Slow Cooker Caramelized Onion & Garlic Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker Caramelised Onion & Garlic Shredded Beef

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Servings: 6–8 servings

Ingredients:

• 3.5–4 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into large thick pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 10–12 pearl onions or small cipollini onions, peeled
• 8–10 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried thyme
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then season generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned and caramelized. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add the pearl onions and whole garlic cloves to the same skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden. Transfer them to the slow cooker around the beef.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar or honey, tomato paste, and thyme.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, onions, and garlic. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
6. Once cooked, skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce.
7. Gently shred the beef into large, tender pieces and spoon the caramelized onions, garlic, and rich balsamic sauce over the top.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra thyme before serving.