Will Beef Chuck Stew Get Tough at High Slow Cooker Setting

Y'all expect the slow cooker to deliver a tender roast, right? But when it doesn't, this is how to ready tough meat in the irksome cooker.

Your slow cooker can give you a autumn-apart tender roast or a tough, dry out and inedible meal. It's important to know the answers to these questions. Are you lot using the right type of meat? What about the correct temperature? Practise you take enough liquid in the crock? Lots of factors affect the quality of your dish.

Here's what yous need to make tender meat in a slow cooker—and how to fix things when the recipe goes awry.

How to Avoid Dry or Tough Meat

Choose the Right Cuts

The best cuts of meat for a slow cooker are well-marbled and fatty. This can include meat on the os, too. In other words, you want to skip the boneless, skinless chicken breasts!

Here's what we recommend:

• Beef: Look for cuts like chuck roast, stew beef and brisket.
• Pork: Choose shoulder or pork ribs.
• Chicken: The best choice for the ho-hum cooker is craven thighs.

It helps that tougher cuts are ofttimes less expensive, and then they're perfect for dinners on a upkeep.

Add But Enough Liquid

Your slow cooker needs liquid to create a moist environment, and that can include meat or vegetable stock, wine or water. This doesn't mean the meat should be submerged; a cup or two of liquid will be plenty, since the cooker is covered and liquids stay trapped inside.

If y'all want the dish to exist saucy, or you're making a stew, add enough liquid to come about ane/three of the style up on the meats in the slow cooker. This allows your meat to braise, non boil. Boiling creates tough meat!

Be Patient

Check the dish halfway through. But don't lift the lid. Doing so lets heat and moisture escape, putting the texture of your meat at hazard.

Cook Depression and Slow

Place your meat on the bottom of the slow cooker, so it'south closest to the estrus source. Add your other ingredients and liquids, then set your cooker to "low." Plan for six-nine hours of cooking time. This long, tedious braise breaks down the connective tissue and fatty, creating deliciously soft and juicy meat.

Why is meat however tough in the ho-hum cooker? It's because you haven't permit the collagen break down. Extend the cook time, brand sure there'south plenty liquid and go on an eye on the dish.

Does meat get more tender the longer you cook it in a slow cooker? Non if you're using a leaner cut in the irksome cooker, similar craven breast or pork chops. To help keep these cuts moist, decrease the cook time to 2-4 hours.

How to Set up Dry or Tough Meat

You may exist able to salvage a roast that's dry by calculation more liquid. However, for meat that'southward tough, nosotros like to repurpose it instead. Allow the meat absurd, then utilize forks or your fingers to pull the overcooked meat into shreds. And so, use the meat to create new dishes. Add together it to a sauce and gently simmer for recipes like pulled pork or a zesty, spicy chicken chili.

Our Best Dull Cooker Chuck Roast Recipes

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chuck Roast

My husband and I similar chuck roast recipes, then this wearisome-cooked recipe is terrific. You'll likewise honey how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York

Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast

Wow! The vino-warmed flavors in this recipe are amazing! Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beefiness, this is one visitor-special dish all ages volition similar. Serve with mashed potatoes to bask every last drib of the rich, beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas

Shredded French Dip

A chuck roast slow-simmered in a beefy broth is delicious when shredded and spooned onto rolls. I serve the cooking juices in private cups for dipping. —Carla Kimball, Callaway, Nebraska

Slow-Cooker Sauerbraten

My family is of German Lutheran descent, and although we bask this traditional beefiness roast, I never liked the amount of time and fuss information technology takes to arrive. This recipe is so proficient and oh-then-like shooting fish in a barrel. It's smashing served with dumplings, spaetzle, veggies or a salad. —Norma English, Baden, Pennsylvania

Mom's Italian Beef Sandwiches

My mom fabricated the best Italian beef. I've added to information technology over the years, simply information technology's still her recipe. She made these sandwiches for family unit reunions, and at that place were never leftovers. —Mary McVey, Colfax, Northward Carolina

