Delicious Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast Recipe (2025)

You are IN FOR A TREAT.  Slow cooker balsamic pot roast has such an amazing beef flavor, and I’m sad I hadn’t tested this recipe sooner!

When cooked low and slow, it becomes so tender, and the leftovers keep giving.

There are hardly any ingredients in this, and since you end up just tossing them all in the slow cooker, you could just as well toss them all in a freezer bag and cook this later.

Serve it with mashed taters, your choice of vegetable, and dig in. And then make it again the following week – I know you will 🙂

I’m not gonna waste any more of your time. Here’s my delicious pot roast recipe:

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: Low – 6-8 hours
• Main Ingredients: Chuck roast, honey, balsamic vinegar, bullion, and more
• Servings: 6
• Extras: For a more citrus kick, add lemon or lime juice with rosemary and thyme
• Tip: You can brown the roast on the stove first to lock in juices and get a nice sear before tossing things into the crock pot

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast Recipe

Making Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast for dinner is an effortlessly delicious way to feed your family or impress guests.

This dish combines the deep, rich flavors of balsamic vinegar with the tenderness of a well-cooked chuck roast, all with minimal preparation required.

Simply gather your ingredients, including the boneless chuck roast, balsamic vinegar, and a few seasonings, and layer them in your slow cooker.

Some people brown pot roasts in olive oil before putting it in the slow cooker, but you don’t have to do this step every time.

If you do, simply add 2 tbs. of olive oil and brown each side of the chuck roast on medium heat for 4-6 minutes, then add it and the seasoning to the slow cooker.

Set it to low and allow it to work its magic over several hours. I usually set it on low in the morning for 8+ hours, but you can do it on high for 4-6.

The result is a mouth-watering meal with a robust aroma that fills your home, making it a perfect dinner option for those chilly evenings when comfort food is what you crave the most.

The girls get so excited when they come home and smell pot roast in the crock pot that they ask if they can skip snacks and get right to dinner.

As you can see, I served it in a classic style for us- with mashed potatoes and corn.

I love the saltiness of the slow cooker pot roast juices on top of the potatoes; mixing in sweet corn balances it perfectly.

And if you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can easily transform them into a delicious sandwich or lettuce wrap for a quick and tasty lunch the next day.

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Balsamic and Honey Pot Roast

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brittany Kline

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Ingredients

• 2.5 - 4 lb. chuck roast
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic minced or pressed
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Recipe Swaps

For those looking to customize the Balsamic Pot Roast to suit dietary needs or simply experiment with different flavors, numerous substitutions can be made.

Here are some suggestions for a new twist on this delicious recipe:

The Meat

For those looking to mix things up this slow cooker pot roast or perhaps cater to different dietary preferences, you can substitute the meat for this roast.

Consider swapping the chuck roast for a leaner cut, such as a beef sirloin, or even a completely different protein, like chicken thighs.

Chicken thighs, in particular, lend themselves well to slow cooking, ensuring you still achieve that fall-apart tenderness we all love.

Looking for a vegetarian option? Swap out the meat entirely and experiment with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant.

These veggies will soak up all the flavors of the balsamic vinegar and seasonings, creating a deliciously satisfying vegan dish that even meat lovers will enjoy.

The Seasoning/Sauce

To complement pot roasts or another meat, adjusting the seasonings can bring a fresh perspective to this classic dish.

First, you can always use beef broth instead of bullion cubes and water- everyone has a preference, so go ahead and add about 1/2 cup of beef broth if you like that.

If balsamic vinegar is too strong for your taste, sprinkle in some brown sugar to add a bit more sweetness.

You can also swap balsamic with good-quality red wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar can provide a milder acidity while still enhancing the meat’s flavor.

For a gluten-free option, be sure to use a certified gluten-free balsamic vinegar and swap out any wheat-based thickening agents for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Try incorporating a hint of citrus, such as lemon or orange zest, coupled with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

This combination will infuse the dish with a vibrant, aromatic flavor, perfect for bringing a touch of summer to your dinner table.

