Slow cooker shredded beef recipe with a hint of citrus flavors hints of the Caribbean but doesn't overwhelm. The perfect healthy shredded beef recipe for tacos, lettuce wraps, nachos, or on its own. Easy, Paleo, and AIP friendly!
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Sticking to the paleo-based diet like AIP or Whole30 can be hard without the right recipes. We have developed an arsenal of make-ahead and crockpot meals like this shredded beef recipe.
It has citrusy Caribbean inspired flavors that stand on their own but also make a great base for so many options. We especially love it on lettuce wraps with shredded carrots, radishes, and the easiest four-ingredient avocado sauce (which is always in our fridge or as the topping for our Sweet Potato Nachos). Yum.
And if you like things a little spicy, pair it with our spicy cucumber chutney (another Caribbean-inspired dish), a side of roasted red onions, and these gluten-free flatbreads for an easy super.
Ingredients
Beef Roast- When making shredded beef it it is best to use an inexpensive cut of meat like a blade roast. You will want something in the 2-3 lbs range. I prefer grass-fed.
Citrus- This recipe uses both zest and juice of one lime and one orange.
Onion
Garlic
Seasonings- This recipe uses kosher salt plus a few spices to get that quintessential Caribean flavor.
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Thyme
- Clove
How to Make Shredded Beef in the Slow Cooker
Put the beef roast, citrus, onions, and spices in the crockpot. Cook on low heat until beef is fall-apart tender. About 6 hours.
I don't bother searing the meat first unless I decide to make this in the oven, like a braise. Speaking of which let's do some quick oven directions.
How to Make Shredded Beef in the Oven
In a large heavy bottom roasting pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper. Sear the meat on each side until brown, 6 to 8 minutes a side.
Deglaze the pan with the citrus juices, add the remaining ingredients and cover. Bake at 325 F degrees for 3 hours. Shred the beef and return to the broth.
Essentially you can make citrus shredded beef in the manner that is easiest for you. Who doesn’t love a recipe that conforms to you? Oh, you? Then give our Pork Roast with Apples a try too!
And honestly, if you can make this, you can absolutely make our Nitrate-Free Corned Beef. Give it a try!
What make ahead, no fuss recipes are your go to? Share in the comments so we can all be healthier together!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.
📖 Recipe
Citrus Shredded Beef
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs grass-fed beef roast we used a blade roast
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 lime zested & juiced
- 1 orange zested & juiced
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 5 whole cloves
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a crock pot on low heat for 6-8 hours.
- Once beef is falling apart tender, remove the beef and drain the broth. Shred the beef with a fork. Be sure to pull out the cloves! Add back enough broth to keep it moist but not wet.
Video
Notes
- If the lime and orange aren't juicy you may need to up to a ¼ cup of water. Have restraint! You don't want it to be soupy.
- Depending on the shape of your roast and the crock pot size you may need to cut the beef into large chunks.
- AIP Compliant
Andrea says
I know this is an older post, but I’m hopping you will have time to respond. Do you think these flavors would go well with pork instead of beef?
Jen Wooster says
100% This is an older post but still one of my most popular. You can can cook a pork roast in the same manner as the beef.
Mary says
Is this missing an ingredient? Beef Broth?
Jen says
Nope! The citrus juice and the fat from the beef provide enough moisture.
Anonymous says
I’m confused after taking off from crockpot then we have to put it in the oven?
Jen says
Thank you for checking out the recipe. This is a 100% crockpot recipe with alternative instructions for oven braising. Happy eating!
Elizabeth says
None of my grocery stores seemed to be stocked with whole cloves. Will ground clove work?
Jen says
Absolutely!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
I love the addition of the cloves and citrus! Shredded beef is so good, and I love the serving suggestion in butter lettuce wraps! What a delicious meal!
Byron Thomas says
Who doesn't love shredded beef? In my opinion, it's so much better than pulled pork! I have a shredded beef recipe already, but mine does not include any cloves or citrus and I absolutely love both of those flavours. I'm making this right now!
Marisa Franca says
What a great flavor combination for beef. Normally I think of citrus with poultry, pork, or fish and only lime with beef. But your combination sounds marvelous. What a flavor-packed meal. Certainly, if you're dieting and eating this you don't feel deprived!!
Mahy Elamin says
Oh my goodness this beef looks good! My husband will be 100% enthusiastic about this recipe. This looks and sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try this soon!
Lauren Vavala | DeliciousLittleBites says
Oh I just love the combination of citrus with any meat! I definitely need to give this a try soon - my whole family would love it!