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Home » Recipes » Crockpot Recipes

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Published: Jan 8, 2026 by Debra Clark · Leave a Comment

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Slow Cooker Shredded Beef is comfort food at its best! Tender, fall-apart beef simmers all day in a rich, savory sauce that turns into its own delicious gravy. The crockpot does all the work while you go about your day, and by the time it's ready, your home is filled with a mouthwatering aroma that has everyone asking, "Is it dinner time yet?"

Slow cooker shredded beef shown from above with a spoon lifting the meat and broth.
Jump to:
  • What makes this recipe irresistible
  • Ingredients
  • Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Recipe
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
  • Deb's top tips
  • Related recipes
  • Serving suggestions
  • Wrapping it up

What makes this recipe irresistible

I have to confess, this recipe has become my weeknight hero. It's hearty, comforting, and it makes the best leftovers ever. I love serving it over mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal, but it's equally amazing stuffed into sandwiches or wraps. Trust me, once you try it, this roast will be on repeat in your kitchen!

All of the ingredients needed to make the pot roast recipe in the crockpot. With print overlay for clarification.

Ingredients

Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the exact measurements for this recipe.

Close-up of tender shredded beef garnished with minced parsley in a slow cooker, with a serving spoon.
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Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Recipe

Tender, juicy beef slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce made with Montreal steak seasoning, Worcestershire, balsamic, and a touch of tomato for depth. Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with just the right balance of smoky, tangy, and beefy flavor.
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Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time8 hours hrs
Total Time8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 342kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Equipment

  • 1 Crockpot

Ingredients

  • 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ½ tablespoons Montreal steak seasoning
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: To thicken the broth whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Pour it into the crockpot and allow it to cook for the last 15 minutes of cooking time.

Instructions

  • Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Rub both sides generously with Montreal steak seasoning and smoked paprika.
    Seasoned beef roast in a skillet before searing, surrounded by sliced onions and garlic.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast 3-4 minutes per side until well-browned.
    Beef roast being seared in a skillet with a dark spice rub forming a crust.
  • Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the seared roast on top.
    Seared beef roast placed on top of sliced onions inside a slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar or wine. Pour over the roast.
    Beef roast in a slow cooker as a rich broth is poured over the top.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  • Remove the beef, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker to soak up the juices for 10-15 minutes before serving.
    Fully cooked shredded beef inside the slow cooker with onions and rich cooking juices. A serving of shredded beef is being served with a large spoon.
  • Optional - thicken the sauce with a slurry made of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water. Whisk until smooth and pour into the sauce while shredding the beef. Increase the heat to high and cook for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Notes

You can cook it on high if you're short on time, but I recommend using the low setting whenever possible. The meat turns out much more tender that way. 
 
Storage - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it juicy. Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 690mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 4mg

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Shredded beef served over mashed potatoes on a white plate.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking, you can also use brisket or rump roast, just be sure to adjust the cooking time if the cut is leaner.

Do I have to sear the roast first?

Technically, you could skip it, but I don't recommend it. Searing locks in flavor and gives the beef that gorgeous brown crust that deepens the overall taste.

Deb's top tips

Before serving, skim off excess fat from the surface of the sauce using a spoon or paper towel. You'll keep all the rich beefy flavor without the greasy finish, and the sauce clings to the meat so much better.

Additionally, shred the beef in larger chunks instead of pulling it super fine. Bigger pieces stay juicier and hold onto the sauce, which makes leftovers just as good-maybe even better-the next day!

Shredded beef in a serving dish with a ladle scooping up the savory broth.

Related recipes

If you're a fan of slow cooker meals, you'll also want to try my Slow Cooker Roast Beef, Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites, and Crockpot French Onion Meatballs. They all share that same rich, tender, fall-apart goodness that makes dinner feel extra special.

Serving suggestions

Switch up the traditional spuds and serve this tender beef over a bed of creamy polenta, white rice, or buttered egg noodles. It's also divine piled high on a crusty roll for the most irresistible shredded beef sandwich. Add a side of steamed green beans or a crisp wedge salad to balance out all that savory richness.

If you want to make it a complete meal, pop some carrots and potatoes in the slow cooker as well, yum!

Wrapping it up

There you have it, a foolproof, flavor-packed shredded beef recipe that's sure to win hearts and appetites! It's cozy, effortless, and perfect for busy days when you still want something special. Go ahead and give it a try, and let me know what you think! I always love to hear what you think!

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About Debra Clark

Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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Blogger Deb Clark smiling at camera holding a plate filled with a casserole.
Welcome to Bowl Me Over!

Hey I'm Deb Clark! I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over. We live in a sleepy little town just north of Portland in the beautiful Pacific Northwest... (read more)

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