Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Put in the roast: Use a little oil to grease your slow cooker so things do not stick. Combine a 3-4 pound chuck roast in the greased slow cooker
Mix Ingredients
Marinade: In a medium bowl, stir together:
1 cup beef broth
4 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Salt and pepper to taste (roughly ½ teaspoon each)
Moisten Chuck Roast: Pour marinade over chuck roast in slow cooker so all meat is covered.
Cook
Prep the Cooker: Place the lid on the slow cooker.
For High Heat: Cook for 4 hours on high.
For Low Heat: 6-8 hours on low.
Doneness Check: The roast should be fork-tender, and shred easily with a fork when done.
Shred and Serve
Shred the meat: After the roast is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-size pieces.
Return to Juices: If using, return shredded meat to the slow cooker, mixing in with remaining juices for extra flavor.
Serving: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired, and enjoy with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
This balsamic chuck roast is pretty versatile, though, and works well with many sides. Here are some suggestions for transforming it into a full meal:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes is a traditional pairing that absorb all the rich juices from the roast.—Samantha Seneviratne
Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a colorful, balanced plate.
Buttered Noodles: Buttered egg noodles are an easy, tasty choice.
Sandwich Rolls: Drape the shredded beef over toasted rolls for a satisfying sandwich, adding a slice of cheese, if you’re feeling indulgent.
Over Rice: For a lighter option, serve the roast over steamed white or brown rice.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
This balsamic chuck roast is great for meal prep, as it stores and reheats nicely.
Refrigerate: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
Freeze: Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat.
Reheat: To reheat, place the meat and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, and heat until hot. Or, reheat individual portions in the microwave, on 1–2 minutes and adding a splash of broth if necessary to reintroduce moisture.
Recipe Variations:
You can also adjust this roast to your taste or diet:
Spicy Balsamic Roast: Swirl in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a hint of heat.
Herb-Infused Roast: Slip a bay leaf or two into the roasting pan for an even more herbal flavor.
Vegetable Addition: For a one-pot meal, tuck in baby carrots, halved baby potatoes or sliced onions around the roast before slow cooking.
Honey Balsamic Roast: Use honey instead of brown sugar for a floral sweetness that goes fabulously with the balsamic.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Conclusion:
This exceptionally melt-in-your-mouth Tender and Flavorful Slow Cooked Balsamic Chuck Roast is easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for guests. This is comfort food at its finest, rich all around, with a touch of sweetness from the balsamic vinegar. Serve it up alongside your favorite sides, and don’t forget to drizzle some of the delicious slow cooked juices all over everything!
