35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (2024)

Pot roast is *only* the beginning.

By Mackenzie Filson
35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (1)

No matter if you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, a humble slow cooker can making cooking up a hearty beef dinner so hands-off, it almost seems magical. And before you say it, pot roast is just the beginning of what your Crockpot can achieve. Slow cookers really are one of our favorite kitchen tools ever; it's basically like someone else is cooking for you. There are no fewer than a dozen occasions to break out your slow cooker—when your oven is crowded during a holiday cooking spree, when you want to set it and forget it, and when you're in serious meal prep mode, to name a few. And with these easy slow-cooker beef recipes in your back pocket, you now have 35 more reasons to bust out the slow cooker and Crockpot, especially for making our Crockpot spaghetti and meatballs, slow-cooker beef chili, and slow-cooker beef tacos.

New to cooking beef? The slow cooker makes cooking all different cuts of beef and steak basically foolproof, thanks to how it gently cooks down the protein low and slow. Add in a flavorful broth or stock, and you're on your way to a weeknight winner. Whether you go with slow-cooker short ribs, Crockpot pepper steak, or our delightfully simple slow-cooker red wine beef stew, you can rest assured that you'll be coming home to some perfectly tender beef come dinnertime.

Slow cookers also take so much pressure off our ovens for those special occasion holiday meals. We promise that everyone will assume you were stuck in the kitchen all day when you serve up Crockpot roast beef. And the same is true for our slow-cooker corned beef and slow-cooker pot roast. Low and slow is truly the only way to go! Want to save even more time in the kitchen? Check out all of our favorite slow-cooker chicken recipes, fall slow-cooker recipes, and even how to make a Thanksgiving meal in your Crockpot.

1

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (3)

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing better than a pot of warm, fragrant pot roast and potatoes. Some people might be intimidated at the thought of cooking such a large piece of meat, but in reality, pot roast is one of the easiest things you can make—and this recipe takes that simplicity to the next level by bringing in the slow cooker.

Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.

2

Crockpot Pepper Steak

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (4)

Pepper steak is a straightforward, savory sweet stir-fry that we think works amazingly when made in a slow cooker. The steak gets very tender, and it takes on some of the qualities of your favorite beef stew while still staying true to the original.

Get the Crockpot Pepper Steak recipe.

3

Crockpot Spaghetti

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (5)

Yes, it's true: This entire meal (including the pasta!) can be made in the Crockpot. Love this recipe? Check out our slow-cooker chicken Alfredo for your next pasta night.

Get the Crockpot Spaghetti recipe.

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4

Slow-Cooker Short Ribs

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (6)

Few things feel as special—and as satisfying—as a well cooked beef short rib. This version is fall-off-the-bone tender and insanely flavorful, thanks to a quick sear before slow cooking and a Korean-inspired sauce that would make anything taste good.

Get the Slow-Cooker Short Ribs recipe.

5

Slow-Cooker Beef Tacos

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (7)

Throw a beef chuck roast—which has a strong beefy flavor and needs time to tenderize—an onion, and some spices in the slow cooker before you head out for work and come home to a Tex-Mex masterpiece.

Get the Slow-Cooker Beef Tacos recipe.

6

Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (8)

In the world of Chinese-American classics, you can’t beat beef and broccoli. And while you can always order take-out, here at Delish, we’re so obsessed that we’ve found multiple ways to make it at home: in a pan on the stove, and now in a slow cooker.

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7

Slow-Cooker Chili

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (9)

Our classic beef chili is already quick enough to make on a weeknight, but this slow-cooker recipe is even easier. Sautéing the beef and onion will definitely lead to more flavor, but if you want to just throw everything into the slow-cooker all at once, it'd be totally fine. Just be sure to top your bowl with plenty of Fritos!

Get the Slow-Cooker Beef Chili recipe.

8

Slow-Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (10)

This dish of tender, rich meat paired with the unctuous sauce and dotted with fresh veggies is truly ideal comfort food. The rosemary and sun-dried tomatoes aren't classically used in beef stew, but they brighten up the flavor and add a real punch.

Get the Slow-Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew recipe.

