Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Sweet Roast – Easy, Tender & Old-Fashioned Comfort Food
If you’re searching for a simple, comforting, and deeply flavorful slow cooker recipe, this 5-Ingredient Amish Sweet Roast is a delicious classic. Made with a tender beef chuck roast and a sweet-tangy glaze inspired by Amish cooking, this recipe requires almost no prep work—just mix, pour, and let your slow cooker work its magic.
Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or potlucks, this dump-and-go beef roast delivers melt-in-your-mouth results every time. With only five pantry staples, it’s a budget-friendly recipe that still tastes rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Sweet Roast
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Only 5 simple ingredients
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Perfect set-and-forget slow cooker meal
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Flavorful sweet-and-tangy sauce
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Super tender, shreddable beef
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Family-friendly and great for leftovers
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Pairs well with potatoes, rice, noodles, or vegetables
Ingredients
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1 (3-pound) beef chuck roast
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/2 cup water
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1 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease or line your slow cooker to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place the beef chuck roast directly into the bottom of the slow cooker. No need to sear—this recipe is designed to stay simple.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/2 cup water
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1 teaspoon salt
Mix until the sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes smooth. This sauce gives the roast its signature sweet and tangy Amish flavor.
Step 3: Pour Over the Roast
Slowly pour the sugar-vinegar mixture over the beef roast.
Ensure the meat is evenly coated and sits partly submerged in the liquid—this helps it cook tender and pull apart easily.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Roast
Cover the slow cooker and cook:
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On LOW for 6–8 hours
(Recommended for best tenderness)
or
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On HIGH for 3–4 hours
The roast is ready when it easily shreds with a fork.
Step 5: Serve Your Amish Sweet Roast
Remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred slightly or slice into chunks. Spoon some of the sweet cooking liquid over the meat for extra flavor.
Serve warm with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or Amish dinner rolls.
Variations & Tips
Add Spice
For a subtle kick, add:
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1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
to the sugar mixture.
Richer Flavor Option
Replace 1/4–1/2 cup of water with beef broth for a deeper, more savory taste.
Adjust Sweetness
If you prefer it less sweet:
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Reduce brown sugar to 3/4 cup.
Add Vegetables
Make it a one-pot meal by adding:
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Onions
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Carrots
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Potatoes
Place them under the roast for even cooking.
Thicken the Sauce
Want a thicker gravy?
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Transfer cooking liquid to a saucepan.
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Simmer and stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
Serving Suggestions
This sweet roast pairs beautifully with:
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Mashed potatoes
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Amish buttered noodles
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Rice or quinoa
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Steamed green beans
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Corn casserole
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Dinner rolls
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
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Freeze: Up to 3 months
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Reheat: In a skillet or microwave with a bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist
Final Thoughts
The Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Sweet Roast is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tender. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this classic Amish-inspired dish brings homestyle comfort to every table.
