Top Meats for Slow Cookers and Crockpots

Slow cookers and crockpots have earned their place in kitchens across Australia for one reason, they turn affordable cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth meals. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend feast, prepping easy weekday dinners, or building nutrient-rich meals for the family, choosing the right cuts is key. The right cut transforms a basic dish into something deeply satisfying.

At Carnivore Society, we specialise in premium, pasture-raised, hormone-free meats. And when it comes to slow cooking, our carefully selected cuts make all the difference in flavour, tenderness, and nourishment.

Why Slow Cooking Works So Well for Meat

Slow cooking brings out the best in tougher, fattier cuts. The gentle, consistent heat breaks down connective tissues like collagen and elastin into gelatin, transforming once-chewy meat into fork-tender goodness. 

This process not only improves texture but also boosts the mouthfeel and richness of each bite. Low-temperature cooking preserves moisture, preventing leaner cuts from drying out and helping fatty cuts render slowly and evenly.

It’s also ideal for infusing flavour, spices, herbs, and sauces have hours to penetrate deep into the meat’s fibres. Unlike fast cooking methods, which can sometimes lock flavours on the surface, slow cooking allows a gradual build of taste throughout the dish. 

The result? Enhanced digestibility, better nutrient retention (like B vitamins and minerals), and a warming, home-cooked meal that rivals any high-end roast in flavour and satisfaction.

What to Look for in a Good Slow Cooker Meat Cut

Before reaching for just any protein, here’s what makes a cut ideal for your crockpot:

• Tough connective tissue: Collagen-rich cuts like brisket, chuck, or shank break down into gelatin during slow cooking, giving the meat a tender, silky texture.
  
• Natural fat/marbling: Intramuscular fat bastes the meat from within, preventing dryness and helping distribute spices and herbs more evenly.
  
• Bone-in cuts: Bones release calcium, phosphorus, and marrow into the liquid, enriching your broth with flavour and added nutrition.
  
• Budget-friendly options: Cuts like pork shoulder or lamb neck are economical but transform into premium-tasting dishes with extended cook times.
  
• Large, uniform pieces: Even-sized chunks cook more consistently, reducing the risk of dryness or undercooking in parts.
  
• Moisture-retaining structure: Cuts with sufficient internal fat and structure retain more moisture, preventing the meat from becoming stringy or bland.

Top Cuts for Slow Crockpot Cooking

Turn humble cuts into unforgettable meals, these top picks for crockpot cooking promise tenderness, rich flavour, and easy prep:

1. Beef Brisket

When it comes to classic slow cooking, beef brisket is hard to beat. Cut from the lower chest, it’s rich in connective tissue and collagen that softens during long cook times. The result? Beef so tender it falls apart with the touch of a fork.

Carnivore Society’s Grass-Fed Beef Brisket is ideal for BBQ-style dishes, hearty stews, and Jewish-style pot roasts. It's also packed with protein, iron, and essential amino acids. With a good sear and the right marinade, it absorbs flavours beautifully and delivers that deep, smoky richness slow cookers are known for.

2. Chuck Steak

Chuck steak comes from the shoulder region and has the perfect balance of meat and marbling for long, slow cooking. It’s an economical cut that transforms into something rich and satisfying when simmered over hours.

Our Grass-Fed Chuck Steak is a favourite for slow-cooked classics like beef bourguignon, shredded taco beef, and rustic ragu. Brown it first to build a rich base, then let the slow cooker finish the job. Each bite will be juicy, tender, and full of depth.

3. Beef Short Ribs

Bone-in short ribs bring exceptional umami and texture to slow-cooked dishes. The bones and surrounding fat break down into a silky, flavourful base, enriching the sauce without the need for added stock.

Carnivore Society’s Grass-Fed Short Ribs are ideal for wine braises, soy-based Korean stews, or Italian-style red sauces. Once cooked, the meat slides off the bone, making it a luxurious addition to any plate. The rich marrow in the bone boosts nutritional value too.

4. Lamb Shoulder

Lamb shoulder is naturally fatty and full of connective tissue, a perfect combination for slow cooking. Over several hours, it melts into tender shreds that soak up spices, herbs, and sauces effortlessly.

