Crock Pot Catalina Roast Beef

Crock Pot Catalina Roast Beef is one of those comforting meals that comes together with minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. This recipe uses a simple mix of ingredients that create tender, melt-in-the-mouth beef accompanied by hearty vegetables and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that feels special without any fuss. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal ready when you walk through the door.

I first made this recipe during a chilly weekend and was amazed how the mild sweetness of the dressing blended so well with the savory beef. Now it is a requested dinner for my family on busy nights when I want something filling and fuss-free.

Ingredients

• Celery: using the heart provides crispness without overpowering— fresh celery adds crunch and subtle flavor
• Carrots: adds natural sweetness and texture to balance the savory elements
• Onions: essential for building the flavor base— choose firm onions with shiny skins
• Baby potatoes: Yukon gold or red varieties hold up well to slow cooking making the dish hearty
• Chuck roast: a tougher cut that becomes tender after slow cooking— about 2 to 3 pounds works great
• Catalina dressing: the secret ingredient with sweet and tangy elements that bring a unique flavor twist
• Dry onion soup mix: enriches the sauce with concentrated onion flavor— can substitute with homemade blends if needed

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

Place the chopped celery, carrots, onions, and baby potatoes evenly at the bottom of a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. Spreading the vegetables in one layer helps them cook evenly and soak up the sauce.

Add the Chuck Roast:

Put the chuck roast on top of the arranged vegetables. This allows the roast to slowly release its juices into the vegetables and sauce as it cooks.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a separate bowl, combine the Catalina dressing and dry onion soup mix. Stir them thoroughly so the onion soup mix dissolves and evenly flavors the dressing.

Pour the Sauce Over the Roast:

Carefully pour the dressing mixture evenly over the chuck roast and vegetables. Make sure the meat is well-coated to absorb the flavors fully.

Cook Slowly Without Disturbing:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours without opening the lid. Opening the lid during cooking lets heat escape and can interfere with the tenderizing process, so patience here will be rewarded with perfectly soft meat.

Shred and Serve:

Once done, remove any fatty bits from the roast and shred the meat with forks. Serve the shredded beef alongside the cooked vegetables and plenty of the flavorful sauce.

Catalina dressing is my favorite ingredient here because it adds a subtle sweetness with a tangy bite that lifts the entire dish. One family memory I cherish is a weekend when we had a power outage and relied on a propane stove while the slow cooker kept the roast warm and tender. That smoky, sweet flavor was a comforting reminder of making do and still having a warm, hearty meal.

Storage Tips

Leftovers should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to five days or freeze in portions for up to three months. When reheating, do it gently to avoid drying out the meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Catalina dressing, French or Russian dressing works well as a substitute. A round roast, rump roast, or even pork shoulder can replace chuck roast depending on your preference or availability. Homemade onion soup mix made from dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, and garlic powder can be used if premade packets are not on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with steamed green beans, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up extra sauce, and a crisp side salad to add freshness and balance. A dash of hot sauce or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added during cooking to customize the flavor.

This slow-cooked roast is an easy, comforting weeknight dinner that also makes great leftovers. Enjoy it with your favorite sides.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cuts of meat can be used besides chuck roast?

Other tough cuts like round roast, rump roast, or pork shoulder work well due to slow cooking tenderizing the meat.

→ Can additional vegetables be added to this dish?

Yes, parsnips, mushrooms, green beans, or peas can be added for more variety and flavor.

→ How can the dish be made sweeter?

Adding brown sugar or honey to the sauce adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.

→ Should the meat be shredded or sliced after cooking?

Both options work. The meat will be tender enough to shred easily or can be cleanly sliced for presentation.

→ What is the recommended cooking temperature and time?

Cooking on low for 8 hours ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful, avoiding toughness from high heat.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool leftovers, store in an airtight container, refrigerate up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.