Easy to make and delicious, complex, full flavored, braised beef made in the crock pot or slow cooker. Change the servings by using the slider in the recipe card.
In the bowl of a slow cooker, mix together first 11 ingredients (Balsamic tomatoes through red wine). Set aside.
Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, add sliced onions, and cook until onions are caramelized, about 20 minutes, add in a couple tablespoons of water if the onions appear to be burning or cooking too quickly. Once the onions are nice and caramelized, stir in the flour, and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes. Place caramelized onions in the crock pot with the liquid. Wipe out pan.
Heat remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil in the same large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Working in batches so as not to crowd the pan, add cubed beef, cooking until well browned on all sides, about 10-20 minutes per batch. Remove beef from pan once it is browned, and place in the crock pot. Deglaze pan with water or red wine between batches.
Turn crock-pot on high, and cook, covered, for about 4-6 hours or until beef is tender. Discard bay leaf.