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    Home » Easy Recipes » Meat

    Shredded Beef Recipe Ideas

    Published: Sep 8, 2023 · Modified: Sep 14, 2023 by Susan Moncrieff · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This is one of my readers' favorite crockpot meals.  It's wonderful because you throw the beef in the crockpot in the morning, and the main part of your meal is ready for dinner.  I've also included some different meal ideas using shredded beef.

    Shredded beef in a red dish ready to serve.

    Shredded beef is a great main dish to serve when a crowd is over. Think of groups like a sports gathering. Or even when you have friends and family over and want a homemade meal with lots of serving variations. Serve with rolls and have salad on hand so everyone can customize their plate. I would suggest something like cowboy caviar, potato salad, and perhaps a light, simple salad like a dill vinaigrette dressed salad. I also love serving Brussels sprouts with beef. I have a frozen Brussels sprout recipe and one for fresh Brussels sprouts in the air fryer.

    Table of contents

    • Why I love serving this.
    • Ingredients:
    • Substitutions
    • Instructions
    • Serving Ideas
    • Shredded beef on a Fresh Roll with Cole Slaw.
    • Shredded Beef with a Veggie side (like broccoli)
    • Shredded Beef Nachos
    • Tacos
    • Enchiladas
    • Storage and Reheating
    • FAQs
    • Other Recipes for a Crowd

    Why I love serving this.

    There are so many different ways to serve this. Your guests can customize it. Serve on a roll, serve as the main protein on your plate, or have it with a salad. I'll share specifics of how I serve this below.


    I love serving this to family and friends because it's so darn delicious. But it's easy for me to make so I can focus on other things when I'm getting ready to have people over. I used to add various ingredients to make the meat tender and flavorful.

    Shredded beef with delicious gravy is a no-fail meal that brings back memories of Sunday dinners or other fun get-togethers.

    Ingredients:

    3 - 4 lb chuck or other inexpensive beef roast (lower quality, less expensive cut)

    2 envelopes of brown gravy - I buy the red McCormick's envelopes.

    1 envelope ranch dressing - Hidden Valley brand is the best! I buy the bulk container, and using 3 teaspoons is the same as the envelope.

    1 envelope Italian dressing mix - Good Seasons is a nice zesty Italian and works great with this recipe

    2 cups water

    Substitutions

    If you and your family like different brands of seasoning envelopes, go ahead and use them! In a pinch, I doubled the ranch dressing if I realized I didn't have any Italian dressing mix at home. Or you can also use ½ cup of bottled Italian dressing instead of the dressing mix.

    Instructions

    Step 1
    Pour the water and mix the packages of brown gravy and ranch dressing in with the water.  I usually whisk it because you can't really stir it once you put the roast in.

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    Step 2
    Turn your crock pot on high. Add the beef roast to the water and seasoning mixtures.
    Plan on cooking for at least 6 hours (time varies based on your slow cooker and the size of your roast).  More is better than less. If the beef is easily shredded, go ahead and shred and turn the crockpot to a warm setting until ready to serve. Avoid opening the lid - that increases the cooking time.

    Step 3
    When the meat is fork tender, put it in a bowl and pull it with two forks to shred it.  I bet you can't do that without taste-testing the meat!  When you make this, your home will smell really good!

    While I'm shredding, I pour the gravy into a large cup (or a bowl if you don't have a cup large enough).  Let it sit for about 10 -15 minutes, and skim off as much of the fat layer as you can.

    Step 4
    Place the gravy and the shredded meat back into the crock pot and change the temperature to low or warm until ready to serve. If serving right away, a serving dish that can be covered with foil also works.

    Shredded beef. Five different meals.

    Serving Ideas

    Here are a few ways to serve your shredded beef so none of it goes to waste.  This is a great recipe to make on a Sunday, and then you have a few dinners during the week.

    Shredded beef on a Fresh Roll with Cole Slaw.

    1. If you are buying deli cole slaw, ask the ladies which one is best or the most popular.  They always tell me which one they just made!
    Shredded beef. Five different meals.