Our Boneless Lamb Shoulder, pasture-raised and hormone-free, performs well in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern recipes. Think pulled lamb pitas, Greek casseroles, or spiced Moroccan tagines. It’s high in zinc, iron, and omega-3s, making it as nutritious as it is tasty.

5. Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)

Boston butt,  the upper portion of the pork shoulder,  is a classic cut for slow cooking. It’s full of marbled fat that renders during cooking, keeping the meat moist and flavourful.

Our Valenca Free-Range Pork Shoulder is a standout for pulled pork, spicy carnitas, or sticky Asian braises. It’s also one of the best value-for-money cuts, producing enough for leftovers and meal prep. Add a dry rub or marinade for maximum flavour, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

6. Lamb Shanks

Lamb shanks are a showstopper. Their impressive size and bold flavour make them a popular choice for entertaining or cold-weather comfort food. At Carnivore Society, you can choose from Boneless Lamb Leg from MC Herd (1.8 kg), or the Boneless Lamb Leg from Lamb of Tasmania (2.2 kg), all grass-fed and hormone-free. 

The Valenca shanks soften beautifully in the slow cooker, releasing their juices into the pot for a rich, savoury sauce. They work wonderfully with red wine, rosemary, garlic, or tomato bases. Pair them with mashed potatoes or couscous for a satisfying, slow-cooked feast.

7. King Salmon Tail Portions

Yes, even fish can benefit from low-and-slow cooking, especially fatty cuts like King Salmon. The thick, omega-3-rich flesh remains juicy and flavourful without falling apart.

Our King Salmon Tail Portions are great for miso broths, coconut stews, or slow-roasted Mediterranean recipes with lemon and herbs. Unlike lean fish, King Salmon holds up to gentle simmering while releasing healthy oils that enrich the broth naturally.

8. Valenca Free-Range Pork Ribs

Pork ribs are tailor-made for the slow cooker. Over several hours, the fat and connective tissue render gently, leaving meat that slides right off the bone. Whether slathered in sticky BBQ sauce or cooked in a spicy marinade, these ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. 

After slow cooking, finish them under a grill or torch for caramelised edges. Carnivore Society’s Valenca free-range pork ribs come from ethically raised animals and are vacuum-sealed for maximum freshness. These ribs are perfect for weekend feasts, game-day meals, or anytime you're craving fall-apart meat with a rich, smoky kick.

Tips for Cooking Meat in a Slow Cooker

Even the best meat can go wrong without proper technique. These tips will keep your slow-cooked dishes on point:

• Brown first: Searing meat before placing it in the slow cooker creates a flavour-packed crust and richer sauce.
  
• Keep it layered: Place harder vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom.
  
• Low and slow wins: Use the low setting whenever possible. It gives time for collagen to break down without drying the meat.
  
• Add herbs late: Soft herbs like parsley and basil should be stirred in near the end to keep their freshness.
  
• Leave the lid closed: Opening the lid drops the temperature and adds to the cooking time.
  
• Deglaze your pan: After browning, use a splash of wine or broth to scrape up those browned bits and pour them into your pot, liquid gold.

Why Order from Carnivore Society?

At Carnivore Society, we go beyond the basics. Here’s why our cuts are tailor-made for your slow cooker:

• 100% Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised: Our animals graze on open fields, resulting in cleaner, leaner, more nutritious meat.
  
• Free from Hormones and Fillers: Nothing unnecessary, just real meat with real flavour.
  
• Vacuum-Sealed for Freshness: Keeps your meat safe, fresh, and freezer-ready for bulk prep.
  
• Reliable Delivery Across VIC, NSW & QLD: Get top-quality meats delivered to your door without hassle.
  
• Expert-Selected Cuts: Our butchers choose cuts that excel in slow cooking, air frying, grilling, and roasting.
  
• Wide Range of Cuts: Whether you’re after a hearty stew or gourmet bone broth, Carnivore Society has the right cut for the job.
  
• Australia-Wide Delivery: No matter where you are, quality meat is just a click away.

Conclusion

A slow cooker transforms tough meat into something truly special, but only when the cut is right. You'll ensure every bite is packed with flavour and tenderness by choosing slow-cook-friendly options like beef chuck, lamb shanks, or pork shoulder from Carnivore Society. Ready to take your comfort meals to the next level? Browse the full Carnivore Society collection today and let your crockpot do the rest.