Balsamic-Marinated Grilled Chuck Roast

By
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
A recipe developer and food photographer, Leah Maroney is an ardent home cook and food blogger who has written over 300 recipes for The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/21/21
grilled chuck roast sliced on a tray with chimichurri

The Spruce / Leah Maroney 
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Marinate: 6 hrs
Total: 6 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Yield: 1 roast
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
647 Calories
44g Fat
7g Carbs
57g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 647
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 44g 56%
Saturated Fat 16g 78%
Cholesterol 188mg 63%
Sodium 609mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 57g
Vitamin C 3mg 16%
Calcium 58mg 4%
Iron 6mg 31%
Potassium 767mg 16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This grilled chuck roast is marinated in a sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar, then grilled to a smoky perfection on a charcoal grill. Chuck roast is usually cooked pot roast style, low and slow to break down the tough fibers of the shoulder meat. You may never have thought about grilling it before, but it is a great option and incredibly delicious if you're looking for an affordable cookout entree. The trick is to marinate it in a vinaigrette with a little meat tenderizer for at least six hours, then cook it over mostly indirect heat on the grill for longer than a normal steak. You'll end up with tender and incredibly juicy beef.

This roast can be enjoyed with any of your favorite sides—from roasted potatoes and veggies; to mashed garlic potatoes and steamed asparagus.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1 medium shallot, minced

  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic

  • 2 tablespoons minced parsley

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon meat tenderizer

  • 2 to 3 pounds chuck roast

  • Chimichurri sauce, for serving, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Balsamic-Marinated Grilled Chuck Roast ingredients
    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  2. Whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, shallot, garlic, parsley, Dijon, sugar, beef bouillon, salt, pepper, and meat tenderizer in a bowl. Add in about a 1/2 cup of water and stir again.

    marinade for chuck roast
    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  3. Score the chuck roast with a sharp knife making 6 or 7 large cuts all over one side of the meat.

    scored chuck roast
    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  4. Add the marinade to a plastic bag and then add the steak. Seal the bag and massage the steak inside the marinade. Place it on a plate to catch any drips or leaks and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. You can even marinate for up to 24 hours. Since the meat is so thick it will not break down easily.

    chuck roast marinated in a plastic bag
    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  5. Prepare the grill. Charcoal works best for flavor and low and slow cooking, but you can use a gas grill as well. Heat your bricks and then lay them on each side of the grill. Place a disposable pan in the center where there aren’t hot bricks to catch the drippings.

  6. Sear one side of the meat over the coals and then place it on the center of the grill, over the grill pan. If you’re using a gas grill, place it under a burner that is not on, with the other burners around it turned on to medium-high heat. You can also throw in a few wood smoke chips on top of the charcoal for a nice smoky flavor. Close the cover to the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side.

    grilled chuck roast cooking on charcoal grill
    The Spruce / Leah Maroney 

  7. Flip and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature has reached 145 F which is the right temperature for “medium" (the best temperature for serving this cut of meat).

    grilled chuck roast
    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  8. Remove the roast from the grill and allow to rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Slice against the grain (do the best you can, the grains can change across the meat due to the configuration of the muscle).

    sliced chuck roast
    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  9. Serve with your favorite sauce like chimichurri. Enjoy.

Chuck Roast vs. Chuck Steak

Chuck roast and chuck steak are different cuts of meat that come from the same part of the cow. Chuck roast is usually cut in an oblong shape while chuck steak is the exact same pie of meat but cut into thinner slices. 

Does Balsamic Vinegar Tenderize Meat?

Balsamic vinegar is great for tenderizing steaks and roasts. This vinegar helps to make the meat tender by breaking down the a few of the proteins and fat in the beef.

Why Do You Score Meat?

Scoring the meat before you marinate it, helps the marinade soak in better and farther. This process also helps to tenderize the meat, expecially when grilling.