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Slow Cooker Sauerbraten Beef

A tangy, tender German-style pot roast made easy in the slow cooker with rich spices, vinegar, and gingersnap gravy.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: European, German
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast or rump roast
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 2 medium carrots chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar
  • 0.5 cup red wine optional
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 10 peppercorns
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 6 gingersnap cookies crushed, for thickening
  • 2 tbsp butter for searing
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Sear beef in butter until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
  2. Place onions, carrots, and garlic in the slow cooker.
  3. Mix broth, vinegar, wine, brown sugar, cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns, and ginger. Pour over beef.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or until beef is tender.
  5. Remove beef, strain liquid, and discard solids. Add crushed gingersnaps to thicken sauce.
  6. Slice beef, drizzle with gravy, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or red cabbage for a complete German-style meal.