Chile Colorado Burritos

When I was growing upwardly in Southern California, this was one of my favorite Mexican dishes. It's hard to notice now that I live in the Midwest—except in my kitchen! —Kelly McCulley, Des Moines, Iowa

Boring-Cooker Chipotle Beef Carnitas

I came up with this recipe while trying to figure out what I could practise with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. Now I proceed the rub in a plastic handbag, ready and waiting in my cupboard, and I can become the roast in the slow cooker in less than 15 minutes. —Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida

Tiresome-Cooker Imitation Prime Rib Roast

This is my first original recipe, inspired by a not bad holiday dinner with friends. I wanted to run across if I could practice something similar with a less expensive cut of meat. The Faux Prime Rib Roast can also be baked in a covered Dutch oven at 350° for nigh ane-1/ii hours or until 165°. The beefiness is also succulent served with regular or horseradish mashed potatoes. —Kimberly Kuhlman, Bryan, Texas

Slow-Cooker Beef Tips Burgundy

Here's a heartwarming classic that's so unproblematic in the slow cooker. Mushrooms, red wine and tender beefiness brand for an easy, elegant supper. —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin

Root Vegetable Pot Roast

During the hectic holiday season, I make this roast a lot. Nosotros've scarfed it downward before and after shopping, and while wrapping presents. Root vegetables and roast beefiness brand everyone feel cozy and calm. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina

Beef Daube Provencal

This dish is perfect on cold wintertime days, peculiarly after we take been out cutting forest or white-tail hunting. If you are lucky enough to have venison, try information technology here for melt-in-your-mouth goodness. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri

Dilly Beef Sandwiches

My younger sis shared this recipe with me. It puts a twist on the traditional charcoal-broil sandwich and has been proven to exist a oversupply pleaser. Plus, it'southward incredibly convenient to make in the wearisome cooker. —Donna Blankenheim, Madison, Wisconsin

Roast Beef and Gravy

This slow-cooker roast beef and gravy is unbelievably easy. On busy days, I put this principal dish in the crock and forget almost it. My family likes it with mashed potatoes and fruit salad. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa

Spice-Braised Pot Roast

Just pour these ingredients over your pot roast and allow the slow cooker do the work. Herbs and spices give the beef an first-class taste. I often serve this roast over noodles or with mashed potatoes, using the juices every bit a gravy. —Loren Martin, Big Cabin, Oklahoma

Sweet 'n' Tangy Pot Roast

I stock-still this roast the offset fourth dimension I cooked for my husband-to-be more 20 years ago. For dessert, I fabricated chocolate pudding spooned over marshmallow. He thought he'd died and gone to heaven! —Carol Mulligan, Honeoye Falls, New York

Melt-in-Your-Oral cavity Pot Roast

Boring-simmered and seasoned with rosemary, mustard and thyme, this tender and tasty crock pot roast and potatoes recipe is and so easy to make and e'er a striking. Substitute burgundy or brandy plus a half-cup of water for the broth…the scent of this English roast recipe is wonderful! —Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Southwestern Beefiness Tortillas

Beef chuck roast makes a savory filling in satisfying tortillas. Cooked to tender perfection in the slow cooker, the beef is treated to an easy and delicious jalapeno-flavored sauce. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

Chipotle Shredded Beef

This beefiness is delicious whether you serve it all rolled up in a tortilla, with corn salsa in a burrito, in a bun or over rice or mashed potatoes. And then many options! —Darcy Williams, Omaha, Nebraska

Machaca Beefiness Dip Sandwiches

The winning combination of beef, cumin, chili powder and the spicy heat of chipotle peppers makes these sandwiches game-day nutrient at its finest! —Karol Chandler-Ezell, Nacogdoches, Texas

Tiresome Cooker Beef Vegetable Stew

Come home to warm comfort nutrient! This vegetable beef stew is based on my mom's wonderful recipe, but I adjusted it for the slow cooker. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan to each bowl for a nice finishing touch. —Marcella West, Washburn, Illinois

Garlic Lover'southward Beef Stew

Vino gives a mellow flavor to this beef and carrot stew. We like to serve it over mashed potatoes, only yous could also use noodles. —Alissa Dark-brown, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

