Slow Cooker Adobo Braised Beef – Bold, Tender, and Packed with Flavor

This Slow Cooker Adobo Braised Beef brings together deep, smoky flavors with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in a dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Inspired by traditional Filipino adobo, this lighter version leans on a flavorful vinegar-soy-garlic base and lean cuts of beef to create a hearty, satisfying meal. Set it and forget it in the slow cooker—and come home to rich, comforting aromas and bold, balanced flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fall-Apart Tender – Slow-cooked beef becomes irresistibly tender with no effort.
Bold Adobo Flavor – A garlicky, tangy, slightly smoky sauce that’s unforgettable.
Hands-Off Cooking – Just a few minutes of prep, then let the slow cooker do the rest.
Lightened Comfort Food – Big, bold flavors with a leaner protein and less fat.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean beef chuck, trimmed and cut into large chunks
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for browning)
• Fresh parsley or scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Optional: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef pieces for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor. Transfer to slow cooker.

2. Combine Sauce Ingredients
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, onion, bay leaves, paprika, pepper, and beef broth. Pour over the beef in the slow cooker.

3. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is very tender and easily pulls apart.

4. Shred and Serve
Remove bay leaves. Shred beef gently with forks and return to sauce. Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or with steamed vegetables. Garnish as desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 260
Protein: 29g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Trim the Beef Well – Use lean cuts and remove visible fat for a lighter dish.
• Don’t Skip the Vinegar – It’s key to balancing the savory richness of the sauce.
• Serve with Simplicity – A side of jasmine rice or roasted vegetables lets the flavors shine.
• Make It Ahead – This dish is even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Why This Recipe Works

The slow cooker turns tough cuts into fork-tender, flavor-packed bites while infusing every strand of beef with the rich adobo sauce. With a balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic notes, this dish offers depth without the need for excess calories or fat.

Slow Cooker Adobo Braised Beef delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With deeply savory, tangy sauce and irresistibly tender meat, it’s a feel-good meal perfect for busy days, cozy nights, or feeding a hungry crowd—without going overboard.