The Best Slow Cooker Jerk Chuck Roast Recipe
If you want a tasty, tender beef dish with bold Jamaican flavors, try this slow-cooked jerk chuck roast! This dish mixes the smoky heat of jerk seasoning with a rich, slow-braised roast. It makes for a tasty and comforting meal.
Sweet red wine and caramelized vegetables bring depth. The potatoes and carrots soak up all the amazing flavors. Let’s dive into the details of how you can recreate this masterpiece in your own kitchen!
History of Slow Cooking and Jerk Seasoning
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a culinary tradition that has lasted for centuries. Ancient civilizations used low heat for long periods to make tough cuts of meat tender. In the Caribbean, slow-cooked dishes are key to traditional cooking.
They often use fire pits or clay pots. The modern slow cooker, also known as a crock pot, came out in the 20th century. It quickly became a key tool for making tender, tasty meals easily.
Jerk Seasoning
Jerk seasoning is a key part of Jamaican food. It comes from the Maroons, who are descendants of enslaved Africans.
These people escaped from plantations and found refuge in Jamaica’s mountains.
They created a way to slow-cook and smoke meat over pimento wood. They use a strong mix of spices, like Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, allspice, and garlic.
This method helped them keep their meat fresh and add rich flavor. Jerk seasoning has changed over time. Now, it’s an iconic blend.
It affects cuisines all over the world. It’s popular for marinating meats such as beef, chicken, and pork.
This crock pot jerk chuck roast combines slow cooking’s rich tradition with the bold flavor of jerk seasoning. It’s a tasty blend of tradition and modern ease.
Why You’ll Love This Jerk Chuck Roast Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – Jerk seasoning, red wine, and aromatics work together for bold, savory tastesG
- Easy Preparation – With just a little prep work, the crock pot does all the heavy lifting, giving you tender meat without much effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Sunday dinner, meal prep, or a special family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
- Versatile – Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even over a bed of quinoa for a hearty meal.
Ingredients For Jerk Chuck Roast Recipe
For the Chuck Roast:
- Crock pot– To cook the beef in.
- Chuck roast – A flavorful cut of beef that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- Lime (for washing the meat) – Helps remove impurities and adds freshness to the meat.
- White vinegar (for washing the meat) – Aids in cleaning the meat and tenderizing it slightly.
- Jerk seasoning gives a unique Jamaican taste. It combines heat, smokiness, and spice.
- Black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor with a mild heat.
- Salt – Balances and enhances the flavors of the other seasonings.
- Complete seasoning – A blend of herbs and spices that adds depth and complexity.
- Adobo seasoning – Contributes a well-rounded, slightly tangy and garlicky taste.
- Paprika – Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Garlic powder – Brings a savory, aromatic depth.
- Onion powder – Enhances the natural sweetness and umami of the dish.
For the Vegetables and Aromatics:
- Scallions– Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness.
- Onion – Provides natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Potatoes – Soaks up the flavorful sauce and adds heartiness.
- Carrots – Contributes natural sweetness and texture.
- Fresh Thyme – Adds a subtle herbal note that enhances the dish’s complexity.
The Sauce:
- Sweet red wine, like Red Label Wine or Taylor Port, adds depth and slight sweetness. It also boosts the sauce’s richness.
- Water – Helps create the braising liquid for slow cooking.
- Sugar – Balances the acidity and enhances the caramelization of flavors.
- Ketchup – Contributes slight tanginess and richness to the sauce.
- Extra seasonings- (like those for the roast, but no jerk seasoning) – This makes the sauce as tasty as the meat.
How to Make Chuck Roast Recipe
Clean and Prepare the Meat
- Before seasoning the chuck roast, it’s important to clean it properly. Rinse it with lime juice and vinegar, letting it soak for about 5 minutes to remove any impurities. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Season the Roast
- In a small bowl, combine jerk seasoning, black pepper, salt, complete seasoning, adobo, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coat the chuck roast with the seasoning mixture. Make sure every inch is covered in flavor. Cover the roast. Then, let it marinate overnight in the fridge for the best flavor.
Chop the Vegetables
- While the roast is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Chop the scallions, slice the onion, mince the garlic, cube the potatoes, and slice the carrots. Set everything aside for later use.
Sear the Roast
- Sear the chuck roast in a hot pan before putting it in the slow cooker. Cook it over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. This will create a nice deep brown crust. This step locks in the flavors and gives the roast a richer taste.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Sear the meat, then use the same pan. Sauté the onions, scallions, and garlic for 2-3 minutes until they smell good. Pour in the sweet red wine. Let it simmer for one more minute. This helps deglaze the pan and lifts all the tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Add the water and sugar, stirring well.
Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Place the seared chuck roast in the crock pot. Pour the sautéed aromatics and wine mixture over the meat. Add the chopped potatoes and carrots around the roast, then lay the thyme sprigs on top for a fresh, herby aroma.
Final Seasoning
- Midway through cooking, mix the ketchup with a little water and the same seasonings used for the meat (except for the jerk seasoning). Pour this over the roast to enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover the roast. Cook it on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. The meat should be fork-tender, and the flavors should blend well.
How to Serve Your Jerk Chuck Roast
- Unleavened Bread– Perfect for Passover and The Feast of Unleavened Bread.