I piece of work total fourth dimension, and so this wearisome cooker roast beef is my go-to when I desire a hearty, home cooked meal. It's a comfort to walk in and smell this simmering slow cooker pot roast that I know will exist autumn-apart tender and delicious. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York

Pot Roast Hash

I beloved to cook a Sunday-style pot roast on a weeknight. Brand it into pot roast hash for any day of the week. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York

Wearisome-Cooker Barbacoa

My hubby adores this barbacoa, which is beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat information technology one a week if I would get in that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado

Shredded Beefiness Burrito Filling

Make your side by side office political party a taco bar or burrito bar! Set up out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions and tomatoes. For a variation, I make Beef & Bean burritos by mixing a tin of refried beans into three or iv cups of cooked beef filling. —Promise Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

Thai Coconut Beef

My hubby and I love Thai nutrient, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double every bit an easy luncheon the post-obit day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would exist equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Balsamic Beef Hoagies

All my boys (big and small) like sandwiches, and balsamic beef is a welcome change from pulled barbecue craven. We use leftovers in quesadillas, on pizza or with rice. You can observe more than family-friendly recipes at my blog, theseasonedmom.com. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

Beefiness Barbecue

Nosotros like to keep our freezer stocked with plenty of beefiness roasts. When nosotros're not in the mood for pot roast, I fix these satisfying sandwiches instead. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I'm work. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I'thousand at work. And so I just shred the beef and serve it on rolls. —Karen Walker Sterling, Virginia

Favorite Italian Beef Sandwiches

I'one thousand a paramedic/firefighter, and tiresome-cooked recipes similar this one suit my unpredictable schedule. My husband and children and the hungry bunch at the firehouse love these robust sandwiches that have a little cypher. —Kris Swihart, Perrysburg, Ohio

Moroccan Braised Beefiness

Curry powder is a blend of upwards to 20 spices, herbs and seeds. Add a pinch of back-scratch to your favorite soups, stews, salads and even rice for an exotic flavor. In this Moroccan stew, begin with 2 teaspoons of curry, then add more than to your gustatory modality. —Taste of Home Examination Kitchen

Flavorful Pot Roast

On hectic days, this is and so quick and like shooting fish in a barrel to prep! User-friendly packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling repast-in-ane, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over peak. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah

Cajun-Way Pot Roast

I oftentimes makes this zippy roast when expecting dinner guests. Information technology gives me time to visit with them, and fifty-fifty my friend who's a chef enjoys this dish. —Ginger Menzies, Oak Creek, Colorado

Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot Roast

This dish is definitely a yr-circular recipe. Sugariness potatoes, orange zest and blistering cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Pinnacle-Rated Italian Pot Roast

I'm always getting recipe inspiration from newspapers and magazines. Here's a tender roast with aromatic spices that give it a Moroccan feel. —Karen Burdell, Lafayette, Colorado

Spicy Shredded Beef Sandwiches

If yous similar your shredded beef with a little kick, so this recipe is for you lot. For an even zestier version of this recipe, add another jar of jalapenos or employ hot peppers instead of the pepperocinis. —Kristen Langmeier, Faribault, Minnesota

Stout & Love Beef Roast

Here's a heartwarming meal that's ideal for chilly days and hectic nights. Honey, beer and seasonings make the sauce different and oh-so-good. —Gustation of Home Test Kitchen

Chicago-Way Beef Rolls

I accept fond memories of eating these big, messy sandwiches at a neighbor's house when I was growing up. Freeze extras and salvage for some other meal, too! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Mexican Shredded Beef Wraps

The kickoff fourth dimension I served these wrap sandwiches was at the party post-obit my son's baptism. Everyone liked them so much that it'due south get one of my go-to slow-cooker recipes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Sweet & Tangy Beefiness Roast

While cleaning out the fridge I found barbecue sauce, red pepper jelly and hoisin sauce – the perfect trio for creating this this slightly tangy and sweet, utterly succulent roast. —Rachel Van Orden, Annville, Pennsylvania