9

Slow-Cooker Brisket

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (11)

Eating perfectly cooked, tender brisket is basically the food equivalent of someone giving you a hug wearing a Snuggy. Unfortunately, many people have been convinced that making brisket is a labor-intensive endeavor. This recipe is here to prove that that's just not true. It may take a bit of time on your countertop slow cooker, but you barely have to lift a finger!

Get the Slow-Cooker Brisket recipe.

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10

Mississippi Roast

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (12)

Created by a woman from Mississippi, this roast is somewhat of an Internet phenomenon. It comes out perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, thanks to ranch seasoning and pepperoncini. Don't forget to pick some extra good sides to go along with your pot roast. Serve it with some horseradish mashed potatoes or the best homemade mac and cheese of your life.

Get the Slow Cooker Mississippi Roast recipe.

11

Crockpot Lasagna

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (13)

We turn to the slow-cooker when we want to have something a little comforting made easy. So is there really anything more stick-to-your-ribs delicious than a cheesy, hearty lasagna? Though you might be able to pull off only using the slow-cooker for this recipe, we do recommend browning the meat and sautéing together in a skillet for maximum flavor.

Get the Crockpot Lasagna recipe.

12

Slow-Cooker Bolognese

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (14)

Bolognese is one of our favorite recipes to make during the winter: It instantly warms you up and makes you feel sooo cozy. Pro tip: The vegetables will steam in the slow cooker, but they'll never sauté, so we prefer to get them a little golden in the skillet first to help coax out some flavor before hitting the slow cooker.

Get the Slow-Cooker Bolognese recipe.

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13

Slow-Cooker Corned Beef & Hash

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (15)

Corned beef and hash is a comfort classic for a reason, and we love how easy to cook it up in a slow cooker. Your favorite brunch classic just got way easier.

Get the .

14

Slow-Cooker Spring Beef Bourguignon

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (16)

Add some freshness to the beefy classic bourguignon recipe with this springy slow-cooker version.

Get the Slow-Cooker Spring Beef Bourguignon recipe.

15

Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (17)

St. Patrick himself would approve. Got leftovers? This will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Or check out our favorite corned beef leftover recipes— our fave go-to is making reuben sandwiches.

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16

Crockpot Roast Beef

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (18)

What is it about pot roast that we love so much? This version will warm the house and your spirit. French onion soup seasoning gives it a flavor that transports us straight to childhood, while the IPA adds a nice hoppy bitterness. Throw these together in a slow cooker, and you have an easy dinner that will be ready in a few hours.

Get the Crockpot Roast Beef recipe.

17

Slow-Cooker Korean Beef Tacos

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (19)

These sweet-spicy-savory Korean-inspired tacos will surely have you wondering why you didn't combine taco night and steak dinners sooner?

Get the Slow-Cooker Korean Beef Tacos recipe.

18

Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (20)

A comforting meal without any work? Sign us up. Stuffed peppers just got way easier.

Get the Crockpot Stuffed Peppers recipe.

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19

Slow-Cooker Paleo Meatballs

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (21)

Looking for an easy paleo-friendly dinner? These paleo meatballs are EVERYTHING when slowly cooked in a delicious tomato sauce.

Get the Slow-Cooker Paleo Meatballs recipe.

20

Slow-Cooker French Dip

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (22)

Slow cooked for hours, this French dip is tender AF and requires so much less effort than a regular French dip.

Get the Slow-Cooker French Dip recipe.

35 Slow-Cooker Beef Recipes For The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What is the best beef to slow cook? ›

Here are the very best beef cuts to keep on hand to slow cook:
  • Chuck steak.
  • Round steak.
  • Blade steak.
  • Topside.
  • Silverside.
  • Skirt steak.
  • Shin (gravy) beef.
  • Sausages.

What are some of the mistakes people make using a slow cooker? ›

7 common mistakes everyone makes with a slow cooker
  • Putting the wrong foods in. Frozen vegetables (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Using a high heat setting. ...
  • Not searing your meat first. ...
  • Overfilling the cooker. ...
  • Not layering foods properly. ...
  • Not adding the right amount of liquid. ...
  • Lifting the lid to take a peek.
Mar 30, 2024

What is the best cut of beef for slow cooking and shredding? ›

Chuck. Chuck steak was practically designed for slow cooking.

