Imagine a dish so tender it falls apart with the gentlest touch, so tangy it makes your taste buds dance, and so easy to prepare that even novice cooks can become kitchen heroes. This Tangy Slow Cooker Beef is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary chuck roast into a spectacular feast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the onion into thin rings, and mince the garlic cloves. Set them aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Whisk the mixture until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
- Take the beef chuck roast and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better. Season the roast on all sides with a little extra salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef chuck roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Transfer the seared beef chuck roast to the slow cooker. Layer the sliced onions and minced garlic on top of the roast.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring the roast is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- After 8 hours, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it with two forks.
- Return the sliced or shredded beef to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce and onions. Allow it to soak in the flavors for an additional 10-15 minutes on the warm setting.
- Serve the tangy slow cooker beef over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Pat the beef dry before searing to ensure a beautiful, crispy exterior that locks in flavor.
- Don't skip the searing step if you have time—it adds incredible depth to the final dish.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal tenderness.
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the liquid mixture.
- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the beef and reduce the sauce on the stovetop for a more concentrated flavor.
- This recipe freezes beautifully—make a double batch and save some for an easy future meal.
- Let the beef rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
