Slow cooker pulled beef

Savor the rich and tender flavors of slow cooker pulled beef. Made with 2 lb of juicy beef, 1 cup of flavorful beef broth, aromatic onion, garlic cloves, a bay leaf, and a hint of fresh thyme, this recipe guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth experience perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious!

  • 16 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 480 min
  • Prep time 5 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 6 Ingredients

Slow cooker pulled beef

Slow cooker pulled beef is the perfect recipe for those who love tender, flavorful, and juicy meat with minimal effort. By using a slow cooker, you allow the beef to cook slowly and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the broth, onions, garlic, and herbs. This dish is ideal for a hearty family dinner or for meal prep, as it can be used in a variety of dishes such as sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

Ingredients:

2 lb beef
910g
1 cup beef broth
250g
1 onion
160g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 bay leaf
0.60g
1 tbsp fresh thyme
16g

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Ingredients:
- Beef: If not already done, trim off excess fat from the beef. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Onion: Peel and finely chop the onion.
- Garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
- Thyme: Roughly chop the fresh thyme.
2. Searing the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a bit of oil.
- Sear the beef on all sides until it’s nicely browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the seared or raw beef into the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bay leaf.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the beef is partially submerged.
- Sprinkle the fresh thyme over the top.
4. Cooking:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Set it to low and cook for 8-10 hours or set to high and cook for 4-6 hours. The cooking time will vary slightly based on your slow cooker and the cut of beef used.
- The beef is done when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
5. Shredding the Beef:
- Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the juices and onions.
6. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pulled beef on burger buns, in tortillas, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides. You can also use it to make sandwiches, tacos, or even as a pizza topping.
7. Storage:
- If you have leftovers, let the pulled beef cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of extra broth if needed to keep the beef moist.

Tips:

- Choose the right cut of beef: Opt for cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or shoulder as they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

- Brown the meat: For an extra layer of flavor, sear the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker.

- Layer the ingredients: Place the onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to promote even cooking and flavor distribution.

- Don't lift the lid: Avoid opening the slow cooker during cooking as it lets out heat and extends cooking time. Only check it towards the end.

- Shred the beef properly: Use two forks to pull the beef apart once it's cooked. You can do this directly in the slow cooker for convenience.

- Adjust seasoning: After shredding, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of your favorite barbecue sauce.

Once you've allowed your slow cooker to work its magic, you'll be rewarded with incredibly tender and flavorful pulled beef that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. This recipe demonstrates how a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience can yield a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it immediately or storing it for later, slow cooker pulled beef is a versatile and convenient choice for any home cook.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size170 grams
Energy
Calories 350kcal17%
Protein
Protein 36g23%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 1.95g1%
Fiber 0.66g2%
Sugar 1.17g1%
Fat
Fat 22g25%
Saturated 8g28%
Cholesterol 130mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 0.00ug0%
Choline 130mg24%
Vitamin B1 0.08mg7%
Vitamin B2 0.20mg15%
Vitamin B3 5mg32%
Vitamin B6 0.37mg22%
Vitamin B9 15ug4%
Vitamin B12 2.28ug95%
Vitamin C 1.72mg2%
Vitamin E 0.59mg4%
Vitamin K 2.13ug2%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 33mg3%
Copper, Cu 0.11mg13%
Iron, Fe 2.91mg26%
Magnesium, Mg 24mg6%
Phosphorus, P 220mg18%
Potassium, K 340mg10%
Selenium, Se 33ug60%
Sodium, Na 170mg12%
Zinc, Zn 8mg73%
Water
Water 110g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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