roasted Vegetables: Roast carrots, potatoes, or other vegetables to serve alongside the pot roast for a complete, hearty meal.
On Sandwiches: Shred the leftover roast and use it to make delicious sandwiches, topped with the gravy and maybe a bit of horseradish or mustard.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Amish pot roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the roast to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a slow cooker or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by placing them in a pot with some of the leftover gravy. Simmer over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, you can use brisket, round roast, or other tough cuts of beef. The slow cooking process will make them tender.

2. Can I use beef broth instead of coffee?

Yes, if you don’t like the idea of using coffee, beef broth is a great alternative.

3. Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the roast on high for about 4-5 hours, but for the best tenderness, cooking it on low for 8 hours is recommended.

4. How do I make the gravy thicker?

If the gravy is too thin, mix in more cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

5. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or parsnips about halfway through the cooking time. They will cook perfectly alongside the roast.

6. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot by cooking on the “slow cook” setting or using the pressure cook setting for about 60 minutes, followed by a natural release.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Check your Worcestershire sauce for any gluten content.

8. Can I skip the soy sauce?

If you don’t have soy sauce or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with coconut aminos or a bit of salt to taste.

9. How do I know when the roast is done?

The roast is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds. You can check for doneness by gently pulling at the roast with a fork.

10. Can I freeze the pot roast leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Be sure to store them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This slow cooker Amish pot roast is a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort and delivers incredible results. With its tender meat, rich gravy, and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s a go-to recipe for busy days or whenever you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or any time you want to enjoy the deep, savory flavors of a classic pot roast, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the deliciousness of Amish pot roast and the joy of a home-cooked meal with ease!