- Rice & Peas – This classic Jamaican side dish pairs beautifully with the flavorful roast.
- Mashed Potatoes – The rich, savory sauce complements creamy mashed potatoes perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables – Pair with extra roasted bell peppers or green beans for a complete meal.
- Couscous – Serve this tender meat with couscous for a healthier option. They’ll soak up the tasty sauce.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled roast and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef?
Yes! You can use brisket or bottom round roast instead of chuck roast for slow cooking. They will give you similar results.
Is This Dish Spicy?
Jerk seasoning usually packs some heat. You can change that to fit your taste. Just use mild jerk seasoning or cut back on the amount.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you want to skip alcohol, use grape juice instead of red wine. You can also replace beef broth with a bit of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?
Yes! To make this in an Instant Pot, follow the same steps up to assembling the ingredients. Then, pressure cook on high for 60-70 minutes with a natural release for 15 minutes.
How long to cook a beef roast in a slow cooker?
Cooking time depends on the size of the roast and the heat setting. Generally, a beef roast should cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours for the best results.
Do you need liquid in the slow cooker for roast beef?
Yes, adding liquid helps prevent the roast from drying out. A combination of broth, water, wine, or sauces enhances the flavor and ensures tender meat.
How do you keep roast beef from drying out in a slow cooker?
To prevent roast beef from drying out, do these three things:
- Use plenty of liquid.
- Cook it on low heat for a longer time.
- Avoid lifting the lid often.
Additionally, searing the meat beforehand locks in moisture.
Is it better to roast or slow cook beef?
It depends on the desired texture and flavor. Roasting makes the beef firm and gives it a caramelized crust. Slow cooking makes the beef very tender and full of flavor. It falls apart easily.
Final Thoughts
This crock pot jerk chuck roast is an absolute must-try! Slow cooking, bold seasonings, and a rich sauce make this dish satisfying.
It’s sure to become a favorite in your home. This tender, flavorful roast is sure to impress. Serve it for Sunday dinner or meal prep for the week.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! Share your tasty creations on social media! Tag us @JerkTavern for a chance to be featured!
“The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25 NKJV
Wisdom
Don’t fear those who can kill the body but not the soul. Fear Him who can kill both body and soul in hell. Why should we have fear when it comes to people in this world?
Fearing man can leave you in a trap because many people will use it against you, but they can do nothing to you or your soul.
They may be able to kill you but once you have the Lord you know your soul is going to heaven.
Death is the inevitable. We all are going to die so why fear it? but where does your soul go? Fear and Trust in the Lord and your soul will be safe with Him.
For Jesus decides, he has the keys to both death and hell. Trust him completely. Don’t rely on your own understanding.
Acknowledge him in everything you do, and he will guide you to a fulfilling life. He is our Shepard, in the valley of the shadow of death we fear no evil and no man.
For He is with us, so who can be against us? Goodness and mercy will be with us every day. If we keep our faith and trust in him, we will live with him forever.
The Best Slow Cooker Jerk Chuck Roast Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chuck Roast:
- 3-4 lbs chuck roast
- 1 lime (for washing the meat)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (for washing the meat)
- 3 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 3 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp complete seasoning
- 2 tbsp adobo seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 3 scallions , chopped
- 1 large onion , sliced
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 3 medium potatoes , cubed
- 3 carrots , sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet red wine (such as Red Label Wine or Taylor Port)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- Additional seasonings (same as used for the roast, except jerk seasoning)
Instructions
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Meat
- Before seasoning the chuck roast, it’s important to clean it properly. Rinse it with lime juice and vinegar, letting it soak for about 5 minutes to remove any impurities. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Season the Roast
- In a small bowl, combine jerk seasoning, black pepper, salt, and complete seasoning. Then add adobo, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well. Coat the chuck roast with this seasoning mix. Make sure every inch is covered in flavor. Cover the roast. Then, let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This helps it absorb maximum flavor.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
- While the roast is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Chop the scallions, slice the onion, mince the garlic, cube the potatoes, and slice the carrots. Set everything aside for later use.
Step 4: Sear the Roast
- First, sear the chuck roast in a hot pan. Cook it over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This will create a deep brown crust. Then, place it in the slow cooker. This step locks in the flavors and gives the roast a richer taste.
Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics
- Sear the meat first. Then, in the same pan, sauté the onions, scallions, and garlic. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they smell good. Next, add the sweet red wine. Let it simmer for a minute. This will help lift the tasty bits stuck to the pan. Add the water and sugar, stirring well.
Step 6: Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Place the seared chuck roast in the crock pot. Pour the sautéed aromatics and wine mixture over the meat. Add the chopped potatoes and carrots around the roast, then lay the thyme sprigs on top for a fresh, herby aroma.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
- Halfway through cooking, mix the ketchup with some water. Add the same seasonings you used for the meat, but skip the jerk seasoning. Pour this over the roast to enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover the roast and cook it on low for 8-10 hours. You can also cook it on high for 5-6 hours. The meat should be fork-tender, and the flavors should blend well.
Equipment
Nutrition
Previous Post
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb Recipe with Red Label Sauce
Next Post
Why Split Lamb Breastplate Should Be Your Next Dish