- 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 onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with
- 2 tablespoons water
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.