Lastly, to lower the dish’s sodium content, opt for low-sodium beef broth and season with herbs instead of salt.

The Sides

I love pot roast with potatoes, and this balsamic twist is no different. But why stop there with serving ideas?

There are endless possibilities for side dishes that pair perfectly with balsamic pot roast! From creamy polenta to roasted vegetables, the options are limitless.

You could serve your balsamic pot roast over a bed of rice, paired with a crisp green salad, or accompanied by some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.

You could also roast root vegetables in the slow cooker for an additional layer of flavor and texture. It would be easy to toss in some potato or jicama chunks!

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using slow cooker pot roast in tacos or on top of nachos. This is a tasty twist on traditional dishes and a good way to change up leftovers.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

What type of beef cut is best for a slow cooker pot roast?

Chuck roast is often recommended for its flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly.

Other cuts like brisket or round can also be used, but might not be as tender.

Is slow cooker balsamic pot roast good for meal planning?

In addition to being incredibly delicious, this Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast is also a great option for meal prepping.

With minimal effort required, you can make a large batch and have meals for the whole week.

And since it can easily be frozen, you can always have a tasty meal on hand for those busy nights when cooking from scratch just isn’t feasible.

So go ahead and stock up on chuck roast and balsamic vinegar – your future self will thank you.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this pot roast can be frozen for future meals. Simply store in an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw before reheating.

How long does it take to cook a pot roast in a slow cooker?

On average, a 3-5 pound pot roast will take 8-10 hours on low

Can I add other vegetables besides potatoes?

Absolutely! Carrots, parsnips, onions, or celery are great additions. Add them to the slow cooker alongside the roast for a complete meal.

How long should the pot roast cook in the slow cooker?

For best results, cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Slow and low cooking ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful..

Can I make this balsamic pot roast in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! The Instant Pot is a convenient alternative to the slow cooker that can significantly reduce cooking time.

To make this balsamic pot roast in an Instant Pot, first use the Sauté function- add olive oil to brown the meat on all sides, which adds depth of flavor.

Next, add the remaining ingredients as instructed in the recipe, making sure not to exceed the maximum fill line.

Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on the Manual high-pressure setting for approximately 60 minutes for a 3-5 pound roast.

Allow for natural pressure release for best tenderness.

Can I make this pot roast ahead of time?

Yes, this slow cooker pot roast can be prepared and stored in a freezer bag before cooking.

It’s perfect for meal prepping and can be transferred directly from the freezer to the slow cooker.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for balsamic vinegar?

For a non-alcoholic swap in your pot roast, you can use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and a bit of sugar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar.

You can also use red wine vinegar or a combination of soy sauce and brown sugar for similar results.

Can I make this balsamic pot roast in a Dutch oven?

Certainly! A Dutch oven is a fantastic alternative to both the slow cooker and Instant Pot for making balsamic pot roast.

To prepare this dish in a Dutch oven, start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C).

Season chuck roast with the spices in my recipe, except with the bullion.

On the stovetop, heat the Dutch oven over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil, and sear the roast on all sides until it’s browned to lock in the juices.

Once browned, remove the roast and set aside. In the same pot, sauté any vegetables you’re including until they’re slightly softened.

Then, add the roast back in, along with the balsamic vinegar mixture and enough beef broth to cover about two-thirds of the meat.

Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the pot roast to cook for about 4 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.

This method circulates heat evenly around the pot, ensuring the meat is deliciously tender and infused with balsamic and herb flavors.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker pot roast recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

It requires minimal prep time and yields a flavorful and tender dish that the whole family will love.

And with plenty of variations and substitutions, you can easily customize this recipe to your liking.

So go ahead and try this fabulous pot roast, and don’t forget to check out the other amazing slow cooker recipes linked above! Happy cooking!

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