Fork-Tender Juicy Beef That Cooks Itself

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

There’s something incredibly comforting about a beef roast that simmers all day, filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. This Fork-Tender Juicy Beef is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, it transforms a simple cut of meat into melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Perfect for busy days or lazy weekends, this dish delivers deep, savory flavors with hardly any effort. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted veggies, it’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

What Cut of Beef Works Best for Slow Cooking?

Chuck roast is your best friend here. With just enough marbling, it breaks down beautifully in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. You can also use brisket or bottom round, but chuck roast remains the gold standard for fork-tender results.

Ingredients for the Fork-Tender Juicy Beef That Cooks Itself

• 3 pounds chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, cubed

---

How To Make the Fork-Tender Juicy Beef That Cooks Itself

Step 1: Sear for Flavor

Pat the beef dry and season all sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast until browned on all sides.

Step 2: Layer the Flavor Base

Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared roast on top.

Step 3: Pour and Season

Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves over the roast. Tuck the chopped carrots and potatoes around the beef.

Step 4: Let It Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is falling apart. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

---

Serving and Storing This Beef

Serve this juicy beef over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or alongside warm dinner rolls to soak up the juices. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in the oven?

Absolutely! Use a Dutch oven and bake covered at 325°F for about 3 to 4 hours.

Do I need to sear the beef?

Searing isn’t mandatory, but it does add rich flavor and texture to the final dish.

Can I use different vegetables?

Definitely. Try parsnips, celery, or mushrooms for a change of pace.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Gently reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Can I use frozen beef?

For best texture, thaw the beef before cooking. This ensures even cooking and proper seasoning.

---

Want More Beefy Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Fork-Tender Juicy Beef, you’ll want to try these cozy dishes next:

• Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is rich, creamy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta brings comfort with a garlicky twist.
• Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is bubbly, cheesy, and ready for any gathering.
• Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for a satisfying steakhouse-style dinner.
• Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet if you want bold flavors and easy cleanup.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when you are: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

I’d love to hear how your beef turned out! Did you toss in extra herbs? Go heavy on the garlic? Drop your spin or any questions in the comments. Let’s make dinner magic together.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?