This Slow Cooker Shredded Beef makes the juiciest fall-apart-tender pulled beef. This recipe can be used to make a lot of different meals, like tacos, pasta, shredded beef sandwiches, and more!
Shredded beef is my back to school BFF. When I’ve got a busy week ahead, I know this recipe has my back. It’s meal prepping MAGIC that makes a whole week of meals a breeze.
That this pulled beef is so easy to make is my favorite thing about it. It only takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and only needs onions, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. I don’t add any broth to the slow cooker, so the meat cooks in its own delicious juices. The resulting pulled beef is rich, savory, and accented by caramelized onions and garlic. In other words, it’s AMAZING.
Planning to host a big gathering and wondering how much shredded beef you’ll need to feed the crowd? Figuring out quantities for a large group can be tricky, but this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a potluck dinner, or a holiday feast, follow these tips to ensure everyone gets their fill of tasty shredded beef without breaking the bank or having lots of leftovers.
Calculate How Much Raw Beef You Need
A general rule of thumb is to plan for 1⁄2 pound of raw beef per person. For a group of 30 adults that would be about 15 pounds of raw beef.
However, shredded beef is often the main dish or protein being served. In that case, you may want to increase the amount to 3⁄4 pound or even 1 full pound per person. That would be 22-30 pounds for 30 people.
If you know you have some big eaters in the group or want ample leftovers, go with 1-1 1⁄4 pounds per person. For a group of 30, that’s 30-38 pounds of raw beef.
Account for Boneless vs Bone-In
If you are using a boneless beef roast like chuck roast or brisket, you can use the weights above directly.
If using bone-in cuts like short ribs plan for a bit more since you’ll lose some weight to the bones. Add about 1⁄4 pound more per bone-in serving.
Calculate for Shrinkage
Raw beef loses moisture and fat when cooked, decreasing the final cooked weight. For shredded beef, plan for about 25% shrinkage from the raw weight.
For example, 30 pounds of raw beef will yield approximately 22-23 pounds shredded. Use this yield amount when determining quantities for sides, buns, etc.
Choose the Right Beef Cuts
Selecting the right beef cuts will ensure tender, flavorful shredded beef. Look for cuts that become meltingly tender when braised or slow cooked.
Top choices include:
- Chuck roast
- Brisket
- Short ribs
- Round roasts like rump roast or bottom round
- Flank steak
Go for cuts with good marbling or fat content. This bastes the beef as it cooks, keeping it extra moist and flavorful.
Cook Properly for Great Shredded Beef
To end up with meat that shreds easily, cook the beef:
- Slow and low – At 300°F or less for at least 2-3 hours
- Moist – Add some liquid like broth or water
- Beyond well done – Cook until fall-apart tender
Use a slow cooker or braise in the oven. Cook roasts whole then shred with two forks. For brisket or short ribs, cut into pieces first.
Let rest at least 10 minutes before shredding. This allows juices to reabsorb for maximum flavor.
Factor In Your Menu
How you plan to serve the shredded beef will affect how much you need.
If featuring it in sandwiches or tacos, go with less beef per person since it’s not the sole focus.
For a shredded beef entree with just 2-3 sides, increase the amount since it’s the main event.
Offering lots of apps and sides? You may be able to get away with less beef per person.
Plan for Extras
When cooking for a crowd, it’s smart to make extra shredded beef. Having leftovers allows you to replenish servings without having to cook more.
Aim for about 1 1⁄2 pounds per person. For 30 people that’s around 45 pounds of raw beef. You can then SAVE any extra cooked beef.
Handy Formulas
These formulas make it easy to calculate exactly how much shredded beef you need:
Raw Beef Needed
Number of People x Pounds Per Person = Raw Weight
(30 people) x (1 pound per person) = 30 pounds raw beef
Cooked Beef Yield
Raw Weight x (1 – Shrinkage Percent) = Cooked Weight
(30 pounds raw) x (1 – 0.25) = 22.5 pounds cooked beef
Total with Extras
Number of People x 1.5 Pounds Per Person = Raw Weight with Extras
(30 people) x (1.5 pounds per person) = 45 pounds raw beef
Tips for Serving a Crowd
When cooking shredded beef for a big group, keep these tips in mind:
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Offer sandwiches with rolls or buns toasted or warmed before serving.
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Set up a taco bar with lots of fun toppings so guests can build their own.
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Keep the shredded beef warm in a slow cooker or warming tray.
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Make sure serving utensils are on hand. Tong spoons work great for shredded beef.
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Have extra plates, napkins and utensils on hand so you don’t run out.
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For parties, have self-serve options like sliders or tacos so the line moves quickly.
Sample Quantities for 30
To summarize, here are some sample amounts for a group of 30 adults:
- 30 lbs raw beef = 22-23 lbs shredded beef
- 45 lbs raw beef = 34-35 lbs shredded beef (with extras)
When in doubt, it’s better to have too much than not enough. Leftover shredded beef freezes beautifully for future meals and memories of a fantastic group gathering!
How do I know when roast is done?
If the roast is still hard to pull apart after 8 hours, it needs a little more time to cook. It’s a common misconception that a tougher roast is overcooked. Most of the time, the opposite is true! If you give the roast an extra hour or two, two meat forks should be enough to easily shred it.
How To Make Pulled Beef in the Crock Pot
Now that you’re thinking about all the tasty beef recipes you can make, let’s talk about how to make this simple shredded beef!
I usually tell people who make roasts to brown the meat in a skillet first, then put it in the crock pot. However, with shredded beef, this extra step really isn’t necessary. That makes this a truly dump-and-go recipe. HOORAY!.
To make the pulled beef:
- Put your chuck roast (or roasts) on a cutting board. Then, use a knife to make a few holes in the meat all over.
- Mix some red wine vinegar and olive oil together, then rub it all over the meat.
- Sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and garlic powder.
- Cut a big onion into wedges and put half of them on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add the roast. Add the sliced garlic cloves and the rest of the onion on top.
- Turn the heat down to low and cover the slow cooker. Cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beef is easy to shred with a fork.
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef
FAQ
How much beef do I need for 30 adults?
How many people will 5 pounds of shredded beef feed?
How many pounds of chuck roast for 30 people?
How many pounds of beef for 25 people?
How much shredded beef per person?
The starting rule of thumb is: Boneless Meat: 1/2 lb. per person for adults and 1/4 lb. per person for children. How Many Pounds Of Shredded Beef Per Person? The suggested serving size for shredded beef is 8 ounces or half a pound of raw meat per person.
How many servings of lean meats should one have per day?
Ideally, each person consumes between 300 and 500 g of meat per week, which means a very small steak per day. This includes red and white meats such as chicken and fish, although they are less fatty.
How many times can you eat shredded beef?
Cook once, eat 3 (or 4!) times. This Slow Cooker Shredded Beef makes enough for at least three dinners, and it’s the perfect protein-packed anchor for so many different meals. The first night we make it, we keep it simple and serve the pulled beef over homemade egg noodles (store bought noodles are also 100% on the level) or creamy mashed potatoes.
What is the best cut of beef for shredding?
Round roast can also work, but takes longer to cook and will have a little less flavor because there is less fat. Fat helps flavor the meat. Chuck roasts are the best cut of beef for shredding in our experience at home. Brisket is another great option if considering a much larger cut of meat. How Much Shredded Beef For 100 People?