Slow Cooker Shredded Beef is one of my favorite crockpot recipes because it turns a simple chuck roast into the most tender, juicy beef. Once it’s done, you can pile it into tacos, layer it on a sandwich, or serve it over rice for an easy dinner. I love recipes like this that cook all day in the slow cooker and give you plenty of options for meals throughout the week.

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

One of the best parts about slow cooker shredded beef is how tender it gets. The beef cooks low and slow until it is fall apart soft, which makes it one of my favorite slow cooked chuck roast recipes. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for those nights when you want an easy family dinner without having to stand over the stove. If you’re looking for more easy Slow Cooker Recipes, I have a full collection here on the blog.

Why you’ll love this Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Fall apart tender:
Slow cooking a chuck roast gives you beef that’s juicy and fork tender every single time. It’s one of those recipes where the slow cooker really does all the work for you.
Budget friendly:
A chuck shoulder roast is an affordable cut of beef, and when you cook it low and slow it tastes like something much more expensive. This is a great option if you want a filling meal that doesn’t break the grocery budget.
Perfect for a crowd:
Crockpot shredded beef is ideal when you’re feeding a group because you can make a large batch at once. Set out toppings or Sides and let everyone serve themselves, which makes entertaining easy.

Juicy shredded beef in a slow cooker surrounded by cooking juices and topped with parsley.

How I Use Slow Cooker Shredded Beef for Easy Meal Prep

I love making a big batch of fall-apart shredded beef at the start of the week because it saves me time later. Once the roast is cooked, I can divide it into containers and use it for various meals. Some nights it goes into rice bowls, other nights I’ll serve it with Mashed Potatoes, and I always keep a little aside for quick lunches. Having it ready in the fridge makes dinners feel a lot less stressful.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Chuck roast: This is the best cut for shredded beef because it cooks down until tender and juicy. If your store labels it as chuck shoulder roast, that works just as well.
Onion: Adds a nice base of flavor and sweetness as it cooks.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the beef a rich, savory taste.
Cumin: Part of the spice blend that brings a warm, earthy flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds depth and a hint of smokiness to the beef.
Chili powder: Gives the beef a little kick without being too spicy.
Salt and pepper: Keep it simple with these basics for seasoning.
Beef broth: Keeps everything juicy while the roast cooks low and slow.
Lime juice: A splash brightens the flavor, though you can leave it out if you prefer.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shredded Beef.

How to make Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Raw chuck roast coated in a spice blend of cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper on a cutting board.

Season the chuck roast with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Chuck roast searing in a cast iron skillet to build flavor before slow cooking.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Seared chuck roast in a slow cooker surrounded by chopped onions and garlic.

Transfer the beef to the slow cooker and add the chopped onion, garlic, beef broth, and lime juice.

Chuck roast simmering in beef broth inside a slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the beef is fork tender and shreds easily.

Tender slow cooked beef being shredded with two forks on a white plate.

Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.

Juicy shredded beef mixed into flavorful cooking juices in a slow cooker.

Return the shredded beef back to the juices in the slow cooker.

Variations

BBQ Shredded Beef: Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce after shredding the beef and let it warm through in the slow cooker. This makes a delicious filling for sandwiches or a topping for Baked Potatoes.
Shredded Beef Tacos: Use this beef as the base for tacos with tortillas, cheese, and fresh toppings. It is an easy way to turn one roast into a fun taco night.
Shredded Beef Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a sheet pan and pile on the beef with cheese, beans, and jalapeños. Bake until the cheese melts and finish with sour cream or salsa.
Shredded Beef Rice Bowls: Serve the beef over Black Beans and Rice with vegetables, Fresh tomato Salsa, Corn Salsa and Guacamole. It is a simple way to make burrito bowls that are filling and flavorful. Try my Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl if you’d prefer a chicken version.
Shredded Beef Quesadillas: Layer the beef with cheese between tortillas and cook until golden in a skillet. Slice into wedges for an easy dinner or appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

With Black Beans and Rice: Pair the shredded beef with a side of my black beans and rice for a filling and flavorful meal. The spices in the beef go perfectly with the beans and fluffy rice.
With Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the beef over creamy garlic mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food dinner. The rich potatoes soak up the juices and make every bite satisfying.
In Sandwiches: Pile the shredded beef high on a crusty roll or soft bun with your favorite toppings. It is an easy way to turn leftovers into another delicious meal.
In Burritos: Wrap the beef in a tortilla with rice, beans, and cheese for a hearty burrito. These are great for quick lunches or a make-ahead freezer option.
On Baked Potatoes: Load baked potatoes with shredded beef, cheese, and sour cream. It makes a simple dinner feel fun and filling without much extra work.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Slow Cooker Shredded Beef?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the beef juicy.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Shredded Beef?

Let the beef cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Slow cooker shredded beef served with mashed potatoes, peas, crusty bread, and fresh parsley.

Tips & Tricks

Sear the beef for extra flavor: Browning the chuck roast before adding it to the slow cooker builds a rich, savory base. It only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference in the final taste.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste: The spice blend is simple and flexible, so feel free to add more chili powder for heat or extra cumin for earthiness. Tasting the juices at the end lets you fine-tune the flavor.
Keep the beef juicy: If the shredded beef looks a little dry after cooking, stir in a splash of beef broth. This brings back moisture and helps the meat stay tender.
Make it ahead for meal prep: Slow cooker shredded beef stores well, so it’s perfect for planning meals during the week. Portion it into containers for rice bowls, sandwiches, or quick dinners.
Use the juices: Don’t throw away the cooking liquid because it’s full of flavor. Mixing the shredded beef back into the juices makes every bite more tender and delicious..

More Slow Cooker Meals

Looking for more meal inspiration?

Browse my Slow Cooker Meals or check out my Sides for inspo!

FAQ

What cut of beef works best for slow cooker shredded beef?
A chuck shoulder roast is the best choice because it cooks down into tender, juicy beef. Other cuts like brisket or rump roast will also work, but chuck is affordable and reliable.
Can I make this shredded beef recipe in a crockpot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, crockpot and slow cooker are the same thing, so you can use either one. Just follow the same instructions for cooking time and temperature.
Do I have to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing is optional, but it does add a lot of flavor. If you are short on time, you can skip it and still end up with tasty, tender shredded beef.
How long does it take for the beef to become tender?
Cooking on low for 7 to 8 hours usually gives you fork tender beef that shreds easily. You can cook it longer if you like. The longer you cook it the softer it gets. If you cook on high, it will take around 4 to 5 hours, though the texture is a little better on low.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this is a great meal prep recipe because it stores well in the fridge and freezer. You can portion the beef into containers and use it for rice bowls, sandwiches, or tacos during the week.
What sides go well with crockpot shredded beef?
Some of my favorites are black beans and rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. The beef also pairs well with roasted vegetables or cornbread.
Can I freeze shredded beef after cooking?
Definitely. Let it cool, then freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
What’s the best way to reheat shredded beef?
The quickest option is the microwave, but for the best texture, reheat it in a skillet with a little broth. You can also put it back in the slow cooker on warm for an hour if you have extra time.
Is shredded beef the same as pulled beef?
Yes, the terms are used interchangeably. Both describe beef that has been slow cooked until it is tender enough to shred with a fork.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef?
Absolutely. Onions and garlic are included, but you can also add bell peppers, carrots, or even potatoes. They cook down in the juices and make the meal more filling.