Gluten-Free Crock Pot Balsamic Beef Sandwiches with Blue Cheese, Crispy Shallots
Try this Gluten-free Crock Pot Balsamic Beef Sandwiches with Blue Cheese, Crispy Shallots recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Gluten-free Crock Pot Balsamic Beef Sandwiches with Blue Cheese, Crispy Shallots recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 sweet onion chopped
- lots of salt and pepper
- 2-3 lb chuck roast trimmed of visible fat and cut into large hunks
- 14 oz can beef broth divided
- 1-1/4 cups balsamic vinegar divided
- 4 peeled garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoonsâ gluten-freee tamari orâ soy sauce (dish
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 large shallots cut into rings then separated
- 2 oz blue cheese crumbled
- gluten-free sandwich or hoagie buns
- cheese cloth
- Carbohydrate 11.5529394221417 g
- Cholesterol 10.6310711625 mg
- Fat 13.9395264749225 g
- Fiber 0.755343730433265 g
- Protein 21.0677895967068 g
- Saturated Fat 5.21165223452238 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1631g)
- Sodium 5168.0487986227 mg
- Sugar 10.7975956917085 g
- Trans Fat 0.604745190089155 g
- Calories 256 calories
Step-by-step
- Add chuck roast hunks, 1 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, sweet onion, garlic cloves, soy sauce, honey, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper into a 5-6 quart crock pot.
- Place a lid on top then cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat shreds easily.
- Shred meat then return to crock pot and cook on low for 1 more hour.
- Meanwhile bring remaining 1 cup balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan then turn heat down to medium and simmer until vinegar is thickened and slightly sweet tasting, about 20 minutes.
- You'll know it's done when you scrape a spatula across the bottom and the vinegar stays parted for a second or two.
- Pour reduced balsamic vinegar into a serving dish. (Can do this ahead of time - microwave reduced balsamic vinegar for 15-20 seconds to get it to pouring consistency.)
- Strain the cooking liquid from the crock pot through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheese cloth into the same saucepan, leaving a little bit of liquid in the crock pot to keep the meat juicy.
- Put the meat back into the crock pot and place a lid on top to keep warm.
- Add remaining beef broth to the saucepan then bring mixture to a boil and then turn heat down to medium and simmer until reduced and vinegar taste has mellowed, 20 minutes.
- Pour the au jus into a serving dish.
- Heat oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add half the shallots then saute, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 2 minutes.
- Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain then sprinkle lightly with salt and repeat with remaining shallots.
- Pile meat onto buns then top with crispy shallots, blue cheese, and reduced balsamic vinegar.
- Serve with au jus on the side.
A Busy Mom's Delight: Gluten-Free Balsamic Beef Sandwiches
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal feels like a luxury. But let me tell you, this Gluten-Free Crock-Pot Balsamic Beef Sandwich recipe is my secret weapon for effortless weeknight dinners. It's so simple, even on my busiest days, I can whip it up without sacrificing flavor or quality time with my family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It's incredibly adaptable to what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap the blue cheese for a sharp cheddar, and other times I add a handful of caramelized mushrooms for an extra layer of richness. The balsamic reduction is always a star, adding a touch of sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the savory beef. It's also entirely gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for my family, some of whom have gluten sensitivities.
The magic of the crock-pot cannot be overstated. I simply throw all the ingredients in the morning before heading off to work, and by the time evening rolls around, a tender, flavorful beef is ready to be shredded and transformed into these amazing sandwiches. The slow cooking process renders the beef incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth. The flavors have time to meld and deepen, resulting in a depth of taste that's hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.
The crispy shallots are a game-changer. They add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and the sharpness of the blue cheese. It's a simple addition, but one that elevates the entire sandwich to a whole new level. I often make extra shallots and sprinkle them on salads or soups throughout the week. They're incredibly versatile and add a sophisticated touch to almost any dish.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a time-saver, a stress reliever, and a delicious way to nourish my family. It’s a testament to the idea that healthy and delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and a trusty crock-pot, even a busy mom can create a truly memorable meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: The beef can be cooked a day or two in advance, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or sauces to create your perfect sandwich.
- Serve it as a bowl: For a lighter option, serve the beef over a bed of greens or quinoa.
- Use different cuts of beef: While chuck roast is ideal, you can also use other cuts like brisket or short ribs.
This Gluten-Free Crock Pot Balsamic Beef Sandwich recipe is a keeper. It's a delicious, easy, and flexible meal that perfectly fits into the busy life of a working mom. Try it, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen, too!
