Now that you’re dreaming of all the delicious beefy recipes that await you, let’s break down how to make this easy pulled beef! This recipe is perfect for busy days because it’s a true dump-and-go meal. No need to brown the meat beforehand—just prep, set, and forget!
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs. chuck roast (or two 2-3 lb roasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 4-5 garlic cloves, sliced
Instructions:
- Prep the Meat: Place your chuck roast on a cutting board and use a knife to stab a few holes on all sides of the meat.
- Season the Meat: Whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar, then rub it all over the meat. Sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and garlic powder.
- Layer the Slow Cooker: Cut a large onion into wedges. Place half of the onion on the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the roast. Sprinkle with sliced garlic cloves and top with the remaining onion.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef shreds easily with a fork.
How to Know When Your Roast is Done:
If you test the roast after 8 hours and it doesn’t easily pull apart, give it more time. A tougher roast usually means it needs to cook longer. Continue cooking for another hour or two until it shreds easily with a little help from two meat forks.
Choosing the Best Cut of Beef for Shredding:
The best cuts for tender, juicy pulled beef are actually the tougher cuts. Chuck roast, also known as shoulder roast, chuck eye roast, or arm chuck roast, is ideal due to its marbling, which melts into the meat during slow cooking. Brisket is another excellent choice for shredded beef and works great in recipes like Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Brisket French Dip Sandwiches.
For ample leftovers, use at least 4 lbs. of boneless meat. If you can’t find a single roast that big, pick up two smaller roasts. Keep an eye out for deals, as many grocery stores offer sales like Buy One-Get One on roasts.
Enjoy this easy and flavorful slow cooker pulled beef in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please!