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Slow Cooker Six Ingredient Pulled Beef & Onion Gravy
This is one of those lazy, can’t be bothered throw it all in recipe, Even if you don’t know what to serve it with you’ve so many options - potatoes, in a roll or even pasta.
SERVES
6
COOKING TIME
8 hours
DIFFICULTY
simple
Slow Cooker Six Ingredient Pulled Beef is a deliciously simple dish that transforms an affordable cut of beef into a tender, flavourful meal with minimal preparation. By using just six ingredients and a slow cooker / crockpot, you can create a versatile protein perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or served over creamy mash. This recipe is ideal for busy home cooks looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Pulled Beef?
Using a slow cooker / crockpot for pulled beef offers incredible benefits:
- Transforms cheaper cuts of meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth dishes
- Requires minimal preparation time
- Allows for hands-off cooking throughout the day
- Develops rich, deep flavours through low and slow cooking
- Perfect for batch cooking and meal prep
Can I make pulled beef in the slow cooker?
Absolutely – the slow cooker is ideal for making pulled beef. The long, gentle cooking time allows the beef to become fall-apart tender and infused with flavour, especially when paired with a rich onion gravy.
What cut of beef is best for pulled beef in the slow cooker?
Cuts like brisket, chuck, or braising steak work brilliantly in slow cooker beef recipes. These cuts break down beautifully over several hours, giving that perfect pulled texture.
How long should I cook beef in the slow cooker for pulling?
Cook the beef on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours. Cooking low and slow is best for tender, shreddable results.
Can I prepare this beef recipe in advance?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. The flavours deepen over time, and the dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Is this a gravy or a sauce?
This recipe makes a rich, onion-based gravy, not just a sauce. The slow cooking allows the onions to melt down and create a flavourful base that perfectly complements the pulled beef.
Can I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?
Yes – if needed, stir in a cornflour slurry (1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) towards the end of cooking, then cook for another 15–20 minutes on high.
What can I serve with pulled beef and onion gravy?
Serve with creamy mash, buttery new potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, or over thick-cut bread for a comforting hot sandwich. It’s also great in brioche buns or with roast vegetables for a Sunday-style dinner.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course – you can bulk it out with carrots, celeriac, or mushrooms. Just chop them roughly and add at the start for a full one-pot beef recipe.
Does this recipe really only use six ingredients?
Yes! It’s fuss-free but full of flavour. Using just six simple ingredients, you get maximum taste with minimal effort – ideal for busy weeknights or slow cooker meal prep.
Is this a good recipe for batch cooking?
Definitely. Pulled beef in gravy keeps really well and is a brilliant option for batch cooking, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Make a double batch and freeze portions for later.
Step by step demonstration on how to make this recipe
If you enjoy watching my recipe videos on social media, you can take a look at how I make this slow cooker pulled beef dish over on TikTok:
@boredoflunch Slowcooker Six Ingredient Pulled Beef & Onion Gravy 🥩🧅 One of my most popular recipes ever but made simple so here’s now I make it. For an entire book of Six Ingredient Slowcooker recipes well I have one and it’s out this week so get the book for half price 📕 SIX INGREDIENTS – 1kg beef brisket – 2 x onions – 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – 3-4 garlic clove crushed or garlic puree – 400ml rich beef stock – 1 tsp mixed herbs OR just Rosemary Method 1. Sear the beef on a hot pan, you be an use oil if you like and season with salt and pepper 2. Then soften the onions and add to the slowcooker with all other ingredients. Cook on high for 7-8 hours and the beef will completely fall apart 3. If the sauce needs thickened add bisto or your gravy granules or just some cornflour but you might not need them Don’t forget to grab your whole book Six Ingredient Slowcooker recipes for £10!! #easyrecipes #beef #slowcooker #slowcookerrecipes #crockpotrecipes #crockpot #sundaylunch #sundayroast #sunday #like #share #sharing #food #video #viral #moneysaving #gravy #foryou #tiktok #fyp
Method
Step 1
Brown the beef briefly on the pan, soften the sliced onions.
Step 2
Add everything into the slow cooker / crockpot and cook on high for 7-8 hours. Perfect if you’re out all day working.
Step 3
Shred with tongs and serve. I pair it with mash or ciabatta rolls with butter, onions and the gravy for pure heaven!
Ingredients
800g – 1Kg beef brisket
2 x onions sliced
1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp thyme / oregano
1 tbsp garlic
400ml beef stock
Salt and pepper (optional)
Olive oil (optional)
