Description
This Slow Cooker Pulled Beef recipe offers a tender, flavorful meal perfect for sandwiches or a hearty dinner. The beef brisket is slow-cooked with a smoky, spiced rub and onions, resulting in juicy, shredded meat infused with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 3 lb. beef brisket (chuck roast or flank steak, trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced into large strips)
- 1 (15 oz.) can beef broth
Spice Rub
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker base: Pour the beef broth into the bottom of the slow cooker and add the sliced onion strips evenly over it. This will create a flavorful cooking liquid and keep the meat moist.
- Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until you get a wet paste-like consistency that will coat the beef thoroughly.
- Coat the beef: Rub the spice mixture all over the beef brisket, ensuring every side is well covered. Place the coated beef on top of the onions and broth inside the slow cooker.
- Cook the beef: Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred and mix: Remove the cooked beef onto a cutting board and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak in the juices with the onions, keeping it warm and flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the pulled beef hot, optionally over buns or rolls for sandwiches. Add your favorite barbecue sauce as a topping for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can use chuck roast or flank steak as alternatives to brisket based on preference.
- Adjust the spices to your taste, adding more chili powder for heat if desired.
- Leftover pulled beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a smoky flavor without liquid smoke, consider adding smoked paprika instead.
- Serve with coleslaw or pickles for classic pulled beef sandwiches.
