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Slow cooker BBQ pulled beef with instructions for the Instant Pot (pressure cooker). Tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Easy to make and perfect for shredded beef sandwiches that feed a crowd. Serve with a crisp southern coleslaw for a classic combination.
“The best feeling of happiness is when you’re happy because you’ve made somebody else happy.” ~ Unknown
Slow cooker pulled beef is a versatile roast beef recipe that works on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. I especially love making it in warmer months to avoid heating up the kitchen. It’s an ideal hands-off meal for busy weekdays or weekends when you’ll be out and about.
You can make this in a slow cooker or in the Instant Pot. Instructions for both methods are below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Shredded Beef
Making slow cooker pulled beef is straightforward. Season the roast generously, pour beef broth into the slow cooker, then add the roast.
Slow cook on low for 6–8 hours. Carefully remove the beef — it will be very tender and may begin to fall apart. Transfer it to a large bowl and shred with two forks or an electric hand mixer for speed.
Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce until the beef is coated. Serve on hamburger rolls, dinner rolls for sliders, or your preferred bread. A homemade BBQ sauce simmered until thick adds rich flavor and small bits of onion for texture.
How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Beef
For the Instant Pot, I recommend rubbing the seasonings directly onto the roast so they adhere and penetrate the meat. Be generous—well-seasoned meat yields the best flavor.
Place the seasoned roast into the Instant Pot with beef broth. Close and lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, choose Pressure Cook (High), and set the time to 60 minutes. When the cycle finishes, allow a natural pressure release.
Open the lid, transfer the roast to a large bowl, and shred with forks or an electric mixer. Mix in BBQ sauce and serve.
What Can I Make with Pulled Beef?
Pulled beef is incredibly versatile. Use it for sandwiches, sliders, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, enfrijoladas, casseroles, or salads. Sliders are especially handy for feeding a crowd quickly and make great picnic or cookout fare.
It also stores well and is a convenient option for busy families. For heartier appetites, serve on full hamburger buns.
What Kind of Meat Can I Use for BBQ Pulled Beef?
Common choices are beef chuck roast, chuck shoulder, or brisket. Cooking times will vary slightly by cut and size.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Pulled Beef?
Slow cooker – Plan for about 6–8 hours on low for tender results, though tougher cuts may need a bit longer.
Instant Pot – Pressure cook for about 60–70 minutes; this does not include time needed to come up to pressure or release pressure.
What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Beef?
Popular sides include corn on the cob, macaroni salad, tortellini pasta salad, a light green salad, coleslaw, or cornbread. For beverages, try lemonade, sweet iced tea, or a fruity mocktail.
Slow Cooker + Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Beef (aka Shredded Beef)
April Boller Wright
5
8
8 5
Dinner, Lunch
American, Southern American
7 people
Ingredients
For the roast
- 2.5 lbs boneless chuck roast
- 1 tbsp garlic powder plus 1/2 tsp
- 1 tbsp onion powderplus 1/2 tsp
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup beef brothor beef base
- Barbecue Sauce
- Bread hamburger buns, dinner rolls, etc.
Instructions
For the Slow Cooker
-
Season the roast. Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker, add the beef, and slow cook on low for 6–8 hours.
-
Carefully remove the beef and transfer to a large bowl. Shred with forks or an electric hand mixer. Stir in barbecue sauce until combined.
For the Instant Pot
-
Season the beef and place it in the Instant Pot with broth. Close and lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 60 minutes.
-
When cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release. Open the lid, transfer the roast to a bowl, and shred with forks or an electric mixer. Mix in BBQ sauce to finish.
Notes
Instant Pot Burn Notice
Prep: Press the seasonings into the roast with your fingers so they adhere. Coat all sides well—think of it as massaging the roast so the spices stick.
Pulled beef: If the meat isn’t tender after the recommended time, trust your instincts and cook it a bit longer until it shreds easily.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to a month.
Recipe updated 3/6/2019
instant pot shredded beef, pulled beef, shredded beef, slow cooker pulled beef
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More beef recipes:
Best Meatloaf Recipe
Salisbury steak
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Best Chili Recipe
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