The Best Cuts of Meat for Slow Cooking: Tips, Recipes, and Techniques

What meats are best to slow cook?

Slow cooking meat requires the use of specific cuts that are rich in connective tissues, such as collagen and elastin. When cooked for a long period of time at a low temperature, these tissues break down, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender and flavorful. Some of the best cuts of meat for slow cooking include:

Beef Chuck

This cut of beef is often used in stews and pot roasts, as it is well-marbled and contains a lot of connective tissue.

Lamb Shank

This cut of lamb is often slow-cooked in stews or braises, as it contains a lot of connective tissue that breaks down over time.

Short Ribs

This cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking, as it is well-marbled and contains a lot of collagen.

Brisket

This cut of beef is often used in barbecue and smoked meat dishes and is perfect for slow cooking due to its high collagen content.

When selecting cuts of meat for slow cooking, it's important to choose those that are well-marbled and contain a lot of connective tissue. These cuts will benefit from the low and slow cooking process, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

How long should you slow cook meat?

Cooking time is a critical factor when it comes to slow-cooking meat. The goal of slow cooking is to break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The appropriate cooking time will depend on the type and cut of meat being used, as well as the cooking method.

To determine the appropriate cooking time for different cuts of meat, it's important to consider factors such as the size and thickness of the meat, the temperature of the cooking environment, and the desired level of doneness.

Here are some tips for determining the appropriate cooking time for different cuts of meat:

1. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The USDA recommends cooking beef, and lamb to a minimum internal temperature of 63°C.

2. Consider the size and thickness of the meat. Thicker cuts of meat will take longer to cook than thinner cuts.

3. Take into account the cooking method being used. Different methods, such as slow-cooking in a crockpot or braising in the oven, will require different cooking times.

Here are some examples of cooking times for various types of meat:

1. Beef Chuck Roast: 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat in a slow cooker.

2. Lamb Shank: 3-4 hours in a covered Dutch oven or 6-8 hours on low heat in a slow cooker.

What is the best way to slow cook meat?

There are several methods for slow-cooking meat, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best method for slow cooking will depend on the type and cut of meat being used, as well as personal preference.

Here are some popular methods for slow-cooking meat:

Slow Cooker/Crockpot

This method involves cooking the meat in a slow cooker or crockpot over low heat for an extended period of time. This method is convenient and requires minimal effort, making it a popular choice for busy home cooks.

Braising

This method involves searing the meat in a hot pan before cooking it in a covered Dutch oven with liquid over low heat. This method is great for tougher cuts of meat, as the long cooking time helps break down the connective tissues.

Oven Roasting

This method involves cooking the meat in a covered roasting pan in the oven at a low temperature for an extended period of time. This method is great for large cuts of meat, such as brisket or a whole turkey.

To achieve the best results when slow-cooking meat, it's important to use high-quality ingredients and to follow the appropriate cooking method and time for the specific cut of meat. 

Slow Cooking Meat Recipes

Slow cooking is a great way to turn tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful dishes. Here are two delicious slow-cooking meat recipes to try at home:

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 onion, chopped

• 4 carrots, chopped

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 cup frozen peas

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker and add the beef broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup of water. Add the flour mixture and frozen peas to the slow cooker and stir until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Slow Cooker Lamb Shank

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb shanks

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 onion, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb shanks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Transfer the lamb shanks to a slow cooker and add the beef broth, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. Remove the lamb shanks from the slow cooker and set them aside. Strain the liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve the lamb shanks with the sauce and enjoy!

Conclusion

Slow cooking meat is a fantastic way to turn tough cuts of meat into delicious, tender dishes. By choosing the right cut of meat, using the appropriate cooking method and time, and incorporating high-quality ingredients, you can create mouth-watering dishes that are sure to impress.

At Meatguy Steakhouse, we specialize in slow-cooking meat to perfection. Our expert chefs use only the finest ingredients and techniques to create tender and flavorful dishes that are sure to satisfy. Come visit us and try our slow-cooked meat dishes for yourself.