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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Place the Roast: Place the 4 pounds boneless chuck roast in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a base for the flavors.
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.
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.
Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared balsamic sauce mixture over the seasoned chuck roast inside the slow cooker.
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.
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.
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.
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