This slow cooker Amish-style salt pork beef is the kind of comforting, low-effort dinner that fits right into a busy weeknight routine. Layering salt pork over a beef pot roast gives the meat rich flavor and helps keep it tender as it cooks low and slow, while the simple ingredient list keeps prep almost effortless. It has that old-fashioned country dinner feel that makes the whole house smell amazing by late afternoon.
Serve this roast with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or simple boiled potatoes to soak up the savory juices. A side of green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp lettuce salad balances the richness nicely, and warm dinner rolls are always welcome if you want a full comfort-food plate.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Amish Salt Pork Beef
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 to 4 pound beef chuck pot roast
8 ounces salt pork, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 cup water
Directions
1. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker to make a simple bed for the roast.
2. Set the beef pot roast on top of the onions, then pour the water around the sides of the meat.
3. Lay the salt pork slices evenly over the top of the roast, covering as much of the surface as possible.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
5. Transfer the roast to a platter, spoon some of the juices and onions over the top, then slice or shred and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add potatoes: If you want this to be a true one-pot meal, tuck halved small potatoes around the roast before cooking. They will soak up the flavorful juices and make dinner even easier on a busy day.
Watch the salt level: Salt pork brings plenty of seasoning, so there is usually no need to add extra salt at the start. Taste the cooking liquid at the end before adjusting anything, especially if you plan to spoon the juices over mashed potatoes.
Use the right cut: Chuck roast works best here because it has enough marbling to become tender in the slow cooker. Leaner roasts can turn out a little drier, so this is one of those recipes where the inexpensive, well-marbled cut really shines.
Make it ahead: This is a great prep-ahead dinner for hectic mornings. Slice the onion and salt pork the night before, keep them chilled, and in the morning all you have to do is layer everything into the slow cooker and turn it on.
For a richer gravy: After the roast is done, skim excess fat from the cooking liquid and simmer the juices in a small saucepan with a cornstarch slurry until thickened. It is an easy extra step if you want a more traditional gravy texture for serving.