Why I Love Slow Cooked Pulled Beef ❤️
There are many reasons why I adore this Slow Cooked Pulled Beef recipe. For starters, it’s easy as pie! Seriously, you just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low, and walk away. Ten hours later, you’ll have tender beef so delicious you won’t believe you didn’t have to babysit it all day. The balsamic vinegar, dates (or brown sugar), and smoked paprika give it a deep, rich flavour that makes it irresistible.
But here’s the real kicker—this BBQ pulled beef is incredibly versatile. You can serve it in soft rolls for the ultimate pulled beef sandwich, wrap it in a taco with some coleslaw, or pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooked Pulled Beef
Before you dive into this mouth-watering dish, let me share a few tips and tricks to ensure your Slow Cooked Pulled Beef turns out perfect every single time:
- Choosing the right cut of beef: The best cut for this recipe is chuck steak. It’s marbled with enough fat to make the beef juicy and tender after hours of slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like rump, which can dry out.
- Use dates for natural sweetness: If you want to take things up a notch, try using dates instead of brown sugar. They add a lovely depth of flavour and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the balsamic vinegar. 🍯 If you prefer something simpler, 1/2 cup of brown sugar will do the trick!
- Go low and slow: I recommend cooking this on low for 10 hours. It allows the beef to break down completely, resulting in that perfect “pull-apart” texture we all love in Slow Cooked Pulled Beef. But if you’re pressed for time, you can cook it on high for 6–7 hours.
- Add some spice: Want a little more heat? Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes. This will give your BBQ pulled beef that extra kick without overpowering the smoky BBQ flavour.
- Keep it juicy: After shredding the beef, be sure to stir it back into the sauce in the slow cooker to keep it moist and flavourful. Dry pulled beef is no one’s friend, right?
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooked Pulled Beef
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Slow Cooked Pulled Beef, let’s talk serving suggestions! You can keep it classic or switch it up, depending on your mood:
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- Pulled beef sliders: Pile the beef onto soft brioche rolls with some tangy coleslaw. Perfect for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
- Taco night: Spoon the beef into soft tortillas, top with fresh avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. 🌮 You’ll be everyone’s favourite taco chef!
- Salad: For a lighter option, serve the beef over a fresh garden salad with a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Mashed potatoes: Go all out and serve your BBQ pulled beef with buttery mashed potatoes. The rich, saucy beef is perfect with this creamy side.
Pairing Suggestions for Slow Cooked Pulled Beef
You’ll need a drink to go with this tasty BBQ pulled beef, so here are my top recommendations:
- Beer: A nice cold beer, like an amber ale or a pale ale, will complement the smoky flavours beautifully. 🍺
- Red wine: If you’re feeling fancy, a medium-bodied red wine like Shiraz or Malbec will pair perfectly with the rich, meaty flavours of this dish.
- Iced tea: For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing glass of iced tea with a splash of lemon. 🧋
Let’s Get Cooking!
There you have it! My go-to recipe for Slow Cooked Pulled Beef is easy, packed with flavour, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next dinner. If you give this a try, be sure to take a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – I love seeing your creations! 📸
And if you’re looking for more easy recipes, why not try:
Enjoy your Slowcooker Pulled Beef feast, and happy slow cooking! 🥳
Slow Cooked Pulled Beef
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Ever just want a meal that does all the work for you while you relax? Well, my slow cooker BBQ pulled beef has your back! This recipe is packed with flavour, fall-apart tender, and best of all, it’s ridiculously easy. No need to fuss in the kitchen, just toss it in, and let your slow cooker do the magic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pop everything into your slow cooker, give it a little stir
- Cook on low for 10 hours.
- Pull apart with 2 folks to shred it.
- Pile it on soft rolls, stuff it in tacos, or serve with a fresh salad for a winning dinner. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing, I promise! 😍🍖
Notes
Want it quicker? Cut your beef into smaller chunks or turn it to high. The result? Juicy, tender BBQ beef that melts in your mouth!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10h
- Category: Recipes
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day when the flavours have had more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat and enjoy!
Yes, you can, but chuck steak works best due to its fat content, which keeps the meat tender and juicy. If you opt for a leaner cut like brisket or rump, be sure to watch it closely, as it may dry out more easily.
Store leftover pulled beef in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of beef stock or water to keep it moist and microwave it in intervals, stirring in between. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.