Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Recipe

Indulge in the mouthwatering tenderness and rich flavor of our Slow Cooker Shredded Beef recipe. This versatile and convenient dish requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re preparing tacos, sandwiches, or salads, this succulent shredded beef will elevate any meal to new heights. Join us as we explore the simple steps to creating tender, flavorful shredded beef right in your slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 3.3-pound beef roast (such as chuck roast or brisket)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves

Instructions:

1. Season the Beef: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, chili powder, granulated garlic, cumin, and oregano to create a spice rub. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the beef roast, coating all sides.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned beef roast on all sides until browned, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the flavor and juices of the meat.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the seared beef roast in the slow cooker. Add beef broth, water, quartered onion, and garlic cloves to the slow cooker, ensuring that the beef is partially submerged in the liquid.
4. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook the beef on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
5. Shred the Beef: Once cooked, carefully remove the beef roast from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat.
6. Serve: Serve the shredded beef hot, using it as a filling for tacos, sandwiches, burritos, or salads. Alternatively, store the shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Beef Roast Options: While chuck roast is commonly used for slow cooker shredded beef, you can also use brisket, round roast, or even short ribs for this recipe. Each cut will impart its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
• Additional Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences. You can add smoked paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Enhance the flavor of the shredded beef by adding diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the slow cooker along with the onion and garlic.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly: This Slow Cooker Shredded Beef recipe is naturally keto-friendly, as it contains minimal carbohydrates. Serve the shredded beef alongside keto-friendly sides such as cauliflower rice, sautéed vegetables, or avocado salad for a complete low-carb meal.
• Low Carb Option: To further reduce the carb content of the dish, omit the onion from the recipe or use it sparingly. You can also use a low-carb beef broth or homemade bone broth instead of store-bought broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen beef roast for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use a frozen beef roast for this recipe. However, you will need to increase the cooking time in the slow cooker by 1-2 hours to ensure that the meat cooks thoroughly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the shredded beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat the shredded beef in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze leftover shredded beef? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover shredded beef in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

Q: Can I use this shredded beef for meal prep? A: Certainly! Shredded beef is perfect for meal prep as it can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week. Divide the shredded beef into individual portions and store them in separate containers for easy meal planning.

In conclusion, our Slow Cooker Shredded Beef recipe offers a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy beef with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile dish is sure to satisfy. With its rich seasoning and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s the perfect addition to tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible taste of homemade shredded beef!