How to make tender shredded beef recipe requires only 4 ingredients, and will delicious for leftovers like, bbq beef sandiches, tostadas etc.
There are two questions that I hear a lot, what basics do you use and how do you make tender, moist shredded beef? First of all, I have a lot of things in my kitchen that I consider basics, so I’ll save that list for another time, but one thing that I insist that you have is Real Salt. I’m not saying actual, real life salt, I mean the brand, Real Salt. We like to keep the basic sea salt and kosher salt on hand at all times. In fact, it is literally all that we use. Well, occasionally I’ll pull out a Hawaiian salt or flakes of sea salt, but Real Salt is our absolute favorite, and it’s our secret to making shredded Beef.
We have this awesome new Slow Cooker from Hamilton Beach and it’s our favorite way to cook roasts. I know you can use the oven, but I hate heating up the whole darned thing, just for a lump of meat that’s going to sit alllllll day. So, with a slow cooker, Honey Wine Vinegar from Slide Ridge, Olive Oil, and Real Kosher Salt (trust me, it’s the best salt ever and will make your food taste better than ever) you can create the most moist and delicious shredded beef. Of course, this version is just our basic, nothing fancy recipe, but we totally doctor it up when needed. I like this version because it’s simple, and sometimes I just want a yummy, simple dish that feel comforting and homey versus some crazy over the top meal.
Plus, there are only 4 of us, so we use the leftovers to create other delicious meals throughout the week and we just saved a ton of time because the meat is already done. Hint, hint, you’ll want to see Wednesday’s post. It’s for sure a new favorite. Anyway, to prepare the meat, just buy a Beef Rump Roast, stab it with a knife a few times (2-3) on each side, rub with a mixture of olive oil and vinegar and rub with salt. Let the baby cook away for 8 hours, and just try to remove it from the crockpot. It will be fall apart, juicy and delicious. Oh, and trust me, serve it with a little of the leftover juices in the crockpot. It’s natural au jus is delicious!
What Is The Difference Between Kosher Salt and Table Salt?
The main difference between Kosher salt and regular salt is just the grain size.
Under a microscope, you can see that table salt has been milled such that many of the salt crystals look like little cubes.
Kosher salt will have a different texture and flavor burst, but if you allow the salt to dissolve in the food, there really isn’t any difference in the flavor.
What is Honey Wine Vinegar Made From?
Most commercially available honey vinegars are produced in Italy, France, Romania and Spain.
It’s vinegar, acetic acid, just like regular vinegar, only it is made of honey.
How to Make Tender Shredded Beef
How to Make Tender Shredded Beef
Ingredients
- 1 Chuck or Rump Beef Roast, ours was about 3 lbs, but you can easily increase ingredients as needed
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Honey Wine Vinegar, Apple Cider may be substituted
- 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt, preferably Real brand.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar.
- Stab the roast 2-3 times, per side with a sharp knife.
- Rub the oil mixture all over the meat, massaging it in.
- Sprinkle with salt and rub it in all over the meat.
- Place in a slow cooker for 8 hours on low, serve immediately with leftover juices from the slow cooker.
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
Recipes for using leftover Beef
Mini Taco Cups- a great way to use leftover shredded beef-Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Shredded Beef Enchiladas-Bev Cooks
Shredded Beef Tacos-Kalyn’s Kitchen found on Slow Cooker Today
SPS
Thank you for this recipe. So simple but oh.so.good!!! I made this for my daughter’s birthday and everybody commented on how good it was. A keeper for sure…🙂
Sweet Basil
We love to hear that! Thank you so much for taking time to leave a comment!
Amanda
Hi! Do you think I could pull this off in the instant pot and get the same flavor? How long would you cook it for? I’m short on time! Thanks!
Amanda
Or, maybe 4 hrs on high in the crock pot?
