So I’ve been neglecting some of you and I’m sorry – but you’ll be happy to know that ends today. Many of you have been requesting crock pot/slow cooker recipes, and I’m finally getting around to it – starting with this fantastic Easy Paleo Pot Roast recipe!
Truth is, I’ve never been a big crock pot user. I have 2 of them – but they stay buried deep in my cabinets, unless I’m making homemade greek yogurt. I think the last time I actually cooked a meal in one was at least three years ago, if not longer.
But it’s not that I don’t like them, I just never think of it. Also, I don’t always plan my meals way ahead, so for me it’s usually easier to see what I have in the fridge and throw something together for dinner on the fly. There is something to be said for the “set it and forget it” convenience of a crock pot though.
Walking in after a long day of work or school to a delicious smelling home and a meal ready to serve definitely has it’s perks! In addition, it doesn’t have to be an elaborate recipe to taste amazing. Take this Easy Paleo Pot Roast recipe for example, I made it simple on purpose, just to see how it would come out.
Well the verdict is in – it’s delicious, hearty, and Whole 30 compliant – does it get any better than that?? I think not.
One issue I’ve always had with crock pot cooking is having to brown the meat first, saute onions, or whatever. It always seemed like if I was going to dirty a pot anyway, why not just cook my meal in it? Some of the recipes I have coming up don’t require that extra step, this one I’m afraid, does.
You really need to sear your meat to get some flavor in the broth. I suppose it will still work if you don’t, but you simply won’t get the same depth of flavor – it’s basic chemistry here.
I roasted my rutabaga separately and served it with the pot roast, but you could also add it directly to the pot during cooking to make things easier.
The one thing I would have added had I not been doing the Whole 30 this month is some red wine. If you are low carb, you can omit the carrots and serve this over a cauliflower mash – maybe a splash of heavy cream….awesome.
You can also add mushrooms if that’s your thing (I recommend sprinkling some fresh thyme over it before serving if you do – because thyme and mushrooms are sublime together).
So you get the point, this Easy Paleo Pot Roast is a basic recipe to get you started – and it’s delicious as is, but there are many many variations you can experiment with just to keep it interesting. Go nuts. :)
And as always, we love hearing about your concoctions, so please do share in the comments if you have a favorite pot roast version of your own!
Easy Paleo Pot Roast (Whole 30 Compliant)
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
A super simple and versatile pot roast recipe that is Whole 30 compliant!
Ingredients
- Approximately 2.5 lb chuck roast
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 cup baby carrots (or chopped carrots)
- 2 cups of water or broth
- (optional) 1 cup red wine
- 2 Tbl fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season your roast with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot pan until browned on all sides. Add to a crock pot. (note: I used a 5 quart but you can easily go much smaller. If you are using a small one, cut the roast into two pieces to fit – be aware that you may have to add more liquid to cover it)
- Add everything but the parsley to the pot and cover. Cook on high for five hours.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve garnished with fresh parsley over roasted rutabaga, cauliflower puree, or the side of your choice.
Notes
*Approx nutrition info per serving: 264 calories, 16g fat, 2.5g net carbs, 25g protein
Also, you don’t need a crock pot or slow cooker to make this recipe – if you choose, you can add all of the ingredients to a large pot and simmer on the stove (low heat), covered, for about 3 hours or until the meat is tender. Enjoy!
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Melissa says
Hi there, this sounds amazing. I am learning to use my crock pot – difficult to find low-carb, clean recipes. Quick question, in the blog you mention a dash of heavy cream – do you mean to add the cream to the crock pot with the other ingredients, or when ready to serve , or to the cauli mash? Thanks!
Mellissa Sevigny says
It’s been so long since I posted this that I don’t really remember, but it may have been to add to the juices to make it more like a gravy, which I’ve done before. I was on the whole 30’at the time which is dairy free so that was probably it! Enjoy!
Melissa says
Thank you so much! Huge hit at our house. I am making it again, but my roast is 5 lbs, and I would like to cook it on low. Is there a reason to cook it on high for five instead of low for 8? Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I am starting Atkins Induction tomorrow so I am excited to make this again. Thank you!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Either one works, it just depends on how fast you want it done or how long you’re going to be gone, etc.
Tasha says
This recipe was spot on. Used chicken and beef broth in this. My husband said it’s the best roast he’s ever had. Wonderful addition to our Whole30 recipes. THANKS!!
Tasha says
I was thinking about adding potatoes to this. Have you done this? And if so, do you recommend putting them in with the rest of the ingredients?
Eileen @ Phoenix Helix says
This recipe looks delicious AND it fits the paleo autoimmune protocol (a rare thing). So, thank you! I recently started a weekly Paleo AIP Recipe Roundtable through my blog, and I would love it if you linked up this recipe. I’m trying to expand resources for the AIP community. Here’s the link: http://www.phoenixhelix.com/2014/01/22/paleo-aip-recipe-roundtable-11/
Christine says
Hi there! I have been trying to find a pot roast recipe for ages that doesn’t include the use of canned soup. This recipe looks great, I will be trying it tonight. Thank you!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Hope you like it Christine! It was a real hit over at our house!
Suz says
I love using my slow cooker and coming home to a hot dinner!
Dirtgirl says
Just love cooking with Crock Pots/Slow Cookers and have had my original one for about 30 yrs. I was also given a 2nd newer model (but would you believe I prefer the older style one) I have also now got my daughter onto using them. Just so handy. I am yet to have a disaster when using a slow cooker. Whilst it is summer here now, this recipe will definitely be getting a whirl as soon as the cooler weather appears. Thanks for always sharing such wonderful tasty recipes.
Denise says
Thanks! I seriously want to lick my monitor each time one of your email updates comes through. Yummmmmmy photos.
Sandi B says
I love my crock pot… I cooked an amazing lime chili cilantro whole chicken in it yesterday… so yummy! Even this morning for leftovers :)
Jayne says
I’ve got a roast in my fridge right now and this is the perfect recipe as I love my crockpot!