    Shredded Beef with a Veggie side (like broccoli)

    Are people attending who are avoiding carbs? Shredded beef on a plate with a ton of vegetables is an option.

    Shredded beef. Five different meals.

    Shredded Beef Nachos

    My kids love having nachos.  Nachos feel healthier to me when I use shredded beef instead of ground beef.

    On a baking sheet lined with tin foil, layer your ingredients.  

    Lots of tortilla chips make the base, add some 'dry' shredded beef (shake off the gravy), then add a generous amount of cheese (I usually have shredded cheddar handy).
    Place in a preheated 400-degree oven.   Just check it after about 3-4 minutes.  You want the cheese all melty, and then it's ready to go.  Top with some salsa, a dollop of sour cream, some chopped tomato, and lettuce.    You could also provide some extra toppings for people to serve themselves. Provide chopped olives, guacamole, and even some chopped peppers if serving a crowd.
    The shredded beef can also be substituted for the beef crumbles in this easy beef nacho recipe.

    Shredded beef. Five different meals.

    Tacos

    Tacos are even easier than the nachos.   I mix a little salsa into the shredded beef.   Add the beef to the shell (hard or soft, your choice).  Top with your favorite taco toppings.  Lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and maybe a little more salsa.   I'm getting hungry again!

    Shredded beef. Five different meals.

    Enchiladas

    This is such a great way to use up leftover shredded beef!   Buy a couple of cans of Enchilada sauce.  I usually use a mild red sauce.   Spread a thin layer on the bottom of your baking dish.  Add a little enchilada sauce to your shredded beef.  

    Place about 3-4 oz of meat in a soft tortilla shell and then roll it up.  Place it seam-side down in the dish.   Continue until the dish is full.   Add enough enchilada sauce until the enchiladas are generously covered in sauce.  

    Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes.  You want the ingredients hot and the cheese to be melted and lightly brown.  

    Shredded beef. Five different meals.

    I hope this helps you with your meal planning!  Truly, make the shredded beef on a Sunday and then make a couple of these recipes during the week.  They are all easy to assemble and foolproof.  And, most importantly, delicious!  No complicated instructions or fancy ingredients.  Just meals loved by all (including the kids)!

    Storage and Reheating

    Place this in a covered container in the fridge, and it will last at least 4 days. As an FYI, I have put the whole crockpot insert with the lid on many times. It's a nice, easy way to put the meat away when you are finished entertaining.


    Shredded beef also freezes well. I portion into freezer bags, adding some of the gravy to each bag. This can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Sometimes you need to add a little water when reheating since the gravy may thicken.

    FAQs

    What other type of roast would work?

    I have used round roast, and it worked great!

    I'd rather make this in the oven. How would I cook the roast?

    Low and slow is the way. It will take about 3-4 hours at 300 degrees F. Use a heavy-lidded pot like a Dutch oven. I find the water evaporates more, so I check every hour or so and add a little more water.

    Other Recipes for a Crowd

    • Pasta Fagioli soup in a red pot.
      Easy Pasta Fagioli Soup
    • Ranch pork chop gravy on a plate with sides of gravy covered mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli
      Easy Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
    • philly cheesesteak steak sandwich. Sliced steak on a roll with cheese, cooked onions and peppers.
      Easy Cheesesteak sandwich
    • Beef piecen on mashed potatos with gravy on a white plate. Green beens are to the left of the beef and potatos.
      Easy No Peek Beef Tips
    Shredded beef. How to make and how to serve.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Shredded Beef Recipe Ideas

    This is a super easy shredded beef recipe made in your slow cooker (crock pot). The ingredients are simple and so are the instructions.
    Six ways to serve shredded beef are also included.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time6 hours hrs
    Total Time6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course, meat, one pot meal
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 409Kcal
    Author: Susan Moncrieff

