Lazy Weeknight Dinner
LAZY WEEKNIGHT DINNER is a easy American recipe that serves 5. 670 calories per serving. Recipe by Karissa Stevens on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 hrs 30 min | Total: 8 hrs 5 min
Cost: $39.86 total, $7.97 per serving
Ingredients
- 3.5 lb Beef Chuck Roast (trim excess fat, pat dry)
- 1 jar (12 oz) Jar of Roasted Mixed Peppers (include all the juice; can use pepperoncini or roasted red peppers)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (ground)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 packet (≈1 oz) Walmart Beef Seasoning Packet (any all‑purpose beef rub)
Instructions
Prepare the Roast
Trim any excess fat from the 3.5 lb beef chuck roast and pat it dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Season the Meat
Sprinkle the garlic powder, black pepper, and the Walmart beef seasoning packet evenly over the roast, rubbing it in gently.
Time: PT2M
Add Peppers and Butter
Place the roast in the slow cooker, pour the entire jar of roasted peppers (including the juice) around it, and scatter the butter pieces on top.
Time: PT3M
Slow‑Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to Low. Cook for 7–8 hours (about 7 h 30 min is ideal).
Time: PT7H30M
Finish and Serve
Check that the internal temperature of the roast has reached at least 145 °F (63 °C). Slice or shred the meat and serve over mashed potatoes or your favorite side.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 670
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 45 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free (if seasoning packet is gluten‑free), High‑protein, Low‑carb
Allergens: Dairy (butter)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Beef Chuck Roast: Beef Brisket, Top Round Roast
- Instead of Jar of Roasted Mixed Peppers: Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, Fresh bell peppers
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Walmart Beef Seasoning Packet: Store‑bought steak seasoning, Homemade mix of salt, pepper, paprika
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula or Large Spoon
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Seasoning the roast evenly before cooking
- Adding the whole jar of peppers with its juice for moisture and flavor
- Cooking on Low for the full 7‑8 hours to achieve tenderness
- Checking internal temperature for safety
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, sear the roast in a hot skillet for 2‑3 minutes per side before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the pepper juice for richer flavor.
Troubleshooting
The roast is tough or dry
Make sure the slow cooker was set to Low and cooked for at least 7 hours; add a splash of beef broth if the pot looks dry.
The sauce is too watery
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
The roast isn’t reaching safe temperature
Increase cooking time by 30‑45 minutes or finish the roast under a broiler for a few minutes to finish heating.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3‑4 days
Freezer: Freeze in a zip‑top bag for up to 3 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season the roast and place it in the slow cooker the night before; refrigerate uncovered, then start cooking in the morning.
- Cook the roast fully, cool, and freeze in portions; reheat gently on low before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of beef roast in American home cooking?
Beef roast has long been a staple of American comfort food, especially in the Midwest where slow‑cooked, tender cuts were prized for feeding large families with minimal effort. It became popular with the rise of electric slow cookers in the 1970s, offering a set‑and‑forget meal for busy households.
How does the traditional American beef roast differ from this slow‑cooker version by YouTube channel Karissa Stevens?
Traditional oven‑roasted beef often requires searing and precise temperature control, while Karissa Stevens’ slow‑cooker method uses low heat for 7‑8 hours, resulting in a more forgiving, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture with minimal hands‑on time.
What occasions or celebrations is beef roast traditionally associated with in the United States?
Beef roast is commonly served at Sunday family dinners, holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving leftovers, and casual pot‑luck events, symbolizing a hearty, communal meal.
What regional variations of beef roast exist within American cuisine?
In the South, beef roast may be seasoned with Cajun spices and served with gravy; in the Midwest, it’s often paired with root vegetables; the West Coast favors herb‑infused roasts with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in classic American beef roast versus the ingredients in this recipe?
Classic American beef roast typically uses salt, pepper, garlic, and sometimes onions or carrots. Karissa Stevens adds a jar of peppers, butter, and a pre‑made seasoning packet for extra flavor and convenience.
What other American side dishes pair well with Karissa Stevens’ slow‑cooker beef roast?
Mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, roasted green beans, or a simple garden salad with vinaigrette complement the rich, peppery roast beautifully.
What makes this slow‑cooker beef roast special or unique in American comfort food?
The use of an entire jar of peppers (including the briny juice) and a whole stick of butter creates a buttery, tangy broth that keeps the meat exceptionally moist, while the set‑and‑forget method fits modern busy lifestyles.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this slow‑cooker beef roast?
Common errors include cooking on High instead of Low, not allowing enough time for the meat to become tender, and forgetting to check the internal temperature for safety. Also, opening the lid too often can extend cooking time.
Why does this recipe use a whole stick of butter instead of a smaller amount?
The butter melts slowly, enriching the cooking liquid and helping to baste the roast throughout the long cooking period, which prevents the meat from drying out and adds a silky mouthfeel to the final sauce.
Can I make this slow‑cooker beef roast ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can season and assemble the roast the night before, refrigerate uncovered, and start cooking in the morning. Leftovers store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What does the YouTube channel Karissa Stevens specialize in?
The YouTube channel Karissa Stevens focuses on quick, family‑friendly meals, especially using everyday pantry staples and kitchen gadgets like slow cookers to create low‑effort, comforting dishes for busy households.
How does the YouTube channel Karissa Stevens' approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Karissa Stevens emphasizes ultra‑simple, set‑and‑forget recipes with minimal prep, often incorporating pre‑made seasoning packets and jarred ingredients, whereas many other channels showcase more elaborate techniques or gourmet presentations.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
