This Shredded Beef Chuck Roast is a tender and fall-apart recipe, which is made with beef chuck roast and a whole head of garlic. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 6 to 7 hours in the slow cooker.
Shredded Beef Chuck Roast Recipe Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 3 equal pieces
- 1 head garlic, cloves smashed and peeled
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
How To Make Shredded Beef Chuck Roast Recipe
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker, combine the beef, smashed garlic cloves, oregano, rosemary, and beef broth. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook on High: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the high setting for 6 to 7 hours, or until the beef is very tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
- Shred the Beef: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef pieces to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the beef, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Moisten with Broth: Moisten the shredded beef with 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to keep it juicy and flavorful. Reserve the remaining liquid for other uses (like making a gravy or soup).

Recipe Tips
- Do I have to sear the chuck roast first? While not necessary for this recipe, searing the beef in a hot, oiled skillet before adding it to the slow cooker can add a deeper, more complex flavor through the Maillard reaction.
- How do I know when the beef is done? The best indicator is texture. The chuck roast is ready when it is “fork-tender,” meaning it offers little resistance and shreds easily when pulled apart with two forks.
- What’s the easiest way to shred beef? It is much easier to shred the beef while it is still warm. If you have a stand mixer, you can place the warm chunks of beef in the bowl and use the paddle attachment on a low speed to shred it in seconds.
- How can I add more vegetables? You can add rustic chunks of carrots, celery, or potatoes to the slow cooker along with the beef for a more complete one-pot meal.
What To Serve With Shredded Beef Chuck Roast
This versatile shredded beef is a fantastic base for countless meals.
- Tacos and Burritos: Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cilantro.
- Sandwiches: Pile it onto sturdy rolls, toss with barbecue sauce for a BBQ beef sandwich, or top with melted provolone for a Philly-style sandwich.
- Pasta: Simmer the beef with your favorite tomato sauce to create a rich and savory beef ragu to serve over pasta.
- Casseroles: Use it in place of ground meat in recipes like Shepherd’s Pie or a cheesy beef and potato casserole.
- Nachos: Scatter the shredded beef over tortilla chips, top with cheese, and bake for delicious, loaded nachos.
How To Store Shredded Beef Chuck Roast
- Refrigerate: Let the beef cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best to store it with some of its cooking juices to keep it moist.
- Freeze: Pour some of the reserved cooking liquid over the shredded beef and store it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Shredded Beef Chuck Roast Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, for this recipe, the high setting ensures the meat becomes tender within 6-7 hours. If you are not in a rush, you can use the low setting, which will likely take 8-10 hours.
No, it does not need to be flipped. The slow cooker lid is very effective at retaining moisture, and the beef will be mostly submerged in the broth, allowing it to cook evenly.
The leftover broth is full of flavor! Don’t throw it out. You can strain it and use it as a base for French onion soup, a rich beef gravy, or to cook rice or grains in for extra flavor.
Try More Recipes:
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- I Tried Martha Stewart’s Beef Stroganoff, and It Carried Me Through the Day
- I Tried Martha Stewart’s Corned Beef and Cabbage, and It Made the House Feel Full Again

Shredded Beef Chuck Roast Recipe
Description
A simple, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe that yields incredibly tender, fall-apart shredded beef perfect for tacos, sandwiches, and more.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place beef, garlic, herbs, and broth in a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on high for 6 to 7 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Transfer beef to a large bowl and shred with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Moisten the shredded beef with 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
- Serve immediately in your favorite dishes.
Notes
- For the best results, use a well-marbled chuck roast, as the fat will render during the long cooking time and keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- There is no need to sear the meat beforehand, making this a true “dump and go” recipe.
- The beef is even more flavorful the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Save the extra cooking liquid; it’s a fantastic base for soups and gravies.