Slow-Cooker Sticky Garlic Brown Sugar Beef Bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Servings: 6
Ingredients
* 2½ lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
* ¼ cup honey
* 5 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
* 1 tbsp tomato paste
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 1 tsp onion powder
* ½ tsp black pepper
* ½ cup beef broth
* 1 tbsp cornstarch
* 2 tbsp cold water
* Chopped parsley or green onions, optional
Instructions
1. Pat the beef cubes dry and season lightly with black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef for about 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, onion powder, and beef broth.
4. Pour the sauce over the beef and gently stir until all the pieces are coated.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is very tender but still holds its shape.
6. Carefully remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and set aside.
7. Mix cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid.
8. Cook uncovered on HIGH for about 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a rich, glossy glaze.
9. Return the beef to the slow cooker and gently toss until every piece is generously coated in the sticky garlic-brown-sugar sauce.
10. For the deeply caramelized appearance shown in the photo, transfer the glazed beef to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2–4 minutes. Watch closely because the sugar-rich glaze can burn quickly.
Tips
Beef chuck roast is ideal because slow cooking makes it tender and juicy. Cut the beef into fairly large, even cubes so they don’t break apart during cooking.
For an even richer glaze, reduce the slow-cooker liquid slightly before adding the cornstarch slurry. Serve the sticky beef bites with steamed white rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or broccoli.
Storage
Store cooled beef and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until thoroughly hot, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the glaze becomes too thick.
