Mock Sauerbraten(Pot Roast)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty, savory pot roast with rich tomato and vinegar flavors, complemented by sweet carrots and fragrant spices, ideal for comforting family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 to 4 lb. bottom round or rump roast
  • 3 Tbsp. Crisco
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
  • 1 c. vinegar
  • 1 c. water
  • 12 whole cloves
  • 4 whole bay leaves
  • 1/3 c. sugar
  • 1 bag carrots, scraped

Instructions

  1. Sear meat on all sides in Crisco in a Dutch oven or similar pot.
  2. Add all ingredients: onion, tomato sauce, vinegar, water, cloves, bay leaves, sugar, and carrots.
  3. Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.
  4. Remove carrots, cloves, and bay leaves from the pot.
  5. Add flour paste to the sauce to thicken.
  6. Slice the meat thin and serve with the sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the roast overnight in the vinegar mixture. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. You can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Adding a few juniper berries can also enhance the flavor profile. For a heartier dish, consider adding potatoes to the pot during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mock Sauerbraten with a side of Aunt Ruth'S Creamed Potatoes for a classic pairing. It also goes well with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish can also be accompanied by a jar of Texas Style Barbecue Sauce for those who enjoy a smoky flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Mock Sauerbraten in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meat and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently reheat in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mock Sauerbraten(Pot Roast) contains roughly 515 calories, with 23g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (153% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 27g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

515 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.3g 47% DV
Total Fat 17.9g 23% DV
Carbs 84.7g 31% DV
Fiber 26.8g 96% DV
Sugar 13.1g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 267.9mg 12% DV
Potassium 1083.3mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 45.9mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 502mcg 56% DV
Vitamin C 28.2mg 31% DV
Calcium 670.4mg 52% DV
Iron 27.5mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, while bottom round or rump roast are traditional, you can use chuck roast for a more marbled and tender result. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness as you cook.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, sear the meat first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until tender. This method allows for easy preparation and tender results.

What can I do if the sauce is too acidic?

If you find the sauce too acidic, you can balance it out by adding a bit more sugar or a splash of cream. Alternatively, a small amount of baking soda can neutralize some acidity; however, use it sparingly to avoid altering the flavor too much.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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