Coffee-Braised Roast Beef

This recipe has been a family tradition since 1974. The meat is quick and flavorful, so it'south a overnice welcome dwelling later a long solar day of piece of work. The java adds an intriguing flavor to the roast, and the juices can be thickened for a delicious gravy.—Nancy Schuler, Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Philly Cheese Sandwiches

I'one thousand a big fan of cheesesteaks, and in this throw-together recipe my ho-hum cooker does all the work. Information technology's a win-win. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

Slow-Cooker Shredded Beefiness Lettuce Cups

The slow cooker is our summertime go-to for cool kitchen cooking. Afterwards swim lessons and outdoor activities, information technology's then squeamish to come up back to a tasty, calorie-free dinner. If you tin't find Bibb or Boston, green leaf lettuce is less sturdy but can work in a pinch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Horseradish Pot Roast

Nosotros tasted a dish similar to this while at a horseradish festival in Illinois. I like to serve it over noodles. The recipe is easily adaptable for stovetop cooking, too. —Barbara White, Katy, Texas

Teriyaki Beef Roast

My male parent and I created this pot roast with a hint of Japanese flair. Information technology will make your taste buds dance! try this for family unit or visitor. —Mary Flurkey, Golden, Colorado

Slow-Cooked Beef Enchiladas

Enchiladas get a beefy boost of goodness from irksome-cooked roast. When the meat is done, assemble with tortillas and broil. Top with lettuce and tomatoes if desired. —Sense of taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Shredded Green Chile Beefiness

This Tex-Mex pulled beefiness roast is tender, slightly spicy, juicy, so succulent served over mashed potatoes or rice. The beefiness also makes the best soft tacos you've ever had. Save any leftover pulled beef in the liquid to prevent it from drying out. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Tangy Barbecue Sandwiches

Since I set up the beef for these robust sandwiches in the slow cooker, it'due south like shooting fish in a barrel to fix a meal for a hungry bunch. The savory homemade sauce assures I come up home with no leftovers. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, Arkansas

Slow-Cooked Coffee Pot Roast

My family raves about my gravy when I prepare this recipe. Whenever I'm fishing for compliments, this pot roast is a sure hit! —Janet Dominick, Bagley, Minnesota

Special Tiresome-Cooked Beefiness

This hearty entree is easy to prepare for Sun dinner. While the beef is slow cooking, the cook has lots of time to nourish to the other details. With mashed potatoes on the side, it'southward comfort food for the absurd months alee. —Juli George, Grandville, Michigan

Shredded Beef au Jus

My mom institute this recipe in a farm journal shortly after she and my dad got married. The tender beef has been a family unit favorite for years, and my dad often requests it. —Danielle Brandt, Ruthton, Minnesota

French Dip Tacos

I came up with this idea when we had a dab of leftover French dip. So much fun and a nice twist to leftovers. These are too adept with a little hot sauce on the side! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Bailiwick of jersey

Mediterranean Pot Roast Dinner

I first made this recipe i cold winter day. My family (adults, kids and dogs) were having a blast sledding and playing in the snowfall all twenty-four hour period, and when we came inside supper was ready! This pot roast is perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice or dinner rolls. —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey

Soy-Ginger Pot Roast

My married man actually likes roast beef, and I actually similar my dull cooker. I brought in Asian influences for an all-day pot roast with some oomph. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

Moroccan Pot Roast

My husband loves meat and I love veggies, then we're both happy with this spicy twist on beefy pot roast. With garbanzo beans, eggplant, honey and mint, it'southward similar something you'd swallow at a Marrakech bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York

Savory Beefiness Sandwiches

Before heading to work in the forenoon, I'll get this going in the slow cooker. Then it's all prepare to serve—usually with hard rolls and potato salad or another salad—as shortly as my husband and I walk in. When my son moved to another state recently, I cut upwards beef roast in smaller portions, repackaged it and sent seasonings for a two-person ho-hum cooker as his housewarming nowadays. —Lynn Williamson, Hayward, Wisconsin

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-fix-tough-meat-in-slow-cooker/