Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef
Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. This hands-off recipe allows you to set it in the morning and come home to a rich, tender dish that’s ideal for a satisfying dinner.
The chuck roast, seasoned with a blend of Kosher salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, simmers all day in a balsamic vinegar sauce. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s infused with a deliciously complex flavor profile.
Serve this irresistible dish over mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the rich balsamic sauce. It’s an effortless yet elegant meal that promises to impress with minimal preparation.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef: Ingredients
The boneless chuck roast provides the foundation for this hearty dish, offering tenderness that absorbs the rich, flavorful sauce. Kosher salt and cracked black pepper enhance the natural flavors, while onion powder and Italian seasoning introduce a savory depth.
The balsamic vinegar imparts a tangy sweetness, balancing the brown sugar for a perfectly nuanced sauce. Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavor, while beef broth adds a savory richness. A touch of garlic elevates the aroma, and cornstarch thickens the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
Recipe Tips
- Searing the Roast (Optional): While the slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy, searing the roast in a hot pan before adding it to the crockpot can enhance the flavor. Searing locks in juices and gives the meat a deeper, caramelized flavor, adding richness to the dish.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch and water slurry to the slow cooker toward the end of the cooking time. Alternatively, if the sauce is too thick, thin it out with extra beef broth for the desired consistency.
- Rest the Beef Before Shredding: After removing the roast from the slow cooker, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before shredding. This helps retain moisture and makes the beef even juicier, ensuring it pulls apart effortlessly.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich and tangy balsamic sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes absorbs the savory sauce, creating a harmonious and comforting combination.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes, makes for a well-rounded meal. Their slight caramelization complements the sweet and savory notes of the balsamic beef, adding freshness and crunch.
- Steamed Rice or Risotto: If you’re craving something lighter, serve the balsamic beef over steamed rice or a creamy risotto. Both options soak up the flavorful sauce and create a satisfying dish that balances the richness of the beef.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While boneless chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast. Keep in mind that tougher cuts may need a longer cooking time to become tender.
2. Can I cook this on high instead of low in the slow cooker?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the roast on high for 4-5 hours instead of the 8-10 hours on low. However, cooking on low results in a more tender and flavorful beef.
3. Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
Absolutely! Leftovers of Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed.
4. How can I make the sauce spicier?
For a spicy twist, try adding red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a minced chili pepper to the balsamic sauce before cooking. It will balance the sweetness and tang with an extra kick.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef
Ingredients
- For the Roast:
- 4 pounds boneless chuck roast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- For the Balsamic Sauce:
- 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Place the chuck roast into the base of the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine the Kosher salt, cracked black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly and rub this seasoning blend generously over the roast.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and minced garlic.
- Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the roast in the slow cooker, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the roast on the low heat setting for 8-10 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- After cooking, in a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the liquid in the slow cooker, allowing it to thicken the sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 30-60 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Shred the cooked beef using two forks, then serve it over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
