Dill Pickle Roast Beef is one of the easiest slow cooker recipes you will find. If you have ever had a German pickled beef like Sauerbraten, you will get what the inspiration is behind this recipe. Grab that jar of pickles, roast, and your slow cooker and get ready for an incredible dinner, 8 hours later.
A friend and I were chatting about slow cooker recipes the other day. She mentioned that she tried roast beef slow cooked in dill pickles at her mother-in-law’s place and raved about how good it was. I was intrigued. Could it be that simple as throwing a jar of dill pickles and a cut of beef into a slow cooker? Would it taste too “pickled”? I decided I would find out.
Incredible Dill Pickle Roast Beef Recipe
Once she shared how to make this simple pot roast with pickles, I knew the curiosity would kill the cat if I didn’t try it. I ran to the store, grab my roast, pickles, and headed home.
It did feel a bit weird taking a jar of pickles and dumping it on a roast and then leaving it to cook for 8 hours. But, I trusted the process and thought worst case scenario we would order takeout instead. But, I was hopeful.
Eight hours later I opened up my slow cooker to the most tender roast. I even plated up a few of the pickles to give them a test run as well. I mean we do eat warmed pickles on a hamburger, how much different could a cooked one taste?
The result was YUM! This roast was something to rave about, and that is why I am writing this today. It had a mild tang of the pickle, but it wasn’t overbearing like I imagined it could be. It was the perfect combination of flavor, and the roast was tender and moist.
Next time, you need slow cooker inspiration, look to that jar of pickles in your fridge. You don’t need to make a fancy sauce or marinade when a simple kitchen staple will do.
Can You Add Vegetables to Your Pickled Roast Beef
Want to add in carrots and potatoes like a traditional roast recipe? Sure, go for it. Your veggies will pick up some of the pickle juice as well but cook up nicely. Just watch the liquid level you might need to add in a little water or even beef stock to help make sure your beef and vegetables don’t dry out.
For recipe inspiration, check out my new Beef Recipes board on Pinterest.
Can You Eat The Pickles In The Roast
Yes! I will be honest I was slightly intimidated to eat the pickles from the roast mixture, but it was pleasantly enjoyable. The flavors of the beef and pickle kind of blend together in the cooking process and it is actually delightful. They also get tender as they cook over the time frame you have in the slow cooker.
What to Pair With Dill Pickle Roast Beef
Here are some sides you can consider adding to your dinner menu to compliment your pickle roast recipe! Feel free to reach for your favorite sides as well! This is a very versatile recipe.
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You’ll also love these Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners.
What Is The Best Cut Of Meat For A Roast
I recommend looking for a chuck roast; this offers the perfect amount of marble of fat throughout. This flavors the meat but also leaves you with a tender roast. If you can’t find chuck look for a shoulder roast, rib roast, or brisket cut.
What Does the Pickle Juice Do To the Roast in the Dill Pickle Roast
Pickle juice is great for tenderizing meat. It will add some tang and flavor to the roast, but it also helps tenderize the meat as well which is so lovely.
I think if you are a fan of roast and a fan of pickles. This recipe might be right down the lane you want to go. It is one of the most straightforward recipes and somewhat affordable since you only need two ingredients.
If you make this roast let me know what you think! We have made it a handful of times, and it is something unique and different than a classic roast recipe. The leftovers aren’t too bad either!
You’ll also love this Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Stew, Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff and Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles.
Have you tried pickles and roast beef in the slow cooker? If not, would you?
Dill Pickle Roast Beef
This might be the most simple slow cooker recipe ever! Dump a jar of pickles in a slow cooker with your preferred cut of beef. You’ll be amazed in 8 hours!
Ingredients
- 1 beef roast in the cut of your choice (I've used Outside Round and Chuck Roast in the past)
- 1 jar of dill pickles (1 L jar)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place beef in a slow cooker. Pour on top the pickles, including the juice.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 44Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 104mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 4g
Jennifer says
Do you have to use pickles made with vinegar or can you use lacto-fermented ones too?
Stacie says
The ones I used were Bick’s dill pickles. I’ve never tried the other kind so I’m not sure!
Matthew Cook says
What was served with the roast? Side dishes? cook potatoes and carrots in the pot or separate?
Stacie says
I typically serve it with potatoes, tossed salad or veggies. I’d cook them separately though.
sharon says
No need to cook the potatoes separately. We have been making pickle stew for years and it’s always started out with sliced potatoes on the bottom of the crock pot followed by the beef of choice ( read what ever was on sale) followed by a jar of pickles. Yum!!!
T Benson says
I’ve made slow cooker pickle beef for ages. I have always added a packet of onion soup mix (regular, beefy, or mushroom… they’re all good). No need to add salt due to all the sodium of the ingredients. It’s very yummy indeed. I just mix the cooked pickles in with the beef when serving.
Cindy says
I’ve made this for years! It’s sooooo delicious!!!
Cassandra says
What could you make to go with it ?
Stacie says
Mashed potatoes are yummy as a side!
Debbie White Beattie says
I can honestly say that this one I would never have seen coming but if you say it’s good then I’ll believe you and some day when I’m feeling adventurous I’ll give it a try.
Michelle H. says
I’ve made this dill pickle roast dozens of times and have always used it to make sandwiches… hoagie rolls, horseradish sauce, provolone cheese, the roast meat, and the cooked dill pickles. On the side, add a simple leafy green salad with a light dressing and some quality chips (I like the Cape Cod Kettle Cooked Chips… Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Aged White Cheddar & Sour Cream, Smoked Gouda, and Roasted Black Garlic are some of my favorites) and you’ve got a nice meal! Everyone always looooves it, even kids! The meat saves well and is easy to reheat on stove top or in oven. So it’s been a great “support” meal for me to bring to others in times of need, such as a loss in the family, someone sick or having surgery, birth of baby, etc.
Billy says
This looks like a delicious recipe Stacie! I’ve never tried dill pickle roast beef before, but my family loves both of those things so I don’t see why I wouldn’t give it a shot. Thanks so much for sharing! I’ll report back with how it goes!
Jan says
Jars of pickles come in many sizes, as do roasts, a bit of guidance would be helpful. Thanks.
Sherry Scott says
How large a jar of pickles??
Stacie says
I used a 1 litre jar (I’m in Canada). It would be about 33 oz.