Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef Roast

This sweet and savory Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef Roast is one of those classic, tender pot roast recipes that instantly becomes a family favorite. Served with some garlic cauliflower mashed potatoes and crispy baked broccoli for an amazing meal.

There are some meals that become family favorites the very first night you prepare them. This was one of those meals. Everyone loved it and we were fighting over the leftovers for lunch the next day. There is just something about this tender beef cooked in sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar, a touch of brown sugar, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes that feels like a big warm hug. 

Whatever you do, don't forget to serve it with the leftover cooking liquid, or jus. You could even turn it into a gravy if you wanted something really special. It is so good and makes the dish something special.

How to serve Balsamic Beef?

Thinking classic pot roast dishes, there are so many options for serving this dish from the simple to a holiday or special occasion meal. Here are some ideas: 

• For an easy family meal, my favorite way to serve this is with some mashed potatoes and roasted carrots. 
• For a special occasion, I do the same as above but also add some green beans, and this Wild Rice and Roasted Squash Salad. 
• Another option that I love is using polenta. Since this roast beef has the most amazing jus, I like to make a creamy polenta to serve under the beef with some roasted asparagus.
• Although not a classic option, no one would blame you for serving this with some egg noodles and roasted onions. 
• If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, consider serving this with some crispy hashbrowns and eggs for the most amazing breakfast hash you've ever had.
• No one would blame you for turning this into a delicious sandwich with some hearty bread and melted cheese. If this is the plan, I highly recommended using the red pepper flakes.

What cut of beef is best for the slow cooker?

For a fork-tender, fall apart beef dish, you need to start with the right cut of beef. Normally pot roast calls for beef chuck, which is marbled with lots of fat. This is the most affordable option but will be a but higher in fat.

For a lighter option, there are some other cuts that work just as well but have fewer calories. Normally I reach for a lean beef eye roast. You could also use lean brisket, lean beef stew meat, or flank steak. 

Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?

It is totally up to you if you want to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. It will give you a deeper, richer flavor and create some of those nice browned edges. However, if you don't want to take the extra time and dirty an extra dish, you can skip the browning. 

Looking for more Slow Cooker Beef dishes?

Try this Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Roast, Italian Beef, or Pot Roast and Potatoes.