Ingredients

• 1 4-pound beef chuck roast, (see Ingredient note), trimmed of fat
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced (4 cups)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

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Cooking Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 300°F.

Step 2

Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, turning from time to time, until well browned on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3

Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pot. Add onions, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in coffee and vinegar; bring to a simmer. Return the beef to the pot and spoon some onions over it. Cover and transfer to the oven.

Step 4

Braise the beef in the oven until fork-tender but not falling apart, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Transfer beef to a cutting board, tent with foil and let rest for about 10 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, skim fat from the braising liquid; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook, whisking, until the gravy thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Season with pepper. Carve the beef and serve with gravy. Slow-Cooker Variation: In Step 2, transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker. In Step 3, use just 1/2 cup coffee. Add the onion mixture to the slow cooker. In Step 4, cover and cook until beef is tender, 4 1/2 to 5 hours on High or 7 to 8 hours on Low. In Step 5, pour the liquid into a medium saucepan and continue as directed.