Sweet Basil
Yes it definitely works in the Instant Pot but the gravy doesn’t turn out quite as thick. It would take 60-80 minutes in the IP. 4 hours on high would also work but it won’t be as tender.
robin
This was very juicy and tender! However, I didn’t put any vegetables in at the outset and it was extremely salty. I threw some raw potatoes in and am hoping they soak it up some! I love the texture, will just cut salt in half (at least) next time.
robert tregoning
Love you guys for telling me how to cook this beef,
Jennifer
I just found your post searching for a shredded beef recipe, and I 100% agree that Real Salt is awesome. I bought it trying to find a well-sourced salt. I also really like the sea salt from Trader Joes, but Real Salt tastes sweeter, in a way. Not all salts taste the same!
I’m about to try this – have you tried it with carrots and potatoes? If so, when do you throw them in? Also, do you (or does anyone) know of the oven equivalent for duration and oven temp? Thank you!
Sweet Basil
Hi Jennifer, Isn’t it crazy that something as simple as salt can be so different by brand? Yes, we throw potatoes and carrots in at the beginning. If you want more of a crunch you can add them halfway through, but I love them in the beginning. 🙂 The oven temperature would be 200-250 and then cook for 8 hours. I tend to go with 250 but that’s for our oven so you would have to experiment.
Meeshee
I am about to try this recipe in a new 2-quart slow cooker that I just bought. We are only 2-1/2 (our daughter is 3). I’m a little concerned that I may need a 4-quart slower cooker. Your recipe does not specify. What do you use?
Sweet Basil
Well, ours is a 6 qt and way too big for the 4 of us. A 4 would be great, and a 2 may be a tad too tight. Ifyou can fit the beef you’re good, but otherwise you may need to roast low and slow in the oven, covered.
Christy
Can I add potatoes and carrots and if so do I need to add water?
Anna
I have this in the crockpot now….smells so yummy!! Can’t wait for dinner!!
Marisela
Hi. I just found this on pinterest. Can I use a sirloin tip roast. I bought it because it was extremely cheap. I am not sure it will shred? Or do you know another really good recipe for the roast? Thank you.
Jenn S.
So there is no additional liquid to be added when cooking other than the 3TBPS of vinegar/olive oil? Can I use a eye of round roast or will I need to add some water or beef broth if I use another cut of meat?
Sweet Basil
yUP! And I promise it truly doesn’t need the water. The juices will just do their thing. 🙂
Sweet Basil
Sorry, missed the rest of your comment. You can use another cut, but this one turns out the best. I stick with tri tip or beef rump roast because I think they turn out much more tender. You still wouldn’t need teh liquid with another cut though.
bakeca udine
this is good food
Lori H
Apparently D doesn’t read food blogs. I know many food bloggers tout the brands they love using. I know I have my favorites and if I did a food blog, you’d bet I’d be giving them a shout out.
BUT, I”m going to be trying this one. I might not be able to find those brands, but I am going to give this a go anyway. This looks great! Thanks!
Sweet Basil
Lori, Maybe it’s time to do a giveaway with those brands so people can win them instead! Thanks for sparking a fun idea and for being on my side. 😉
Sweet Basil
Sorry, D. My response to you didn’t show up here so it must not have gone through. I can understand where you are coming from and appreciate your comment. This post was not a paid for post. It’s truly just the brands that I love. I only cook with Real salt and I love sharing with my readers. I’m sorry if it came off otherwise to you. I guess I got so excited to talk about one of my favorites. Good luck to you
Sweet Basil
I’m so glad to hear it! It’s so tender even with so few ingredients!
jackie freitas
That was to D..by the way…cheers!!!!
Sweet Basil
Oh, thanks for sticking up for me 😉 Haha, at first I was so confused. It actually wasn’t a sponsored post, those will always have a disclaimer at the beginning. I just truly love Real Salt. It’s all we use. Cheers back at ya! 😉
jackie freitas
Wow…you really felt the need to post your bulls**t,huh?? That’s sad..the beef is delicious. Too bad for you…
Mispati3
I just thought I knew how to make shredded beef. Until I made this recipe. So simple and as you say “crazy delicious”! I used balsamic vinegar because that’s what I had on had and it was the richest, deeply flavored meat I’ve ever tasted! I’m back here today looking up the amounts again because it’s what’s for dinner again today! Thanks for sharing this!
