Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat with a rich, tangy sauce that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Let your slow cooker do the work to create a dish that’s both simple and impressive.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds boneless chuck roast
• 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the boneless chuck roast in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the Kosher salt, cracked black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the roast and rub it in generously.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, stir together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and minced garlic until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the balsamic mixture over the seasoned roast in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and soak up the flavors.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
7. Step 7: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker, then continue cooking for another 30 to 60 minutes to thicken the sauce.
8. Step 8: Once cooked, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks and serve over mashed potatoes or your favorite side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sear the roast in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a different herbal note.
• If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup.
• Serve with creamy polenta or roasted vegetables as an alternative to mashed potatoes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, other cuts like brisket or shoulder work well for slow cooking, but adjust cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the cut.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Brown the roast using the sauté function, then cook under high pressure for about 60-75 minutes, followed by a natural release. Use the sauté function again to thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 791 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef recipe features a tender and flavorful boneless chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection in a tangy balsamic vinegar and brown sugar sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite sides.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Seasoning

• 4 pounds boneless chuck roast
• 1 ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce

• ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Thickening Agent

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Place the Roast: Place the 4 pounds boneless chuck roast in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a base for the flavors.
2. Season the Meat: In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly onto the roast, then rub it in thoroughly to coat the meat well.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup balsamic vinegar, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup beef broth, and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic until well combined.
4. Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared balsamic sauce mixture over the seasoned chuck roast inside the slow cooker.
5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook the roast on low heat for 8-10 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and infused with the rich sauce.
6. Make Cornstarch Slurry: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl to create a thickening slurry.
7. Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the liquid inside the slow cooker. Continue cooking covered for an additional 30-60 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Shred and Serve: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Serve the shredded balsamic beef over mashed potatoes or your preferred side dish, spooning the thickened sauce over the top.

Notes

• For best results, use a well-marbled chuck roast to ensure tender, flavorful meat.
• You can adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker model; 8-10 hours on low is typical.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, extend the cooking time after adding the cornstarch slurry.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker beef, balsamic beef, slow cooked roast, easy beef recipe, balsamic vinegar beef, chuck roast slow cooker