When it comes to a classic Sunday roast, there’s one thing that can make or break the dish: the gravy. A rich, flavorful gravy can elevate the entire meal, while a bland or lumpy one can leave it feeling flat. If you’re looking for a way to make a delicious gravy from your slow cooker roast beef, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the process of making gravy from slow cooker roast beef, including the benefits of using a slow cooker, the key ingredients you’ll need, and a step-by-step guide to making the perfect gravy.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at why using a slow cooker is a great way to make roast beef gravy. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are incredibly easy to use. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Tender meat: Slow cookers are perfect for cooking tougher cuts of meat, like roast beef. The low heat and long cooking time break down the connective tissues in the meat, leaving it tender and flavorful.
- Rich flavors: The slow cooker is a great way to extract all the rich flavors from your roast beef and turn them into a delicious gravy.
Key Ingredients
To make a delicious gravy from your slow cooker roast beef, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here are the most important ones:
- Roast beef broth: This is the liquid that’s left in the slow cooker after you’ve cooked your roast beef. It’s packed with flavor and is the base of your gravy.
- Flour or cornstarch: You’ll need a thickening agent to turn your broth into a rich, velvety gravy. Flour or cornstarch work well for this.
- Butter or oil: Adding a bit of fat to your gravy will help to enrich the flavor and texture.
- Seasonings: You can add any seasonings you like to your gravy, but some popular options include salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Optional Ingredients
There are a few optional ingredients you can add to your gravy to give it extra flavor. Here are a few ideas:
- Red wine: A small amount of red wine can add a rich, depth of flavor to your gravy.
- Mushroom broth: If you’re a fan of mushrooms, you can add some mushroom broth to your gravy for extra flavor.
- Onion or garlic: Sauteed onion or garlic can add a delicious flavor to your gravy.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gravy from Slow Cooker Roast Beef
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, let’s take a look at the step-by-step process of making gravy from slow cooker roast beef.
Step 1: Remove the Roast Beef from the Slow Cooker
The first step is to remove the roast beef from the slow cooker and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Step 2: Strain the Broth
Next, you’ll need to strain the broth that’s left in the slow cooker. You can do this by pouring the broth into a large measuring cup or bowl through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard any solids that are left behind.
Step 3: Skim Off Excess Fat
If there’s a lot of excess fat in your broth, you may want to skim some of it off before making your gravy. You can do this by placing the broth in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, then skimming off the solidified fat that rises to the top.
Step 4: Make the Roux
To thicken your gravy, you’ll need to make a roux. This is a mixture of flour or cornstarch and fat that’s cooked together until it’s lightly browned. To make the roux, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.
Step 5: Add the Broth
Once the roux is lightly browned, you can add the broth to the saucepan. Whisk constantly to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6: Season the Gravy
Once the gravy has thickened, you can season it with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Step 7: Serve
Finally, it’s time to serve your delicious slow cooker roast beef gravy. You can serve it over the sliced roast beef, or use it to top mashed potatoes, vegetables, or anything else you like.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the most of your slow cooker roast beef gravy:
- Use a high-quality broth: The quality of your broth will directly impact the flavor of your gravy. Use a high-quality broth or stock for the best results.
- Experiment with different seasonings: Don’t be afraid to try out different seasonings and herbs in your gravy. You can add a bit of dried thyme or rosemary for a classic flavor, or try something more adventurous like paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Make it ahead: You can make your gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it over low heat before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker roast beef gravy:
- Not straining the broth: Failing to strain the broth can result in a lumpy or cloudy gravy.
- Not skimming off excess fat: Excess fat can make your gravy taste greasy or unpleasantly rich.
- Not whisking constantly: Failing to whisk constantly when adding the broth to the roux can result in lumps.
Conclusion
Making gravy from slow cooker roast beef is a simple and delicious way to elevate your Sunday roast. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a rich, flavorful gravy that’s perfect for serving over sliced roast beef, mashed potatoes, or anything else you like. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, experiment with different seasonings, and avoid common mistakes to make the most of your slow cooker roast beef gravy.
What is the best cut of beef for slow cooker roast beef gravy?
The best cut of beef for slow cooker roast beef gravy is a tougher cut that becomes tender with slow cooking, such as chuck roast, round roast, or rump roast. These cuts have a lot of connective tissue that breaks down during the cooking process, resulting in a tender and flavorful roast.
When choosing a cut of beef, look for one that is at least 2-3 pounds in size. This will ensure that you have enough meat for a hearty roast with plenty of gravy. You can also use a smaller cut of beef, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I prepare the slow cooker roast beef gravy recipe?
To prepare the slow cooker roast beef gravy recipe, start by seasoning the beef with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Then, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until it is browned. This step is important for creating a flavorful crust on the beef.
Next, transfer the beef to the slow cooker and add some liquid, such as beef broth or red wine, to cover the bottom of the slow cooker. You can also add some aromatics, such as onions and carrots, to the slow cooker for added flavor. Finally, cover the slow cooker and cook the beef on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Can I make the slow cooker roast beef gravy recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make the slow cooker roast beef gravy recipe in advance. In fact, the flavors of the dish will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious. To make the recipe in advance, cook the beef and gravy as directed, then refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve.
When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the beef and gravy in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. You can also make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, then reheat it when you are ready to serve.
How do I make the gravy for the slow cooker roast beef?
To make the gravy for the slow cooker roast beef, start by removing the beef from the slow cooker and straining the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard the solids and skim off any excess fat that rises to the top of the liquid.
Next, whisk together some flour and water to make a slurry, then whisk the slurry into the cooking liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the gravy thickens. You can also add some red wine or beef broth to the gravy to enhance the flavor.
Can I serve the slow cooker roast beef gravy with other sides?
Yes, you can serve the slow cooker roast beef gravy with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or egg noodles. The rich and savory flavor of the gravy pairs well with many different sides, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different options.
Some other ideas for sides that go well with slow cooker roast beef gravy include roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, or braised red cabbage. You can also serve the beef and gravy with some crusty bread or over rice or polenta.
How do I store leftover slow cooker roast beef gravy?
To store leftover slow cooker roast beef gravy, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it. The beef and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
When you are ready to reheat the beef and gravy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. You can also reheat individual portions of the beef and gravy in the microwave or oven.
Can I make the slow cooker roast beef gravy recipe in a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can make the slow cooker roast beef gravy recipe in a Dutch oven. To do so, brown the beef in a skillet, then transfer it to the Dutch oven with some liquid, such as beef broth or red wine. Cover the Dutch oven and cook the beef in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours, or until it is tender.
To make the gravy, remove the beef from the Dutch oven and strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard the solids and skim off any excess fat that rises to the top of the liquid. Then, whisk together some flour and water to make a slurry, and whisk the slurry into the cooking liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the gravy thickens.