When the weather turns cool and the evenings get busy, this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Autumn Weeknight Feast is the kind of supper that makes the whole house feel cozy. A beef coulotte roast becomes tender and rich in the slow cooker with just a handful of simple ingredients, giving you a hearty family meal with hardly any fuss. It is a wonderful way to turn an affordable roast into something that feels special enough for a Sunday dinner, but easy enough for a weeknight.
This roast is especially good served with buttery mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or warm crusty bread to catch all those savory juices. For a full fall plate, I like to add a simple green bean side, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp apple salad for a little freshness next to the rich beef and vegetables.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Autumn Weeknight Feast
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 raw beef coulotte roast, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds
1 packet onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 pound baby carrots
1 pound small potatoes, halved if large
1 cup beef broth
Directions
1. Place the baby carrots and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker to make a bed for the roast.
2. Set the raw beef coulotte roast on top of the vegetables, then sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the roast.
3. Pour the beef broth around the sides of the roast so the seasoning stays on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
5. Transfer the roast to a cutting board, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with the vegetables and spoonfuls of the cooking juices.
Variations & Tips
For deeper flavor: If you have a few extra minutes, sear the coulotte roast in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. That little step gives the outside a richer color and adds even more savory flavor to the broth.
For picky eaters: Keep the seasoning mild and serve the carrots and potatoes separately from the sliced beef. A little extra broth spooned over mashed potatoes can make this meal feel extra comforting without changing the ingredient list much.
To thicken the juices: If you like more of a gravy texture, remove the cooked beef and vegetables, then simmer the strained cooking liquid in a saucepan with a small cornstarch slurry until thickened. It is an easy way to make the meal feel even heartier.
Easy autumn swap: Replace part of the potatoes with chunks of sweet potato or peeled butternut squash for a sweeter fall flavor. Just keep the pieces fairly large so they hold up well during the long cooking time.