Description

Fall-apart tender beef roast bathed in a rich, sticky balsamic onion glaze — slow-cooked to perfection and infused with aromatic herbs for a hearty, comforting centerpiece meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

3–4 lb beef chuck roast
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Pat the roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until softened and golden, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another minute.
Stir in tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and beef broth. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Return the roast to the pot, cover tightly, and braise in the oven for 3–3.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and falling apart.
Remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly.
Transfer roast to a platter, spoon balsamic glaze over top, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Serve warm with mashed potatoes, polenta, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef in balsamic vinegar and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
Skim excess fat from the top before serving if desired.
This dish improves in flavor when made a day ahead — reheat gently before serving.
Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the richest glaze.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 460
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 115mg