The slow cooker was made for beef. Tough, affordable cuts like chuck, brisket and short ribs turn fork-tender after a long, gentle cook. These slow cooker beef recipes cover roasts, stews, sandwiches and weeknight dinners.
Below the list is a quick guide to choosing the right cut.
Quick Picks
- Best roast: Crockpot Chuck Roast
- Best for sandwiches: Crockpot Italian Beef
- Best for company: Crockpot Short Ribs
15 Slow Cooker Beef Recipes
1. Crockpot Chuck Roast
Fall-apart roast with potatoes and carrots.
Get the full crockpot chuck roast recipe
2. The Best Crockpot Beef Stew
Chuck, potatoes and carrots in a rich gravy.
Get the full the best crockpot beef stew recipe
3. Mississippi Pot Roast
5 ingredients, tangy and buttery.
Get the full mississippi pot roast recipe
4. Crockpot Rump Roast
A leaner, budget-friendly roast.
Get the full crockpot rump roast recipe
5. Crockpot Roast Beef
A sliceable roast with au jus.
Get the full crockpot roast beef recipe
6. Crockpot Italian Beef
Chicago-style shredded beef sandwiches.
Get the full crockpot italian beef recipe
7. Crockpot Brisket
Smoky, tender and sliceable.
Get the full crockpot brisket recipe
8. Crockpot Short Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone in a savory sauce.
Get the full crockpot short ribs recipe
9. Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Tender bites over mashed potatoes.
Get the full crockpot beef tips and gravy recipe
10. Crockpot Cube Steak
Budget comfort food in onion gravy.
Get the full crockpot cube steak recipe
11. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Creamy with mushrooms over egg noodles.
Get the full crockpot beef stroganoff recipe
12. Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Takeout-style with a glossy sauce.
Get the full crockpot beef and broccoli recipe
13. Shredded Beef Tacos
Chuck roast with chipotle and lime.
Get the full shredded beef tacos recipe
14. Shredded Salsa Verde Beef
Naturally gluten free.
Get the full shredded salsa verde beef recipe
15. Beef and Barley Soup
Hearty and warming.
Get the full beef and barley soup recipe
Which Beef Cut Should You Use?
- Chuck roast: Best all-rounder for pot roast, stew, shredded beef and Italian beef.
- Brisket: Best for slicing; cook fat side up.
- Short ribs: Rich and luxurious; sear first.
- Round and rump: Leaner cuts for sliceable roast beef; do not overcook.
Equipment I Used
- Wooden cutting board with handle: for slicing and serving right at the table.
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
- Large ceramic pasta and soup bowls: deep enough for stews, soups and saucy dinners.
Want even more tender meat? The Braised to Perfection guide explains the low-and-slow method step by step.
Slow Cooker Beef Recipes FAQ
What is the best beef for a slow cooker?
Chuck roast. Its marbling and connective tissue melt into tender meat over a long cook.
Do you need to brown beef before slow cooking?
No, but searing adds a deeper flavor. It matters most for lean cuts and short ribs.
How long does beef take in a slow cooker?
Most roasts and stews take 8 to 10 hours on LOW, until fork-tender.
Why is my slow cooker beef tough?
It usually needs more time. Keep cooking until it pulls apart easily.
