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Slow Cooked Balsamic Chuck Roast served with vegetables in a rustic dish

Slow Cooked Balsamic Chuck Roast

A hands-off, savory dish with tender beef and a rich balsamic gravy, perfect for busy days yet impressive enough for a family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 to 4 pounds Chuck roast Ideal for tenderness
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 1 Onion, sliced or chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Can use garlic powder as a substitute
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup Beef broth Can substitute with water and a little bouillon
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato paste Optional, adds depth
  • 1 tablespoon Brown sugar or honey Just a touch for sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
  • 2 cups Carrots, chopped Optional
  • 2 cups Baby potatoes, whole Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chuck roast well on all sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Optional: Sear the roast in a hot pan with a bit of oil for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side to enhance flavor.
  3. Layer the sliced onion and minced garlic in the slow cooker, then place the roast on top.
  4. In a bowl, stir together the balsamic vinegar, beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar or honey, and dried herbs.
  5. Pour the sauce over and around the roast in the slow cooker. Add carrots and baby potatoes if using.
Cooking
  1. Cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or high for 5 to 6 hours, until the meat shreds easily with a fork.
Serving
  1. Shred the beef in the cooker and let it sit in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

This roast can be flavored by adding soy sauce for depth or adjusting the sweetness with brown sugar. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 days, and it freezes well for 2 to 3 months.