Years ago when my husband and I were in college we didn't go out on dates very often. I would however go over to his apartment and he would cook me dinner. Usually it was something like fried bologna, pasta or some other meal that didn't involve meat or a very cheap meat. We were way too poor to have beef. But every Sunday, my husband's neighbors would fix a slow cooker pot roast for lunch. Most of the time she would bring us the leftovers for dinner. We always looked forward to having the tender, juicy pot roast. It was so delicious. So when we were moving away, I asked her for the recipe. I was shocked at how easy it was to make.
This slow cooker pot roast only takes a few minutes to put together, so it is easy to make in the morning and come home to some amazing comfort food that night. Although it isn't as inexpensive as ramen or beans & rice, pot roast is a fairly inexpensive meal. Because the meat cooks all day it is best to use the cheaper, fatter cuts of meat. You can usually find roasts for around $2-$3 a pound. For around $10 I can make a pot roast and sides that will feed us for 2-3 meals.
Start by placing the roast in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add 1 cup of Coke, yup Coke. I know that is weird, but I have been told it tenderizes the meat. If you don't want to use Coke you can add a cup of water.
Then, add 1 package of powdered onion soup on top of the roast. I just use the Aldi brand of powdered onion soup. Add your veggies on top, we like baby carrots and red potatoes.
Set the slow cooker on low for about 7-9 hours. The meat won't get tough, it will only become more tender the longer you cook it. When you are ready to eat just let it cool for a few minutes and serve.
We love it with some fresh baked bread. It's the perfect winter meal to enjoy on those nights you just don't feel like cooking dinner. I love that all the veggies are cooked with it too so I don't have to make any extra sides. So, skip the carry out and spend a few minutes in the kitchen to enjoy this hearty meal.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
4 pound roast, I prefer chuck roast
1/2 pound baby carrots
5-6 small red potatoes
1 packet powdered onion soup
1 cup Coke or water
Place roast in bottom of slow cooker. Pour one cup of Coke and packet of onion soup mix on top of the roast. Add in 1/2 pound baby carrots and 5-6 small red potatoes. Cover with lid and cook on low for about 7-9 hours. Enjoy!
