Cooking a pot roast in a crock-pot without any vegetables is simple and straightforward. Here's a basic recipe for a classic and delicious pot roast using only the roast itself:
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds of beef chuck roast (or any other pot roast cut)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Roast: Start by seasoning the pot roast with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
Preheat the Crock-Pot: Turn on your crock-pot and set it to the desired cooking temperature. Typically, you'll want to cook the roast on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific crock-pot model and the size of the roast.
Place the Roast in the Crock-Pot: Put the seasoned roast into the crock-pot, making sure it fits comfortably in the cooker.
Cover and Cook: Once the roast is in the crock-pot, put the lid on securely. Let it cook for the recommended time, depending on your chosen temperature setting. Cooking on low and slow will result in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Check for Doneness: After the cooking time is complete, check the internal temperature of the roast using a meat thermometer. For a pot roast, the ideal internal temperature should be around 190-200°F (88-93°C). The meat should be fork-tender and easy to shred.
Rest and Serve: Once the roast is fully cooked, you can let it rest in the crock-pot for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, slice or shred the pot roast as desired and serve it hot.
That's it! You now have a simple and tasty pot roast that consists of just the meat, no vegetables or other ingredients necessary. If you prefer a saucier pot roast, you can add some beef broth or your favorite cooking liquid before cooking. However, cooking the roast on its own will still result in a flavorful and satisfying meal.