Enjoy the rich flavours of our Slow Cooker Balsamic Shredded Beef, a straightforward and delicious dish perfect for any day of the week. This recipe turns a simple cut of beef into a tender, flavourful meal with the tangy taste of balsamic vinegar, balanced with the sweetness of honey .

I use beef braising steak for this recipe, because it becomes very tender when slow-cooked. It’s also a really cost effective cut of beef. You could use any beef that is cook for slow cooking. Beef shin and brisket are also great options. If you want to shred the beef, just make sure you cut it into large chunks first, rather than leaving it as a whole cut of beef.

The sauce is a great balance of flavours. The balsamic vinegar not adds a lovely tang, but also helps tenderise the meat. Then honey and soy sauce bring depth, while Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle hint of spice. Just add some garlic and thyme and for some herbal notes and you’re good to go!

Simply place all ingredients into the slow cooker. You can brown the beef if you want to – it will add extra colour and flavour. However, because the sauce is rich – it’s not a must do for this recipe. After the slow cook, the beef will be tender enough to shred easily with two forks and will have absorbed the flavour of the sauce. To finish, optionally thicken the sauce with a bit of cornflour slurry.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed potatoes and seasonal green veggies are classic sides that pair well, but you can also try:

Salad: the beef and the sauce works really well spooned over a vibrant salad.
Rice: of your choice.
Polenta: Soft, mild and creamy – it’s a great alternative to potatoes.

Pro Tips

Try having the leftovers on lunch on toast – it is amazing!
Cook up an extra large portion of this and use it for meal prep through the week.
Switch the slow cooker on high and keep the lid off after adding the cornflour and prepping your sides. It will thicken even more.

Check out the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this tasty dish, from start to finish.