Slow Cooker Catalina Roast Beef

There are certain dinners that just feel like home, and this Slow Cooker Catalina Roast Beef is one of them. I am talking about the kind of meal that cooks quietly all day while life happens around it. Kids doing homework at the table. A dog snoozing near the vent. You checking the slow cooker once or twice even though you know it is doing exactly what it should.

This is the meal I make when the weather turns chilly or when everyone has had a long week and needs something warm and grounding. It is also the meal I make when I do not want to babysit the stove. Ten minutes of prep in the morning, then you walk away and let time do the heavy lifting.

I first made this roast on a busy Sunday when I needed dinner to take care of itself. I had a chuck roast in the fridge, a bottle of Catalina dressing in the pantry, and just enough vegetables that needed to be used. That is usually how the best family recipes are born. A little necessity mixed with a little curiosity.

By dinnertime, the beef was so tender it practically fell apart when I touched it. The vegetables had soaked up all that tangy sweet savory sauce. Everyone went back for seconds, and there were no leftovers to speak of. That is when you know a recipe is a keeper.

This is not fancy food. This is honest food. The kind you serve on a regular plate, maybe with a piece of bread on the side, and everyone leaves the table full and happy. If you are looking for a no stress dinner that feels cozy every single time, this one belongs in your rotation.

What Is Slow Cooker Catalina Roast Beef?

Slow Cooker Catalina Roast Beef is a comforting one pot meal made with chuck roast, vegetables, Catalina dressing, and dry onion soup mix. Everything cooks low and slow in the crockpot, creating tender beef and a rich sauce that is both sweet and savory.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy prep: You only need about ten minutes to get everything into the slow cooker and then dinner takes care of itself.
• Big flavor: The Catalina dressing and onion soup mix create a bold sauce that tastes like you worked a lot harder than you did.
• Family friendly: The sweet and savory balance makes this a hit with kids and adults alike.
• One pot dinner: Meat and vegetables cook together so there is no juggling side dishes.
• Great leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day if you are lucky enough to have any left.

When to Serve This Recipe

• Busy weeknights: When you need dinner ready without hovering over the stove.
• Sunday supper: Perfect for slow relaxed weekends when you want something hearty.
• Cold weather days: This is a cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Family gatherings: Easy to double and great for feeding a crowd.
• Make ahead meals: Ideal when you want leftovers for lunches or another dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 stalks celery, diced – Adds flavor and texture to the vegetable base.
• 2 carrots, chopped into chunks – They become tender and slightly sweet as they cook.
• 1 onion, sliced – Gives depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved – These hold their shape and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• 3 pound chuck roast – The best cut for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender.
• 1 (sixteen ounce) bottle Catalina dressing – Provides that signature sweet and tangy flavor.
• 1 (one ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix – Boosts savory flavor and helps season everything evenly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Catalina Roast Beef

Step 1: Build the vegetable base

Add the diced celery, chopped carrots, sliced onion, and halved baby potatoes to the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread them out evenly so they cook at the same pace.

Step 2: Add the roast

Place the chuck roast directly on top of the vegetables. No need to brown it first unless you want to, this recipe works beautifully without that extra step.

Step 3: Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and the dry onion soup mix until fully combined. This is where all that bold flavor starts.

Step 4: Pour it on

Pour the dressing mixture evenly over the roast, making sure some of it runs down over the vegetables too.

Step 5: Slow cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for eight hours or on high for six hours. Low and steady gives you the most tender beef.

Step 6: Serve

Once done, the roast should be fork tender. You can slice it or shred it, then spoon the vegetables and sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy.

Substitutions

• Chuck roast: Round roast or rump roast can work, though they may be slightly less tender.
• Catalina dressing: French dressing or Russian dressing are great alternatives with a similar flavor profile.
• Onion soup mix: A homemade mix of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, and garlic powder works well.
• Vegetables: Parsnips, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes can be swapped in or added.
• Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes hold up nicely in the slow cooker.

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Herb lovers: Toss in fresh thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf for extra savory notes.
• Sweeter glaze: Stir in a couple tablespoons of brown sugar or honey for a richer sweetness.
• Extra veggies: Add green beans or peas during the last hour of cooking.
• Sandwich style: Shred the beef and serve it on toasted buns with extra sauce.

Tips and Tricks

• Layer smartly: Keep vegetables on the bottom so they cook evenly and absorb flavor.
• Low is best: Cooking on low for the full eight hours gives the most tender results.
• Slice or shred: The beef is tender enough for either, depending on how you want to serve it.
• Use a large slow cooker: A six quart slow cooker works best so everything fits comfortably.
• Serve with bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about six hours, but low heat produces the most tender roast.

Do I need to add extra liquid?

No, the dressing and natural juices from the beef provide plenty of liquid.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This roast reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, store the beef and vegetables with sauce in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.

Serving Ideas

• Classic plate: Serve with the vegetables and plenty of sauce spooned over the top.
• Over mashed potatoes: Add extra comfort with a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
• With egg noodles: Toss the sauce with noodles for a hearty twist.
• Sandwiches: Pile shredded beef onto buns for an easy second meal.
• With a simple salad: Balance the richness with something fresh and crisp.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
• Freezer friendly: Freeze in portions for quick future meals.
• Reheat gently: Warm on the stove or microwave with extra sauce to keep it moist.
• Make ahead: Prep vegetables the night before and refrigerate until morning.
• Portion wisely: Divide into meal sized containers for easy lunches.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Catalina Roast Beef is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in the family dinner rotation. It is dependable, comforting, and full of flavor without asking much from you. The kind of meal that reminds you good food does not have to be complicated.

If you try this one, I hope it brings the same warmth to your table that it brings to mine. Serve it up, pass the bread, and enjoy the quiet satisfaction of a dinner that feels like home.