Coffee Pot Roast
A 3 lb chuck roast cooked 9½ hours on LOW with brewed coffee, brown sugar, garlic and onion, which turns into a dark, savory gravy.
Coffee Pot Roast
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes9
hours30
minutesA 3 lb chuck roast cooked 9½ hours on LOW with brewed coffee, brown sugar, garlic and onion, which turns into a dark, savory gravy.
Ingredients
3 lb boneless chuck roast
1½ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup strong brewed coffee
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 large yellow onion, sliced
5 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 lb baby potatoes, left whole
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
Directions
- Season the roast with the salt, pepper and paprika.
- Sear it in the oil 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Put the onion, garlic and potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Set the roast on top and sprinkle with thyme.
- Whisk the coffee, brown sugar, Worcestershire and vinegar and pour it around the roast.
- Cover and cook 9½ hours on LOW.
- Test with two forks for a clean separation.
- Lift the roast to a platter and skim the fat from the liquid.
- Simmer the liquid, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and boil 2 minutes.
- Serve the roast with the dark gravy over the potatoes.
Notes
- Use plain brewed coffee with no cream or sugar. The coffee mellows over the long cook, so the gravy tastes roasted, not bitter.
Why coffee belongs in Coffee Pot Roast
Plain brewed coffee with no cream or sugar mellows over the long cook, so the gravy tastes roasted, not bitter. Brown sugar and balsamic round out the flavor. The acidity also helps soften the chuck.
Swaps that work for Coffee Pot Roast
Decaf works just as well. Beef broth can replace half the coffee for a milder flavor. Do not use flavored coffee or instant powder, which can taste harsh. Do not add milk or creamer.
Brew the coffee fresh, since stale coffee leaves a flat taste. The coffee does not make this taste like a latte. It adds the same dark note you get from searing or from a splash of stout. Whisk the liquid well so the brown sugar dissolves before it goes around the roast.
Coffee Pot Roast leftovers and sides
Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans. Leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge in the gravy.
The mistake is using weak coffee. A strong brew is what leaves a deep, roasted flavor.
Coffee Pot Roast at a glance
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Ingredients: 14, led by boneless chuck roast, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil
Tips for Coffee Pot Roast
Use plain brewed coffee with no cream or sugar. The coffee mellows over the long cook, so the gravy tastes roasted, not bitter.
Coffee Pot Roast FAQ
How long does Coffee Pot Roast take?
Coffee Pot Roast takes 9 hours 30 minutes of cooking after 10 minutes of prep.
How many people does Coffee Pot Roast serve?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What do I need to make Coffee Pot Roast?
14 ingredients, led by boneless chuck roast, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
