Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Roast

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Roast

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8–9 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH, plus 5 minutes to thicken the sauce
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 40 minutes–9 hours 40 minutes on LOW, or 4 hours 40 minutes–5 hours 40 minutes on HIGH
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American-inspired
Cooking Method: Stovetop Searing and Slow Cooking

Ingredients

For the beef roast:

• 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, sliced

For the honey garlic sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Roast

Pat the beef chuck roast thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season all sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Prepare the onion, garlic, and sauce ingredients while the skillet heats.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the roast and sear for 3–4 minutes on each broad side, then briefly brown the edges.

Transfer the beef to a plate. Searing adds a deeper savory flavor to the finished roast.

Step 3: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes.

Keep the cornstarch and cold water aside until the end of cooking.

Step 4: Assemble the Slow Cooker

Spread the sliced onion across the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the seared beef on top.

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the roast. Spoon a little sauce over any exposed areas; the beef does not need to be completely submerged.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef pulls apart easily with a fork.

Begin checking at the earlier time. If the roast still feels firm, continue cooking and check again in 30–60 minutes. Keep the lid closed between checks.

Step 6: Remove the Roast

Carefully transfer the tender beef to a serving platter, supporting it underneath with two wide utensils. Cover loosely with foil.

Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan, including the softened onions if desired. Skim off excess surface fat.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth.

Bring the cooking liquid to a gentle simmer. Stir the slurry again, then gradually whisk it into the sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until thick enough to coat a spoon.

Taste before adding any extra salt. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a small splash of water or broth.

Step 8: Glaze the Beef

Spoon the thickened honey garlic sauce generously over the roast.

For an optional caramelized finish, place the beef in a broiler-safe baking dish and brush with a thin layer of sauce. Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching continuously because the honey and sugar can burn quickly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow approximately 10 minutes of resting time after removing the roast from the slow cooker; the sauce preparation can happen during this time.

Slice against the grain if the roast holds together, or shred with two forks. Spoon extra sauce over the beef and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.