Meat does get more tender the longer you cook it in a slow cooker as when slow cooked the meat breaks down into gelatin which gives the meat the juicy, tender mouthfeel.
Even fattier and cheaper cuts of beef can be good for slow cooking as the fat helps ensure the beef will not dry out while also adding extra flavor.
Many slow cooker meals including beef take between 8 hours to 12 hours to fully cook on low and 4 to 6 hours on high although some meat can take up to 24 hours to fully cook in the slow cooker.
When your beef is so tough in the slow cooker the slow cooker may not be heating up properly or the slow cooker may not be on the high setting or you're not cooking the beef for long enough.
If your beef is still tough you may need to turn up the heat setting and allow it to slow cook longer.
Collagen makes meat tough when cooked quickly, but when slow-cooked, it breaks down into gelatin, giving you that juicy, tender mouthfeel.
Fattier and cheaper cuts of beef can also be good for slow cooking, because the fat helps to ensure the beef won't dry out while adding extra flavor.
You can put raw hamburger or any other raw meat in a slow cooker.
The slow cooker will cook the raw hamburger and other meat slowly along with other ingredients you put into it.
Some people prefer to brown their hamburger first and then place it in the slow cooker.
But if you want to simply toss some raw hamburger meat or other raw meat into the slow cooker you can do so.
Many slow cooker chili recipes will have a step saying to brown the beef before it goes into the slow cooker which is not absolutely necessary but browning and caramelizing the meat leads to richer, bolder flavors.
Smaller amounts of slow cooker hamburger only need a few hours before they are done.
There are so many benefits to cooking raw hamburger in a slow cooker.
Not only does it make the meat far juicier and more tender but it also works with all kinds of meats.
No matter your preference, this cooking method works well with whole cuts of pork, beef, lamb, and even veal.
You can add beef to the slow cooker without browning.
Searing it in a hot pan to create a caramelized crust is not necessary but can make a richer flavor.
Simply add the raw meat to your slow cooker with aromatics, stock and sauces and cook either on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 5-8 hours.
Each slow cooker meal's cooking time differs depending on the meat and its weight.
The low setting is important so you don't overcook the raw meat, potentially leaving you with a dry or tough meal.
In general, it's best to stick to the indicated cook time on the recipe you're following.
Most slow cooker meals take 8-12 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high, but there are also recipes for slow-cooked meat that take up to 24 hours.