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Fork-Tender Juicy Beef That Cooks Itself

Fork-Tender Juicy Beef That Cooks Itself for Effortless Comfort

Fork-Tender Juicy Beef That Cooks Itself is a comforting slow cooker recipe that melts in your mouth, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 3 pounds Chuck Roast The star of this recipe; rich marbling ensures tenderness and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Salt Essential for seasoning; feel free to adjust according to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; feel free to adjust according to taste.
For Searing
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds flavor and is pivotal for achieving a beautiful sear.
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Provides moisture and enhances the beef's richness.
  • 1 cup Red Wine Optional for complexity; additional beef broth can be used if avoiding alcohol.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion Offers an aromatic base; it caramelizes beautifully.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced garlic gives the best results for flavor.
For Flavor Enhancement
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Deepens the dish's richness.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce A key ingredient that adds umami.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Remove after cooking for subtle flavor boost.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Enhances freshness; dried thyme can be used if fresh isn’t available.
Optional Ingredients
  • 2 cups Vegetables (e.g., carrots or potatoes) Toss in for added nutrition and flavor.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Slow cooker

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by patting the chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season it generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Remove the roast and sauté onions in the remaining oil for 5-7 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and tomato paste for another 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce and intensify the flavors.
  5. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, return the roast, and add bay leaves and fresh thyme, stirring to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low in a slow cooker for 8 hours or in the oven at 300°F for 3.5-4 hours until fork-tender.
  7. Remove the beef and shred it with forks, returning it to the pot to mix with the sauce before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best results, let the beef rest overnight after cooking for deeper flavors. Adjust cooking time as needed for tenderness.

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