Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will impress your guests or satisfy your family’s cravings?
Look no further than pulled beef made in the oven!
This versatile dish can be paired with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to tacos, and can even be used in breakfast scrambles or pumpkin curry.
Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep since any extra can be frozen for later use.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make pulled beef in the oven, including tips and tricks to ensure a flavorful and tender result.
So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
How To Make Pulled Beef In The Oven?
To make pulled beef in the oven, you’ll need a few key ingredients and some time to let the meat cook to perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Beef roast (such as chuck or brisket)
– Worcestershire sauce
– Liquid smoke
– Garlic powder
– Salt and pepper
– Beer
– Barbecue sauce
1. Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in beer and stir to combine.
3. Place your beef roast in a roasting pan and pour the beer mixture over the top. Add enough water to cover the beef.
4. Cover the roasting pan with foil or a lid and place it in the oven. Cook for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meat is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
5. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the oven and shred it with two forks. Add barbecue sauce to the shredded beef and mix well.
6. Serve your pulled beef with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or tacos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make slow cooked pulled beef in the oven, you’ll need a few key ingredients that will infuse the meat with flavor and make it tender and juicy. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Ghee (clarified butter): This ingredient adds richness and depth of flavor to the beef. You can substitute it with regular butter or oil if you don’t have ghee on hand.
– Chuck roast: This cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking because it has a lot of connective tissue that breaks down during cooking, making the meat tender and juicy.
– Red wine: This ingredient adds complexity and depth of flavor to the beef. Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
– Bone broth: This ingredient is rich in collagen and gelatin, which help to make the meat tender and flavorful.
– Seasonings: You can use any combination of seasonings that you like, but garlic, onion, salt, and pepper are classic choices that work well with beef. Feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder.
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow the steps outlined above to make delicious slow cooked pulled beef in the oven.
Preparing The Beef
Before preparing your beef for pulled beef in the oven, it’s important to follow some basic food safety guidelines. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before handling the meat. It’s also important to thaw the meat properly by using the refrigerator or microwave at a reduced power setting. Never defrost meat on the kitchen counter.
Once the meat is thawed, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef roast. Then, in a separate bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in beer and stir to combine.
Next, place your beef roast in a roasting pan and pour the beer mixture over the top. Add enough water to cover the beef. Cover the roasting pan with foil or a lid and place it in the oven.
Cook the beef for 4 to 5 hours at 275 degrees Fahrenheit or until the meat is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork. Once it’s cooked, remove it from the oven and shred it with two forks. Add barbecue sauce to the shredded beef and mix well.
By following these basic steps for preparing your beef, you’ll ensure that your pulled beef in the oven is not only delicious but also safe to eat.
Seasoning And Flavoring Options
While the basic salt and pepper seasoning will give you plenty of flavor, there are several ways to add some variety to your pulled beef. Here are some seasoning and flavoring options to try:
– Broth or wine: Adding broth or wine will add more juiciness and flavor to the beef. Choose a wine that pairs well with beef, such as cabernet sauvignon.
– Spice: For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
– Fresh herbs: Herbs give the beef an extra fresh aroma. Rosemary and bay leaves are our favorites to pair with beef.
– Seasoning: Add any of your favorite seasonings, adjusting the amount of salt as needed. We like to use a combination of seasonings including taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, paprika, oregano, chili powder, onion/garlic powder, or cumin. It all depends on your flavor preference and the dish you intend to create with the roast.
– Veggies: For a more aromatic flavor and smell, add minced garlic and/or finely diced onion.
– Liquid smoke: Liquid smoke can add a smoky flavor to your pulled beef without needing a smoker.
– Mustard: Adding mustard to your seasoning mixture can give your pulled beef a tangy taste.
Experiment with different combinations of these ingredients until you find the perfect flavor for your pulled beef. You can also try marinating the beef in your chosen seasoning mixture overnight for even more flavor.
Cooking The Beef In The Oven
Cooking the beef in the oven is a crucial step in making pulled beef. To ensure that your beef is cooked to perfection, follow these steps:
1. Remove the beef from the refrigerator at least 60 minutes before cooking. This will allow the meat to reach room temperature.
2. Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. If your roast is very lean, you may want to drizzle a tablespoon or two of olive oil over it. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the roast.
4. Place the roast on a wire rack on a baking sheet and bake it for approximately 25 to 30 minutes for every pound of meat for a roast to be cooked to medium. Adjust accordingly for your preferred level of doneness.
5. Use a meat thermometer to determine when the roast is done. Push the thermometer all the way into the center of the roast. Pull the roast from the oven when the inside temperature of the roast is about 10 degrees less than your desired level of doneness.
6. Once you have removed the roast from the oven, let it rest for at least 15 minutes, tented in aluminum foil to keep warm, before carving to serve.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked beef that is ready to be shredded and mixed with barbecue sauce for delicious pulled beef. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your roast, so it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Shredding The Beef
Now that your beef is cooked to perfection, it’s time to shred it. There are a few different methods you can use to shred beef, but the most common is using two forks. Simply place two forks back-to-back in the meat and pull them in opposite directions to break up the meat. Repeat this process until all of the meat is shredded.
It’s important to discard any bits of gristle or fat remaining in the shredded meat to ensure a tender and juicy final product. However, be careful not to shred the meat too small, as this can cause it to dry out faster. The goal is to achieve thick shreds that you can really sink your teeth into.
If you’re looking for a faster method, you can also use kitchen tools like bear paw meat claws or potato mashers to shred the beef. Another quick and easy option is using a Kitchenaid mixer with the flat beater paddle attachment. Simply place the cooked meat in the mixing bowl, turn on medium speed for approximately 30 seconds, or until the meat has shredded.
No matter which method you choose, once your beef is shredded, mix it with your favorite barbecue sauce and enjoy your delicious pulled beef!
Serving Suggestions And Side Dishes
Now that you’ve learned how to make delicious pulled beef in the oven, it’s time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some serving suggestions and side dishes that will complement your pulled beef perfectly:
1. Hawaiian rolls: These sweet and soft rolls are the perfect vessel for your pulled beef. Warm them up in the oven and serve them alongside your shredded meat.
2. Horseradish mash: If you’re looking for a hearty side dish, try making horseradish mashed potatoes. The tangy flavor of the horseradish pairs well with the rich flavor of the beef.
3. Cuban black beans: These flavorful beans are a great way to add some protein and fiber to your meal. Serve them on the side or use them as a filling for your tacos.
4. Yaki udon noodles: These Japanese stir-fried noodles are a great way to add some variety to your meal. They’re quick and easy to make and can be served hot or cold.
5. Creamy coleslaw: This classic side dish is a great way to balance out the richness of the beef. The tangy dressing will cut through the fattiness of the meat and add some crunch to your meal.
6. Tomato salad: If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, try making a simple tomato salad with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette.
7. Cilantro lime rice: This fragrant rice dish is a great way to add some zing to your meal. The bright flavors of cilantro and lime will complement the richness of the beef.
8. Salsa: If you’re making pulled beef tacos, don’t forget the salsa! A fresh and spicy salsa will add some heat and acidity to your tacos.
9. Pulled beef enchiladas: If you have some leftover pulled beef, try using it as a filling for enchiladas. Top them with cheese and bake until bubbly for a delicious and hearty meal.
With these serving suggestions and side dishes, you’ll have everything you need to create a delicious pulled beef meal that everyone will love.
