Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Drip Beef is a savory, tender beef recipe that’s perfect for easy, hands-off cooking. This slow-cooked beef is soaked in flavorful broth and seasonings, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s great for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

What is Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Drip Beef?

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Drip Beef is a slow-cooked chuck roast simmered in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and seasonings. As the beef cooks, it becomes tender and juicy, perfect for shredding and serving on hoagie rolls or as a hearty main dish. The “drip” refers to the rich cooking juices, which are often served alongside the beef as a dipping sauce, similar to a French dip sandwich.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Drip Beef Recipe 1

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Tender and Juicy Beef: Slow cooking ensures the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
Minimal Effort: The slow cooker does the work, making this recipe easy and hands-off.
Versatile Dish: Use the beef in sandwiches, or tacos, or serve it over rice or mashed potatoes.

Great for Leftovers: The flavorful beef can be enjoyed for days and reheats well.
Family Favorite: A hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Drip Beef

3-4 pounds boneless chuck roast

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Hoagie rolls or sandwich buns (for serving)

Equipment

Slow Cooker: For cooking the beef slowly and tenderizing it.
Large Skillet: For searing the beef before placing it in the slow cooker.
Tongs or Spatula: For turning the beef.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure the ingredients accurately.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Drip Beef

Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the flavor.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared beef in the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the beef.

Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the beef. Stir the liquid gently to combine the seasonings.
Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Beef: Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the juices.

Serve: Serve the shredded beef on hoagie rolls or sandwich buns. Ladle some of the cooking juices (au jus) into small bowls for dipping, or drizzle it over the beef in the sandwiches.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Drip Beef

This flavorful beef pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

French Fries: Crispy fries make a great side for drip beef sandwiches.

Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness to the meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Serve the beef over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness of the beef.

Pickles: Add a side of pickles for a tangy bite that complements the savory beef.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Drip Beef

To ensure your drip beef turns out perfectly, follow these tips:

Sear the Meat: Browning the beef before slow cooking adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Cook on Low for Best Results: For the most tender beef, cook it on the low setting. Slow cooking allows the meat to become more tender.
Shred the Beef Properly: Use two forks to shred the beef while it’s still warm for the best texture.
Use Good-Quality Broth: The flavor of the beef broth will affect the final taste, so use a good-quality broth for the best results.

Serve with Au Jus: The cooking juices are packed with flavor, so serve them alongside the beef for dipping.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Drip Beef

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by trying different variations:

Spicy Drip Beef: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Italian Drip Beef: Add Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers for an Italian-inspired version.
BBQ Drip Beef: Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce during the last hour of cooking for a tangy, smoky flavor.
Cheesy Drip Beef: Top the sandwiches with provolone or mozzarella cheese before serving.

Beef and Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.

Storing Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Drip Beef: Best Practices

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate Properly: Store the shredded beef and juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze for Later: You can freeze the beef and its juices for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Drip Beef: Best Practices

To enjoy your leftovers, reheat them carefully:

Stovetop Method: Reheat the beef and juices in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Microwave Method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow Cooker Drip Beef?

Yes, you can use different cuts of beef for this recipe. Chuck roast is the best option because it becomes very tender after slow cooking, but other cuts like brisket or rump roast can also be used. Just ensure they are cooked low and slow for the best tenderness.

How do I prevent Slow Cooker Drip Beef from becoming dry?

To prevent the beef from becoming dry, make sure to use enough liquid (like beef broth) to cover the meat partially in the slow cooker. Also, cook the beef on the low setting for a longer time to ensure the meat stays tender and moist.

Can I make Slow Cooker Drip Beef ahead of time?

Yes, Slow Cooker Drip Beef can be made ahead of time. Cook the beef as instructed, shred it, and store it in its juices in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Drip Beef?

Slow Cooker Drip Beef freezes well. Store the shredded beef and cooking juices in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Drip Beef is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this tender beef served with rich au jus is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the simplicity of slow cooking and the deliciousness of this hearty dish!

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