Pot roast is a timeless comfort food, and Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, has become synonymous with delicious, approachable home cooking. While she’s famous for her classic oven pot roast, adapting her style to a crock pot rump roast is a fantastic way to enjoy this dish with even more ease. Let’s explore how to create a mouthwatering “Crock Pot Rump Roast Recipe Pioneer Woman” style, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.
Why Choose Rump Roast in a Crock Pot?
top view of a plate with pot roast with carrots
Just like Ree Drummond emphasizes the importance of getting the basics right for a perfect pot roast, understanding the benefits of using a crock pot and rump roast is key. Crock pots, or slow cookers, are ideal for transforming tougher cuts of meat into incredibly tender and flavorful meals. Rump roast, also known as bottom round roast, is a lean and economical cut of beef that becomes wonderfully succulent when cooked low and slow.
The Magic of Low and Slow Cooking
As Ree knows, low and slow cooking is crucial for pot roast. This method is especially effective in a crock pot. The gentle, consistent heat allows the rump roast to braise in its own juices and any added liquids, breaking down connective tissues and rendering fat. This results in a roast that is not only fork-tender but also deeply flavorful and moist – everything you want in a perfect pot roast. Plus, using a crock pot is incredibly convenient; you can set it and forget it, letting it cook while you go about your day.
Rump Roast: An Economical and Flavorful Choice
While chuck roast is a popular choice for pot roast, rump roast offers a leaner alternative that still delivers fantastic flavor and texture when slow-cooked. Like chuck roast, rump roast benefits from long cooking times that unlock its potential. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it perfect for family meals. Embrace the Pioneer Woman’s practical approach by utilizing this affordable cut to create a comforting and satisfying dish.
Crafting Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Crock Pot Rump Roast
a plate with pot roast with mashed potatoes
Inspired by Ree Drummond’s straightforward and flavorful style, this crock pot rump roast recipe focuses on simple ingredients and techniques to maximize taste and tenderness. This recipe adapts the essence of her classic pot roast to the ease of a slow cooker, perfect for a rump roast.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2.5 to 3 pound rump roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 2 carrots, cut into large chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simple Steps to Crock Pot Perfection:
- Sear the Rump Roast (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary for crock pot cooking, searing the rump roast adds a beautiful depth of flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the rump roast generously with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Layer Vegetables in the Crock Pot: Place the onion wedges, carrot chunks, and celery chunks in the bottom of your crock pot. These vegetables will create a bed for the roast and infuse flavor into the dish.
- Add the Rump Roast: Place the seared rump roast on top of the vegetables in the crock pot.
- Flavor with Liquids and Aromatics: Pour beef broth and red wine (if using) over the roast. Add Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the rump roast is fork-tender and easily shreds. Cooking times may vary depending on your crock pot.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the rump roast from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crock pot to soak up the flavorful juices.
Tips for an Amazing Crock Pot Rump Roast
a plate with pot roast with carrots and onions
To elevate your crock pot rump roast to Pioneer Woman levels of deliciousness, consider these helpful tips:
- Don’t Skip the Searing (If You Have Time): Searing the rump roast before slow cooking really enhances the overall flavor. It creates a rich crust and adds complexity to the gravy.
- Adjust Vegetables to Your Liking: Feel free to add other vegetables to your crock pot rump roast, such as potatoes, mushrooms, or parsnips. Root vegetables work particularly well.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can easily thicken the cooking liquids after the roast is cooked. Remove about 1 cup of the liquid from the crock pot and whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or all-purpose flour. Return the mixture to the crock pot and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, or until thickened.
- Fresh Herbs for Brightness: While dried herbs work well for slow cooking, consider adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme during the last hour of cooking for an extra layer of fresh flavor.
- Taste and Season: Always taste the cooking liquid towards the end of the cooking time and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions for Your Crock Pot Rump Roast
Just like Ree Drummond suggests serving pot roast with classic homestyle sides, your crock pot rump roast pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a quintessential partner for pot roast, perfect for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
- Egg Noodles: Serve over buttered egg noodles for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, and parsnips complement the rich beef and add a touch of sweetness.
- Green Salad or Steamed Greens: Add a fresh green salad or some steamed green beans or broccoli to balance the richness of the roast.
Enjoy the ease and incredible flavor of this “crock pot rump roast recipe Pioneer Woman” inspired dish. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, embodying the spirit of comforting home cooking that Ree Drummond is known for.
