Slow Cooker Pulled beef Bowls Recipe

This Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls Recipe is a delightful comfort food that you can make any time of the year. With tender pulled beef layered over fluffy rice and topped with a tangy slaw and BBQ sauce, this dish is perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. The combination of flavors and textures makes it stand out, ensuring each bite is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.
• Flavorful: The combination of BBQ sauce, garlic, and spices infuses the beef with incredible flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or in a tortilla for a delicious twist.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean beef, this recipe offers a nutritious meal option.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-free cooking while making the beef incredibly tender.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing the slaw, ensuring all ingredients are well combined before serving.

Ingredients

To prepare this scrumptious Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Beef

• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 heaping cup)
• 2 ½ – 3 lb. boneless beef shoulder or Boston butt, patted dry
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) BBQ sauce of choice
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• Fine salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Slaw

• 1 (10-12-ounce) bag coleslaw mix, about 4 cups
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve 2 tablespoons green parts for garnish)
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 1 large lime
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
• Pinch of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper, optional

For Serving

• 6 cups cooked rice, from 2 cups uncooked
• Reserved sliced green onions
• Pickles or jalapeño slices
• Additional BBQ sauce for drizzling

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced onion in the bottom of a 6- or 8-quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Beef

Remove netting from the beef shoulder roast if there is one. Place the beef roast on top of the onions.

Step 3: Season & Sauce

Sprinkle minced garlic over the beef. Pour your chosen BBQ sauce over it, then add apple cider vinegar around the beef to mix with onions below.

Step 4: Cook

Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.

Step 5: Shred & Season

Once done, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Mix it with juices. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. If serving right away, set to Warm for up to two hours before serving.

Step 6: Prepare Slaw

In a medium bowl, combine coleslaw mix, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, oil, vinegar, honey, cumin, salt, and chipotle pepper if using. Mix well; refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 7: Assemble Bowls

For each serving bowl, add ½ to ¾ cup rice at the bottom. Top with ⅓ to ½ cup slaw followed by ½ to ¾ cup shredded beef. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce. Garnish with pickles and reserved green onions.

Step 8: Store Leftovers

Store leftover shredded beef, rice, and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator—slaw lasts up to two days; beef and rice up to four days.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled beef Bowls Recipe

Serving Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls is as fun as making them. This dish is versatile, allowing you to customize each bowl according to personal preferences. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Add Extra Crunch

• Tortilla Chips: Serve a side of crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch that pairs well with the tender beef and slaw.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Sprinkle fried onions on top for added texture and flavor.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy spice, sliced jalapeños can bring an extra kick to your bowl.

Incorporate Different Sauces

• Spicy BBQ Sauce: Drizzle a spicier BBQ sauce over your bowl for an intense flavor boost.
• Creamy Avocado Dressing: A creamy dressing can add richness and balance the tanginess of the slaw.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled beef Bowls Recipe

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls is about attention to detail. These tips will help enhance the flavors and textures of your dish.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose fresh, high-quality beef shoulder or Boston butt for the best results. The better the meat, the more tender and flavorful the pulled beef will be.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper when seasoning the beef. Proper seasoning enhances all other flavors in the dish.
• Mix Well Before Serving: After shredding the beef, mix it thoroughly with its juices in the slow cooker. This ensures every bite is flavorful and moist.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the shredded beef to sit in its juices after cooking helps deepen the flavors before serving.
• Adjust BBQ Sauce Levels: Customize how much BBQ sauce you use based on personal preference—some like it saucy while others prefer less.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pulled beef Bowls Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls can elevate the meal even further. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty dish perfectly.

1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a comforting contrast to the savory pulled beef.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to your meal.
3. Garlic Bread: Soft garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover slaw or sauce from your bowl.
4. Baked Beans: A side of baked beans offers a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with pulled beef.
5. Coleslaw Variations: Experiment with different types of coleslaw, such as apple or spicy versions, for added variety.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles or pickled carrots provide acidity that balances out the richness of the beef bowls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong cut of meat – Opt for a boneless beef shoulder or Boston butt for the best results. Avoid lean cuts that may dry out during slow cooking.

• Not seasoning adequately – Season the beef before cooking. Adding salt and pepper enhances flavor, so don’t skip this step!

• Overcrowding the slow cooker – Ensure there’s enough space in the cooker for even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches rather than cramming everything in at once.

• Ignoring the slaw preparation – Make sure to prepare the slaw while the beef cooks. A fresh slaw adds crunch and balances flavors, so don’t forget it!

• Not letting the beef rest before shredding – After cooking, let the beef sit for a few minutes before shredding. This helps retain moisture and makes shredding easier.

• Skipping extra garnishes – Simple garnishes like pickles or additional BBQ sauce can elevate your dish. Don’t overlook these tasty additions!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Keep shredded beef, rice, and slaw in separate containers to maintain texture.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls Recipe

• Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered until warm throughout.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until heated evenly.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls Recipe that might help you out.

Can I use other meats instead of beef?

Yes! You can substitute chicken or turkey if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat used.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without gluten.

What can I serve with my Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls?

These bowls pair well with cornbread or a side salad for added variety. Feel free to experiment with sides that complement the flavors!

How long does it take to cook pulled beef?

Cooking time varies by size but typically ranges from 8-10 hours on low heat in a slow cooker for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls Recipe is perfect for any occasion. Its hearty combination of tender beef, flavorful slaw, and rice creates a satisfying meal that’s great for sharing or enjoying solo. Plus, feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or side dishes to make it your own!

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Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Bowls, a perfect dish for any occasion. This recipe combines tender shredded beef, infused with tangy BBQ sauce and garlic, served over fluffy rice and topped with a vibrant slaw. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy your day while the ingredients meld into a delicious meal. Whether it’s a family gathering or meal prep for the week, these bowls are versatile and satisfying. Customize each bowl to your taste with additional toppings and sides, making this dish not only easy to prepare but also delightful to enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 ½ – 3 lb. boneless beef shoulder, patted dry
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce of choice
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 (10-12-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve 2 tablespoons green parts for garnish)
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
• Pinch of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper, optional
• 6 cups cooked rice, from 2 cups uncooked
• Reserved sliced green onions
• Pickles or jalapeño slices
• Additional BBQ sauce for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Place sliced onion at the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Add patted-dry beef on top of onions.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic over beef; pour BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar around it.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
5. Shred beef directly in the slow cooker and mix with juices.
6. Prepare slaw by mixing coleslaw mix, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, oil, vinegar, honey, cumin, salt, and chipotle powder in a bowl.
7. Assemble each bowl with rice at the base, topped with slaw and shredded beef.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg