Slow Cooker Balsamic Garlic Beef Roast

Slow Cooker Balsamic Garlic Beef Roast

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–9 hours on Low or 4–5 hours on High
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3–4 lb beef chuck roast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. Season all sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the roast and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
3. Place the sliced onion and half of the minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Set the seared beef roast on top of the onions.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and remaining minced garlic.
6. Pour the balsamic garlic mixture evenly over the beef.
7. Cover and cook on Low for 8–9 hours or on High for 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
8. Carefully transfer the cooked roast to a serving platter and keep it warm.
9. Pour about 2 cups of the cooking liquid into a small saucepan.
10. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk the slurry into the cooking liquid.
11. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes slightly thickened and glossy.
12. Spoon the warm balsamic garlic sauce generously over the beef and finish with freshly chopped parsley.

Tips

For the most tender result, use beef chuck roast. Its marbling and connective tissue break down during slow cooking, creating rich, juicy meat.

Do not skip searing if you want a deeper flavor and darker, caramelized exterior.

For a slightly sweeter glaze, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey to the sauce.

If you prefer a thicker gravy, simmer the sauce a little longer after adding the cornstarch slurry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this balsamic garlic beef roast with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, buttered noodles, rice, or crusty bread.

The rich sauce is especially good with sides that can soak up the flavorful cooking juices.