D
I found this site by random google search. Haven’t tried the recipe and don’t plan to – paid marketers just don’t have a lot of credibility, in my opinion. This is posting is such a blatant advertisment that I was actuallyy offended. I hope you get paid a lot for those endorsements (pretty obviously the salt company pays you the most) – embarrassingly obvious! Websters should put a copy of this “recipe” under the definition of shill.
Kalyn
Looks delicious, and thanks for the shout-out for my recipe on Slow Cooker from Scratch!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
I LOVE shredded beef. I just wish I could get the right type of meat where I live! There is something I can find sometimes, but it’s incredibly expensive. Boo!
And yours looks incredible. 🙂
Sweet Basil
lame!!! I wish I could send you some.
Tristen
Where do you get honey wine vinegar? I’ve never heard of it.
Sweet Basil
I bought mine at Harmon’s, but you may be able to buy directly from slideridge
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats
Love this..thank you!! Tender, shredded beef is one of my favorites!
Sweet Basil
Thank you!! It’s one of mine as well, but strangely enough I always forget to make it. That has to change!
Becky
This really sounds amazing. As a Texas girl I long for good beef sometimes. I love also that you included honey wine vinegar… one of my favorite products.
Sweet Basil
Thanks, Becky!! I bet Texas has amazing beef. I wish I could travel there and learn the secret ways.
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life
I’m not the biggest meat fan, but my hubby loves shredded beef! I will be passing these easy tips on to him for his next beef dinner 🙂
Traci
Thank you so much for the help. I cannot cook beef if my life depended on it, and my family loves beef. Definetely going to take this and make it. Wish me luck!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
I’m drooling! This recipe looks amazing! Gorgeous pics!
Sweet Basil
Thanks, Lauren!!
Heidi @foodiecrush
We’re both on a shredded meat/chicken kick, and why not make it easy on us? Love Slide Ridge and will be adding this to the recipe list!
Sweet Basil
I know, they are the best. Can’t wait to try the new version.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious
I love that this can be made in the slow cookers – it makes life so much easier!
Sweet Basil
Thank you! It’s totally easier when sit back and do nothing. My favorite kind of cooking.
Nutmeg Nanny
This looks fantastic, my mouth is watering! I can’t wait to try this.
Emily
Totally pinning this! And I’m a huge fan of Real Salt too!
Sweet Basil
Best Salt ever! Dude, they have all sorts of other products too. I’m in love!
ashley – baker by nature
I too have never made shredded beef! But I totally see it happening ASAP… tacos!
Cassie | Bake Your Day
I have the same slow cooker and we love it. And now I’m drooling for some shredded beef!
Sweet Basil
it really is such a great slow cooker, and I had no idea how much I loved having one until our last one died.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
This sounds amazing! I love a good shredded beef – it’s good in so many things!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
This is gorgeous!
jennifer
Real salt is amazing!!!
Sweet Basil
Isn’t it though?! I am thoroughly obsessed.
Carla @ Carlas Confections
I love shredded beef. Its one of the greatest wonders of the world 😉 So good! I need to get some Real Salt too! I love using kosher and sea salt, but I cant wait to try that brand!
Sweet Basil
Oh my goodness, Carla get on that salt business. Are you going to any conferences? I’ll personally bring you some.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
Ooooh!! 1-YUM YUM YUM!
2-I need to check out “Real Salt”!
Sweet Basil
Do it!! And ditto what I said to Carla, if you’re headed to The Big Traveling Potluck or Blogher Food lmk and I’ll bring some for you
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
Looks like a fantastic way to cook a roast.
Sweet Basil
Thanks!! Now let’s talk about how to pronounce the amazingness you made today…
Kevin @ Closet Cooking
Shredded beef is so easy and always so good! The fun part starts with deciding what to use it in! 🙂
Sweet Basil
Exactly! COme back Wednesday… hint hint 😉
Tieghan
Can you believe I have never made shredded beef? I know! I need to start with this recipe! It is perfect!
Sweet Basil
WHAT?!!! Ok, here’s your first basic recipe. Report back to me when you’ve made it. 😉