Crock Pot Cross Rib Roast

This Crock Pot Cross Rib Roast is a tender and flavor-packed recipe, which uses cross rib roast and balsamic vinegar. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 8 hours and 10 minutes.

Crock Pot Cross Rib Roast Ingredients

• 2 – 2 ½ pounds cross rib roast
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (5 ½–6 oz) tomato paste
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, plus 2 teaspoons
• 1 tablespoon honey, plus 2 teaspoons
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, plus 2 teaspoons
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt, separated
• 1 teaspoon pepper, separated
• 1 tablespoon sugar, if needed

How To Make Crock Pot Cross Rib Roast

1. Season the beef: Coat the roast with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Set aside.
2. Layer the base: In the slow cooker, add sliced onion, minced garlic, and bay leaves. Place the beef on top.
3. Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine beef broth, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.
4. Add to slow cooker: Pour the balsamic mixture over the beef.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, until the beef is tender. Discard bay leaves after cooking.
6. Rest the beef: Remove the roast to a plate and take off any string. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
7. Make the gravy: In a small bowl, whisk the flour with ⅓ cup water. Transfer the cooking juices to a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and whisk in the flour mixture. Cook on medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in parsley. Add sugar if needed.
8. Slice and serve: Slice the roast and serve with the thickened gravy.

Recipe Tips

• What cut of beef is best for slow cooking?
  A cross rib roast is perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes incredibly tender over time.
• How to keep the meat moist:
  Make sure the liquid fully covers the roast during cooking. Add more broth if needed.
• Why let the beef rest before slicing?
  Resting helps the juices redistribute for a more flavorful and juicy roast.
• How to thicken the gravy:
  Use a flour and water slurry, then simmer the juices to your desired thickness.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, it reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen overnight.

What To Serve With Cross Rib Roast

This roast pairs well with cozy sides. Try one of these:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted carrots or root vegetables
• Garlic green beans
• Crusty bread to soak up the gravy
• Classic Caesar salad

How To Store Cross Rib Roast

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Cross Rib Roast Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 522 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 50g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 176mg
• Sodium: 664mg
• Potassium: 951mg
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Calcium: 64mg
• Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, chuck roast or brisket also work well in the slow cooker.

How do I know when the roast is done?
The meat should shred easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of at least 190°F for maximum tenderness.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, but cooking on low for 6–8 hours yields the best texture. High heat can dry out the meat.

Why is my gravy too thin?
Make sure to simmer it long enough after adding the flour slurry. Add a bit more flour if needed.

What if the sauce is too tangy?
Add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity from the balsamic vinegar.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Creamy Beef Taco Soup
• Crock Pot Country Style Beef Ribs
• Crock Pot Corned Beef With Brown Sugar