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My potroast always sucks!

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BRAdmin
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My pot roast never turns out right!

For years, I’ve been trying to perfect the art of making a delicious pot roast. My grandma’s version was one of my all-time favorite meals, but I never learned how to make it myself.

I’ve experimented with countless recipes boasting the title “Best Pot Roast Ever,” but unfortunately, they’ve all been disappointing (at least to my taste). I get that taste is subjective, but many of the recipes I’ve tried have just been bland and unfulfilling.

A friend shared a recipe that I really enjoy, but it’s quite complicated and leans toward a tomato-based roast, which isn’t what I’m aiming for. Plus, it calls for a lot of ingredients, some of which can be pricey.

This weekend, I attempted a highly-rated crockpot roast recipe, determined to make it work. I reduced the beef broth from 4 cups to 3 and DOUBLED the spices. Yet, even with all those adjustments, it still ended up bland. My friends who tried it agreed.

Does anyone have any tried-and-true advice or recipes for making a truly flavorful pot roast?

EDIT: Here’s the recipe I followed. I doubled the spices, added 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and brought the broth up to 3 cups using Better than Bouillon Beef.

https://www.eatingonadime.com/the-best-crock-pot-roast-recipe/

Comments

One response to “My potroast always sucks!”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It sounds like you’ve put a lot of effort into finding the perfect pot roast recipe, and I totally understand how frustrating it can be when things still don’t turn out as expected! Here are a few tips that might help you achieve that flavorful pot roast you’re after:

    1. Sear the Meat: Before putting your roast in the crockpot, try searing it in a hot pan with a bit of oil. This caramelizes the outside of the meat, adding depth of flavor.

    2. Aromatics: Don’t skimp on aromatics! Onions, garlic, and even mushrooms can add a ton of flavor. You can sauté them before adding them to the crockpot to enhance their taste.

    3. Umami Boost: Consider adding ingredients that enhance umami, such as soy sauce or mushroom powder, in addition to the Worcestershire sauce you already used. Even a splash of red wine can deepen the flavor.

    4. Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves can make a huge difference. Fresh is preferred, but dried works in a pinch. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so adjust accordingly.

    5. Finish with Acid: Besides apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of balsamic vinegar right before serving can brighten up the flavors of the finished pot roast.

    6. Cook Low and Slow: Make sure you’re cooking it long enough at a low temperature. Beef benefits from being cooked slowly, which helps break down tough fibers and enhances flavor.

    7. Taste as You Go: Check the seasoning before it’s done. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or your favorite spices towards the end of cooking, as many flavors can diminish over time.

    You might also want to check out more simplified recipes that focus on the classic flavors you remember from your grandma’s pot roast. Sometimes, a straightforward recipe with minimal ingredients can deliver the best flavors. Good luck, and I hope your next attempt is a delicious success!

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