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Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef offers a tender, juicy, and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or standalone dishes, this recipe uses affordable beef cuts slow-cooked for hours to develop rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for busy weekdays or family dinners, it delivers comforting satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast, well-marbled

Liquid & Sauces

  • 1 to 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or tomato sauce
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Herbs

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excessive fat from the chuck roast, then season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices to create a flavorful crust.
  2. Sear for Flavor: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned to lock in depth and texture.
  3. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef on top. Pour beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle the seasonings and herbs over everything.
  4. Slow Cook the Beef: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and easy to shred.
  5. Shred and Serve: Remove the beef from the slow cooker once fall-apart tender, shred using two forks, then mix it back into the cooking juices for maximum flavor and moisture.

Notes

  • Use chuck roast or brisket for best shredding results.
  • Searing is important to add savory depth not achievable by slow cooking alone.
  • Adjust herbs and spices gradually for layered flavors.
  • Use just enough broth to keep beef moist without sogginess.
  • Cook low and slow for tender shredding; avoid high heat shortcuts.

Nutrition

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