Introduction

This Slow Cooker Coffee Pot Roast is a flavorful and tender twist on a classic comfort dish. Infused with a rich coffee and spice rub, it slowly braises to perfection, making it ideal for a hearty family meal.

Slow Cooker Coffee Pot Roast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. finely ground coffee beans or instant coffee
2 Tbsp. coarse salt
2 Tbsp. smoked paprika
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. black pepper
1 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground ginger
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 lbs. chuck roast
1 sweet onion, cut into 8 pieces
1 cup brewed coffee
1 cup beef broth
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
3-4 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the coffee, coarse salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cocoa powder, black pepper, sweet paprika, ground coriander, chili powder, and ground ginger to create the rub. Store it in an airtight container until ready to use.
Step 2: Rub the chuck roast all over with olive oil, then coat it heavily on all sides with the prepared coffee rub to form a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Place the cut sweet onion pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker, then lay the rubbed roast on top of the onions.
Step 4: Pour the brewed coffee, beef broth, and balsamic vinegar carefully around the roast in the slow cooker, avoiding pouring directly on the meat to keep the rub intact.
Step 5: Add the fresh thyme sprigs on top or around the roast, then securely place the lid on the slow cooker.
Step 6: Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 9 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily pulls apart.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper smoky flavor, substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder.
Add chopped carrots and potatoes around the roast for a complete one-pot meal.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the roast after cooking and reduce the liquid on the stovetop before serving.
Use freshly brewed strong coffee for a more pronounced coffee flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors will deepen after resting, making it perfect for next-day meals.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and toughness that breaks down during slow cooking. However, brisket or round roast can also work but may require slight adjustments to cooking time.

Is it necessary to use coffee in the rub and cooking liquid?

Yes, the coffee adds a unique depth and richness to the roast, enhancing the flavor complexity. If you prefer, you can substitute with strong brewed tea, but the taste will be different.

Slow Cooker Coffee Pot Roast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 94 reviews

This Slow Cooker Coffee Pot Roast is a flavorful and tender beef roast infused with a rich coffee-spice rub, slow-cooked with aromatic onions, fresh thyme, and a savory coffee and beef broth mixture. The method ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat perfect for a comforting family meal.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours (high) or 9 hours (low)
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (high) or 9 hours 15 minutes (low)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Rub Ingredients

2 Tbsp. finely ground coffee beans or instant coffee
2 Tbsp. coarse salt
2 Tbsp. smoked paprika
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. black pepper
1 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground ginger

Main Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 lbs. chuck roast
1 sweet onion, cut into 8 pieces
1 cup brewed coffee
1 cup beef broth
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
3–4 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

Prepare the Coffee Rub: In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients—finely ground coffee, coarse salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cocoa powder, black pepper, sweet paprika, ground coriander, chili powder, and ground ginger. Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Season the Roast: Rub the chuck roast evenly with olive oil to help the rub adhere. Generously coat all sides of the roast with the prepared coffee rub, ensuring every surface is well covered to build rich flavor.
Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the cut sweet onion pieces evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker to form a bed for the roast. Lay the rubbed chuck roast on top of the onions carefully.
Add Liquids: Pour brewed coffee, beef broth, and balsamic vinegar around the sides of the roast inside the slow cooker, taking care not to pour liquids directly over the meat to preserve the rub coating.
Add Herbs and Cook: Place the fresh thyme sprigs on top of the roast, then cover the slow cooker with the lid tightly to seal in moisture. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 9 hours, or until the meat is very tender and falls apart easily.

Notes

Use freshly brewed coffee for a more robust coffee flavor.
The coffee rub can be made in advance and stored for up to 1 month.
For best results, allow the cooked roast to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Keywords: coffee pot roast, slow cooker beef, coffee rub, chuck roast recipe, slow cooked roast, coffee flavored roast