Why is my slow cooker beef really tough? ›

Add Just Enough Liquid

If you want the dish to be saucy, or you're making a beef stew, add enough liquid to come about 1/3 of the way up on the meats in the slow cooker. This allows your meat to braise, not boil. Boiling creates tough meat!

Does beef get softer the longer you slow cook it? ›

Your meat will be juicier and more tender

The longer cooking time and the low heat complement each other perfectly. As a result, even though the meat is cooked for far longer, it doesn't dry out because the temperature is low. As a result, this is the best way to retain all the natural juices of the meat.

Is beef better at low or high in slow cooker? ›

Low and slow does wonders for the meat. Here's what longer cooking does to it… Each and every bit of Collagen & Connective tissues starts to break down, and becomes a rich tasty gelatin and water. It takes a bit of time, but with enough time, you'll definitely enjoy that tender bounty of beef.

Can you overcook beef in a slow cooker? ›

Can you overcook something in a slow cooker? Slow cookers are specially designed to cook food for long periods of time, but yes, you can still overcook in a slow cooker if something is left on the wrong setting for longer than it's supposed to be.

Does meat need to be covered with liquid in a slow cooker? ›

Water or liquid is necessary to create steam. When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full.

What is the hardest cut of beef to cook? ›

Shank. Shank is arguably the toughest, cheapest cut of beef. Located in front of the brisket at the cow's forearm, this beef cut is notable for its sinewy dryness. Due to its lack of popularity, shank is not typically found in retail stores.

Which cut of beef is most tender? ›

The most tender of all cuts of beef, tenderloin steaks are lean and known for their delicate, butter-like texture and thick cut. These mouthwatering steaks are so tender they can be “cut with a butter knife.” Tenderloin steaks are commonly known as filets or filet mignon.

What cut of beef is not tough? ›

With the cow, the short loin, rib, and sirloin are more tender than cuts from the belly. The chuck, round, brisket, and shank are tougher yet.

Why is my beef still tough after 4 hours in the slow cooker? ›

Cook Low and Slow

Each slow cooker meal's cooking time differs depending on the meat and its weight. The low setting is important so you don't overcook it, potentially leaving you with a dry or tough meal.

How do I make sure my beef is tender in a slow cooker? ›

Simply add the meat to your slow cooker with aromatics, stock and sauces and cook either on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 5-8 hours. How do you make meat tender in a slow cooker? Choosing a cut of beef best suited for low and slow cooking is the ideal way to get extra tender meat.

Why is my slow cooker beef always dry? ›

Leave it too long (easy to do in a slow cooker) and you end up with dry, stringy meat. Don't leave it long enough, and you end up with a tough piece of meat. Meat is tender and delicious when cooked in a slow cooker or crockpot. To keep the meat moist, add a small amount of water and keep the lid shut.

What meats are best for low and slow cooking? ›

Some of our favorite cuts to cook low and slow:
  • Pork picnic.
  • Pork, beef, lamb shanks.
  • Pork ribs.
  • Beef chuck.
  • Beef brisket.
  • Oxtail short ribs.
  • Any neck meats.
  • Poultry legs.
Dec 13, 2020

What is the most tender beef to cook? ›

Grilling Filet Mignon

Black Angus filet mignon is the most tender cut of beef used for steaks. It comes from the smaller end of the tenderloin and should be well-marbled. You can grill it or cook it in a skillet and is best served blue rare or rare.

What is best cut of beef for slow-cooked stew? ›

Go for the chuck

The most common beef used for stew is chuck steak, also known as gravy beef or braising steak. Beef chuck comes from the forequarter of the animal consisting of parts of the neck, shoulder blade and upper arm.

Which cuts of meat are most suited to slow methods of cooking? ›

Chuck (neck), shin (shank, osso bucco or gravy beef), brisket (ribs and short ribs), flank, knuckle, cheek, ox tail, silverside and topside are ideal for long, slow cooking. Secondary cuts like chuck and brisket have layered fat in the meat, which gives a soft and rich result after cooking.

References

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