Ingredients
- 3–4 lb chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning, optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel and slice all onions and mince the garlic.
- Set your crock pot to high and add butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well and cook for 20–30 minutes until softened.
- Optionally, sear the chuck roast in a skillet for extra flavor.
- Nestle the seared roast atop the caramelized onions in the crock pot. Add thyme and bay leaves.
- Pour in beef broth and ensure the roast is partially submerged.
- Cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours until fork-tender.
- For thickening the gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crock pot liquid; cook uncovered on high for an additional 10–15 minutes.
- Allow roast to rest before slicing or shredding; serve with gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or add vegetables such as carrots or potatoes for added flavor. The dish can be prepared ahead of time; just reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven.