    Ingredients

    • 4 pound beef roast Less expensive roast like chuck roast
    • 2 envelope brown gravy I like McCormicks brown gravy mix envelpes
    • 1 envelope Ranch dressing Hidden Valley is my favorite brand
    • 1 envelope Italian seasoning dressing Good Seasons is a nice zesty Italian
    • 1 cups water

    Instructions

    • Pour the water and mix the packages of brown gravy and ranch dressing in with the water into your crockpot / slow cooker.  I usually whisk it to get any lumps out.
    • Turn your crock pot on high. Add the beef roast to the water and seasoning mixtures.  Plan on cooking at least 6 hours (time varies based on your slow cooker and the size of your roast).  More is better than less. If the beef is easily shredded, go ahead and shred and turn the crockpot to warm setting until ready to serve. Avoid opening the lid - that increases the cooking time.
    • When the meat is fork tender, put it in a bowl and pull it with two forks to shred it.  Bet you can't do that without taste-testing the meat!  When you make this, your home will smell really good!
    • While I'm shredding the beef, I pour the gravy from the crock pot into a bowl. Let it sit for about 10 -15 minutes and skim off as much of the fat layer as you can.
    • Place the gravy and the shredded meat back into the crock pot, and change the temperature to low or warm until ready to serve. If serving right away, a serving dish that can be covered with foil also works. 

    Notes

    Suggested serving methods include:
    Shredded beef with a side of vegetables (like broccoli)
    On a roll
    Tacos
    Enchiladas
    Nachos
    Detailed instructions are in the blog post https://momcrieff.com/shredded-beef-5-recipes-you-can-use-it-in/
     

    Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 409Kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 157mg | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 753mg | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 5mg

    Hey, please do me a favor.  Would you please pin this to your Pinterest board?  I'd appreciate it!

    Shredded beef. How to make and how to serve.

    Originally published Aug. 17, 2017.

    Do you love beef?   Here are a couple of flavorful hamburger-based meals.

    Easy and delicious taco Soup

    Salisbury Steak (Hamburger steak with gravy)

    Here is a chicken-based crockpot meal.  This is a great family one where everyone can pick their own toppings!
    Easy shredded chicken tacos

    More Meat

    • Finished 3 ingredient sloppy Joe on a bun with a red pot in the background, showing the saucy beef filling.
      Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe - 3 Ingredients
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    1. Mary Ellen

      March 30, 2025 at 8:51 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Susan! I purchased everything I needed to make this recipe today ! Will put it all together tomorrow ! I also have all the ingredients for the slow cooker chicken tacos! We are going to decide which recipe will work for our grandsons birthday party! Thank you for sharing so many great recipes with all of us!

      Reply
    2. Ann

      August 28, 2017 at 4:04 pm

      Great recipes, and I have saved them all. Thanks!

      Reply
    3. Regina Sinclair

      August 28, 2017 at 11:55 am

      I love leftover crockpot shredded beef for omelets. I had at IHOP once and now make at home. Just scramble your eggs (instead of milk, I use some of the as jus from the beef to make omelet light & fluffy), once eggs are set, add sharp cheddar cheese, then shredded beef that has been warmed up in the microwave, if I have some chopped green onions on hand then I will add a few of them. Fold over your egg, add some more cheese to the top and put a lid on it until the cheese melts. Slide onto your plate and enjoy!

      Reply
    4. imarancher

      January 19, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      Best idea since sliced bread. I don't do Pinterest but if I did this would be right next to the million or so Pumpkin muffins I have made with your recipe!

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        January 23, 2016 at 8:22 am

        Thank you for your nice comments. And for being such a long time subscriber!! I appreciate it!

        Reply
    5. Patti Estep

      January 19, 2016 at 6:26 am

      Yum. We love chuck roast and Mexican food. Thanks for the great ideas.

      Reply

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    I'm Susan! I love sharing easy recipes, especially those that take less than 30 minutes and have less than 5 ingredients. I'm passionate about gardening and creating flower planters. My home is 100 years old and sometimes you will see it in my posts! It was a true fixer upper and I love it!

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