Slow-Cooked Beef with Herb Crust

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Beef roast cooked low and slow, then finished with a crisp herb crust for a rich, aromatic main course. This mediterranean-inspired sushi ready in about 200 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 2 lbs beef chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sear the roast for 3 minutes per side until browned.
  3. Step 3: Remove the roast and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, and 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, cooking for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup beef broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pot.
  6. Step 6: Return the roast to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 3 hours until fork-tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove the roast, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan, simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup, then serve with the roast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef with Herb Crust take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Beef with Herb Crust?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef with Herb Crust?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Beef with Herb Crust for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Beef with Herb Crust?

Mediterranean sushi like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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