Slow Cooker Brazilian-Style Beef with Chimichurri Sauce
Tender slow-cooked beef infused with warm spices and finished with a vibrant chimichurri sauce for a flavorful Brazilian-inspired main dish. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 500 minutes blends beef chuck roast, olive oil, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 large, sliced onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub 3 lbs beef chuck roast all over with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Place 1 large sliced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves in the bottom of a slow cooker; set the seared beef on top and pour 1 cup beef broth over.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp chopped oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a bowl; mix well to make chimichurri sauce.
- Step 6: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred or slice; drizzle with chimichurri sauce before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Brazilian-Style Beef with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Brazilian-Style Beef with Chimichurri Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Brazilian-Style Beef with Chimichurri Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Brazilian-Style Beef with Chimichurri Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Brazilian-Style Beef with Chimichurri Sauce?
Brazilian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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