Discover Louisiana's Comfort: Crockpot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe

Photo byMhbolat Rasha

When you think of comfort food in Louisiana, you might imagine spicy gumbo or jambalaya. But there's another dish that brings a sense of home and warmth to many kitchens across the state: a classic Crockpot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots. This dish, perfect for those slow Sunday dinners or a mid-week pick-me-up, brings together the deep, savory flavors that are so beloved in Louisiana cuisine.

A Taste of Louisiana Comfort

Picture this: a tender beef roast, slow-cooked to perfection, surrounded by hearty chunks of potatoes and sweet carrots, all bathed in a rich, flavorful broth. It's the kind of meal that fills your home with an aroma that brings everyone to the kitchen, ready to dig in. In Louisiana, where food is a way of life and every meal is an event, this Crockpot Roast captures the essence of Southern comfort with every bite.

Recipe: Louisiana-Style Crockpot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Ingredients:

• 3 lb (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Begin by seasoning your beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This is the foundation of flavor for your roast.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the roast, searing it for 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. This step helps lock in the juices and adds a depth of flavor.
3. Transfer the seared roast to your crockpot. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the onion starts to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Add this mixture to the crockpot, spreading it over the roast.
4. Arrange the carrots and potatoes around the roast in the crockpot. These vegetables will absorb the delicious juices from the roast as they cook.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth, red wine (if you’re using it), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour this mixture over the roast and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well-coated. Add the bay leaves for a hint of earthy flavor.
6. Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The key is to cook it slowly so that the meat becomes tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
8. Serve the roast hot, making sure each plate gets plenty of the flavorful vegetables and some of the rich cooking liquid.

The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

This Louisiana-style Crockpot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you’re enjoying it with family on a lazy weekend or sharing it with friends at a gathering, it brings everyone together around the table. The combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a savory broth makes this dish a favorite. Plus, the slow-cooking method means that it’s easy to prepare, giving you more time to enjoy the company of those you love.

This roast is a reminder of the slow, easy days of Louisiana life, where food is savored and memories are made around the dinner table.

I've found some great sources for a Crockpot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots recipe, each with slightly different variations and tips to perfect your dish.

1. Her Wholesome Kitchen provides a straightforward recipe for a slow cooker pot roast. It emphasizes using a chuck roast due to its fat content and toughness, which makes it perfect for slow cooking. They recommend cooking the roast on low for about 8-9 hours to achieve a tender, fall-apart result. They also include an optional gravy recipe made from the cooking juices, thickened with cornstarch​(Her Wholesome Kitchen).
2. The Ashcroft Family Table suggests placing the vegetables on top of the meat in the crockpot to prevent them from overcooking, especially if your crockpot cooks hotter or if you're cooking on high. This method helps keep the vegetables tender without turning mushy. They also recommend preparing everything the night before to save time in the morning​(The Ashcroft Family Table).
3. Lil' Luna offers a similar recipe but includes a mix of ranch seasoning and brown gravy mix to enhance the flavors. They suggest cooking the roast on low for 8 hours for the best results, ensuring that the meat is tender and flavorful​(Lil' Luna).
4. Well Plated emphasizes the importance of searing the roast before placing it in the slow cooker to add extra flavor. They also suggest adjusting the cooking time if the meat isn't tender enough, which might require cooking it a bit longer on low​(Well Plated).

Each of these recipes offers its own twist, so you can choose the one that suits your tastes best. For more details on each recipe, check out the original articles on Her Wholesome Kitchen, The Ashcroft Family Table, Lil' Luna, and Well Plated.