The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
Slow Cooker Waterless Pot Roast
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- #112401
This pot roast may be waterless, but it's definitely mouthwatering. Beef, onion soup mix, and savory vegetables are all you need! Well, and a slow cooker. And the patience to smell the roast all day without peeking in.
serves/makes:
ready in:
over 5 hrs
over 5 hrs
4 reviews
ingredients
1 large onion, thinly sliced, divided use
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
3 pounds pot roast (chuck, brisket, bottom round, etc)
OPTIONAL
2 carrots, cut into 2-3 inch lengths
3 small potatoes, peeled and cut in half
directions
Place the optional carrots and potatoes in the bottom of the crock pot. Cover with half of the sliced onion.
Evenly sprinkle the dry soup mix over all sides of the pot roast. Place the roast in the crock pot and top with the remaining sliced onions.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low (or "warm" if your crock pot has it) for 8-10 hours. You want it on the lowest setting possible. Do not add any water and do not lift the lid during the first 8 hours. The crock pot will create steam to keep the meat moist. Lifting the lid will release that steam and dry out the roast.
When the time is up, remove the roast to a cutting board and remove the potatoes and carrots with a slotted spoon to a platter. Slice the roast just before serving.
Skim off any fat from the juices in the crock pot or strain the liquid if desired. Serve alongside the roast and vegetables, or thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
crock pot notes
Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.recipe tips
Avoid lifting the lid frequently to check on the roast; trust the process.
If your crock pot has a "warm" setting, use it to keep the roast at a low, steady temperature. Most modern crock pots cook "hotter" than the ones did when this recipe was developed so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Consider browning the roast on all sides in a skillet before placing it in the crock pot for added flavor.
For a more intense flavor, marinate the roast overnight in the refrigerator with the dry onion soup mix before cooking.
Slice the meat against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Experiment with different dry soup mixes for variations in flavor.
If you find the flavor too intense, dilute the juices with a little broth before serving.
common recipe questions
What cuts of meat are suitable for a waterless pot roast?
Chuck, brisket, bottom round, or any other cut that benefits from slow cooking can be used.
Why do you place vegetables at the bottom of the crock pot?
Vegetables placed at the bottom cook evenly and absorb flavors from the meat and seasoning above them.
What is the purpose of the dry onion soup mix in this recipe?
The dry onion soup mix acts as a seasoning, providing a rich, savory flavor to the meat and vegetables.
Can I add other vegetables to the pot roast?
Yes, you can add vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or celery for variety.
How do I know when the pot roast is done cooking?
The pot roast is done when it is tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork, typically after 8-10 hours on low.
Why shouldn't I add water to the crock pot?
The meat and vegetables release enough moisture to create steam, ensuring the roast stays moist without the need for added water.
What happens if I lift the lid during cooking?
Lifting the lid releases steam, lowering the temperature inside the crock pot and potentially drying out the roast.
How can I thicken the juices from the crock pot to serve as a gravy?
Skim off any fat and thicken the juices with a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water, then stir into the juices and heat until thickened).
Can I cook the pot roast on a high setting to reduce the cooking time?
Cooking on high can result in a less tender roast; it's best to use the low setting for the most tender results. If you must cook it on high, plan on about 3-5 hours (depending on your crock pot).
How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
Keeping a can of frozen orange juice concentrate in the freezer means you can make more than just orange juice. Try it in a variety of orange-flavored recipes.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
reviews & comments
October 25, 2019
Good except... DO NOT COOK ON WARM! My meat was not done after 10 hrs. And my vegetables were rock hard!
Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones that doesn't have a crock pot that overcooks everything like most newer ones do. Definitely adjust the recipe based on your crock pot.
June 20, 2017
If you want something unbelievable add a packet of ranch salad dressing mix plus two tablespoons of peperoncini peppers from Mozzetta. Instead of onion mix, we use a packet of au jus mix!!
March 2, 2017
I was initially a little turned off by the idea of the soup mix but it actually made a pretty awesome seasoning and gravy. I cooked on the warm setting and I think using low setting would have overcooked it so keep that in mind when trying the recipe. Definitely use the lowest setting if you can or cook for a shorter time.
March 7, 2011
This is a a good, basic pot roast recipe for the crockpot, best made with fresh (NOT CORNED) brisket or a trimmed-of-excess-fat chuck roast. And yes, don't add water or you'll end up with something wet and unpleasant.