Slow Cooker Glazed Beef Roast

Tender, juicy, and lacquered in a rich, glossy glaze — this Slow Cooker Glazed Beef Roast is comfort food at its finest. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning a beef roast into melt-in-your-mouth slices coated in a dark, savory-sweet glaze. Slice it up and serve it over creamy mashed potatoes with roasted vegetables for a dinner that tastes like it took all day — because it did, while you did nothing.

Ingredients

• 1 beef chuck roast (3 to 4 lbs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
• Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the roast: Pat the chuck roast dry and rub it all over with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear for depth: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast 3 to 4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
3. Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and smoked paprika.
4. Load the slow cooker: Place the seared roast in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over it, turning the roast to coat it on all sides.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours (or HIGH for 4.5 to 5 hours), until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Slice and thicken: Transfer the roast to a cutting board and slice it into thick pieces. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes, until the glaze turns rich and glossy.
7. Serve: Arrange the sliced beef on a platter, spoon the glossy glaze over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.

Pro tip: For the glossiest glaze, brush the sliced beef with the reduced sauce right before serving — and don’t skip the sear. That caramelized crust is what gives the glaze its deep, roasted flavor.

Estimated nutrition per serving: ~410 calories, 39g protein, 9g carbs, 24g fat.