Can I Use Beef Stew Seasoning for Pot Roast? A Complete Guide

Pot roast and beef stew are two classic comfort foods that share a lot in common. With long slow cooking times both dishes result in melt-in-your-mouth tender beef and vegetables. So it’s only natural that many home cooks wonder – can I use beef stew seasoning for pot roast? The answer is a resounding yes! Beef stew seasoning can add incredible depth of flavor and make your pot roast even more delicious.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using beef stew seasoning packets or homemade blends to take your pot roast to the next level.

What is Beef Stew Seasoning?

Beef stew seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs specifically designed to flavor – you guessed it – beef stew! Most store-bought beef stew seasoning packets contain a mixture of:

• Salt and pepper – for overall seasoning
• Garlic and onion – for aroma and flavor
• Paprika – for a touch of sweetness and color
• Thyme – for earthiness
• Bay leaves – for depth

Some blends also include ingredients like celery seed, mustard, rosemary, and marjoram. The ingredients come together to create a well-balanced, savory seasoning that enhances the flavor of the meat and vegetables in a classic beef stew

Why Use Beef Stew Seasoning for Pot Roast?

There are a few key reasons why using beef stew seasoning can take your pot roast to new heights:

It’s made for long-cooked beef dishes. The herbs and spices in beef stew blends are designed to stand up to extended cooking times while imparting flavor. This makes it a perfect match for slow-cooked pot roasts.

It amplifies the savory flavor. The combination of spices like garlic, onion, bay leaves, and paprika enhances the rich, hearty flavor of pot roast.

It adds complexity. Instead of just salt and pepper, beef stew seasoning provides layers of flavor from different herbs, spices, and aromatics.

It saves time. Using a pre-made blend eliminates the need to pull together and mix numerous ingredients.

So by using a seasoning blend crafted specifically for simmered beef dishes, you can easily give your pot roast an extra flavor punch with little effort.

How to Use Beef Stew Seasoning for Pot Roast

When cooking pot roast with beef stew seasoning, there are a few techniques to implement for maximum flavor:

Rub it on the meat. Coat the surface of the roast evenly with the seasoning blend before searing or cooking for enhanced flavor penetration.

Sprinkle it on vegetables. Toss potatoes, carrots, onions, and other veggies with some of the seasoning for extra flavor.

Make a seasoning paste. For a more intense beefy flavor, mix some of the seasoning with tomato paste and spread over the meat before cooking.

Use it in the braising liquid. Whisk some of the seasoning into the broth or wine used for braising the pot roast.

Combine methods. Try rubbing some seasoning on the roast, while also using some in the braising liquid and on the vegetables.

No matter which method you choose, beef stew seasoning adds incredible depth and savory beef flavor to pot roasts as they cook to tender perfection.

Homemade Beef Stew Seasoning Recipe

While store-bought seasoning packets are certainly convenient, it can also be fulfilling to create your own homemade beef stew seasoning blend. Here is an easy recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 3 tablespoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 bay leaf, crumbled

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.
2. Store in an airtight container away from light or moisture.
3. Use within 3 months for best flavor.

Use this homemade blend just as you would a store-bought packet to season pot roasts or beef stews. The flavors meld wonderfully as the beef cooks, yielding ultra-savory results.

Best Cuts of Beef for Pot Roast with Stew Seasoning

While you can use beef stew seasoning with just about any pot roast, it pairs especially well with certain cuts. The best cuts of beef to use include:

• Chuck roast – flavorful with great marbling
• Bottom round roast – lean yet tender
• Brisket – becomes incredibly tender when slow cooked
• Rump roast – bold beefy flavor

Well-marbled cuts like chuck roast will remain moist and tender, while leaner cuts soak up the seasoning flavors. Look for good marbling and adequate fat content when selecting beef for pot roast.

Sample Pot Roast Recipes with Beef Stew Seasoning

To inspire you, here are a couple savory sample pot roast recipes that incorporate beef stew seasoning:

Peppery Pot Roast

Coat a 3-4 pound chuck roast with:

• 2 packets McCormick Original Beef Stew Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon coarse cracked black pepper

Brown roast then braise with:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 bay leaves

Herbed Pot Roast

Rub a 3 pound bottom round roast with:

• Homemade beef stew seasoning (recipe above)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Braise with:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 32 ounces beef broth

The options are endless for crafting incredible oven or slow cooker pot roasts with beef stew seasoning. Let your imagination run wild!

Tips for Cooking Perfect Pot Roasts with Stew Seasoning

To ensure your seasoned pot roast turns out melt-in-the-mouth tender, keep these tips in mind:

• Brown the meat well before braising to build flavor.

• Cook low and slow – aim for 300oF oven or LOW slow cooker setting.

• Use a meat thermometer and cook until internal temperature reaches 205oF.

• Check tenderness after 2 hours, then cook longer if needed.

• Add veggies during last hour so they don’t overcook.

• Make gravy from braising liquid – seasoning adds big flavor!

With the right cut of meat, cooking method, and dash of seasoning, your pot roast is sure to become an instant favorite.

Can You Use Beef Stew Seasoning For Other Dishes?

Besides pot roast, beef stew seasoning can add its signature savory flavor to all kinds of dishes. Here are some more ways to use it:

• Chili – Sprinkle over meat and beans before simmering.

• Meatloaf – Mix right into the ground beef for flavor through and through.

• Burgers – Adds a gourmet twist when mixed into burger patties.

• Roast chicken or turkey – Rub seasoning blend under skin and in cavity.

• Grilled vegetables – Toss sliced veggies with oil and seasoning.

• Popcorn seasoning – For a savory snack, use instead of salt.

So don’t relegate your stew seasoning to just stew – broaden your horizons and use it anywhere you want rich, hearty beef flavor.

Storing Leftover Beef Stew Seasoning

Like all dried spices and herbs, beef stew seasoning blends have a limited shelf life once opened. To retain the flavors and aromas as long as possible:

• Transfer opened packets to airtight containers or jars. Avoid bags which allow more air exposure.

• Store containers in a cool, dark place away from heat and light. The pantry or a kitchen cabinet works well.

• Try to use within 6 months for the best quality and flavor. Mark opening date on the container.

• If the seasoning ever smells faded or dull upon opening, it’s time to replace it.

With proper storage, your seasoned pot roast can share the leftover seasoning love. Just give it a quick sniff test before using to make sure it still smells vibrant.

Enjoy Your Pot Roast with Beef Stew Seasoning

Beef stew seasoning is perfectly at home in a hearty pot roast recipe. With a balances blend of spices and herbs designed to complement braised beef dishes, it’s an easy way to lend rich, savory flavor. Whether using a store-bought packet or homemade blend, beef stew seasoning and pot roast make a delicious match.

Now that you know how well they pair together, you can start experimenting with different seasoning and cooking techniques. Soon your go-to pot roast recipe will have everyone begging for seconds thanks to that incredible depth of flavor. So pull out a seasoning packet from your pantry or whip up a batch of homemade blend, and get ready to enjoy the most mouthwatering pot roast you’ve ever tasted.