Give Pot Roast A Cowboy-Style Makeover With These Seasonings

When the weather turns cold, or you know you have a busy day ahead, melt in your mouth oven pot roast can be the lifeline you need to create a dinner the whole family can enjoy. But if your taste buds are fatigued by the traditional version of this meal, give it a cowboy-style makeover using a few seasonings you probably have in your spice cabinet. Smoky, savory, and a little spicy is the end goal, and those shakers of chile powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper or chipotle pepper in adobe are ready to fill the void and transform this meaty dish into a Southwestern masterpiece.

It starts with chile powder. This powdery seasoning is going to give your pot roast the same oomph that it gives to a pot of chili, while cumin, which is also found in chile powder, will add additional warm, earthy flavors and smells to delight the senses. Smoked paprika will complement the duo while bringing its smoky, woodsy notes to the table. Of course, a little heat is what really separates a cowboy-inspired pot roast from an ordinary pot roast, which is why red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chipotle is needed to bring some heat to each bite. Mixed together and rubbed over your meat before cooking, these seasonings will have you licking your lips in anticipation and can even up the taste of a slow cooker Mississippi pot roast. 

To get your Southwestern, cowboy-inspired rub to stick, pat the meat down with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help it to adhere to the surface better, producing a flavorful crust when you sear it. In case you are wondering, the best type of meat to use for pot roast is the top, center, or bottom round roast, but the beauty of pot roast is the slow cook turns even tough pieces of meat tender. So, use whatever is in your budget.

Additionally, consider breaking out a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chile for a little acidity and moisture, along with some garlic to add an even richer taste. You can also add a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavor. When it comes to serving this new, rustic, and spicy pot roast, consider making some simple cheese quesadillas, which can be used to soak up the juices, or make some creamy mashed potatoes, pile that shredded pot roast right on top, and giddy up.