Slow Cooker Beef with Caramelized Onions
Transform your weeknight dinners with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Beef with Caramelized Onions—a hearty, effortlessly tender dish that combines rich, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness. Featuring a slow-braised beef chuck roast nestled atop golden, deeply caramelized onions, this recipe is elevated with the richness of balsamic vinegar, a hint of brown sugar, and aromatic garlic. The slow cooker does all the hard work, ensuring the beef is perfectly juicy and fall-apart tender. This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful cooking juices. With a prep time of just 25 minutes, this cozy and comforting meal is perfect for busy days, family gatherings, or make-ahead meal planning.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 4 medium yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Peel the onions and slice them into thin, even half-moons.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Reduce the heat slightly if needed to prevent burning.
While the onions are caramelizing, mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.
Season the beef chuck roast generously on both sides with the remaining salt and black pepper.
Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, sear the beef roast on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor.
Place the seared beef on top of the caramelized onions in the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4-5 hours), until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Once cooked, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred or slice as desired.
Serve the tender beef with the caramelized onions and a few spoonfuls of the cooking juices from the slow cooker. Pair with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3953 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 301.2 g | 386% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.7 g | 568% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1021 mg | 340% | |
| Sodium | 5282 mg | 230% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.1 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.3 g | ||
| Protein | 254.6 g | 509% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 321 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 38.6 mg | 214% | |
| Potassium | 4666 mg | 99% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
