Slow-Cooker Make-Ahead Beef

Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add roast; turn to coat.

Heat 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add beef roast; cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides.

Transfer to slow cooker; pour 1/4 cup water over roast. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 7 to 8 hours or until beef is tender and easy to shred.

Transfer beef to cutting board; cool slightly. Shred beef, discarding any pieces of fat. Toss beef with 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Discard remaining liquid.

To Freeze: Divide beef into 2 portions (about 2 cups each). Place each portion in freezer container or resealable freezer plastic bag. Label with date. Cover and refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 1 hour. Transfer to freezer; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed. Use in recipes calling for cooked shredded beef.

To Make in Oven: Heat oven to 325°F. In large bowl, mix oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add roast; turn to coat. Heat 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add beef roast; cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides. Pour 1 cup water over roast. Cover and roast 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, or until meat thermometer inserted in center of roast reads 190°F and beef is tender enough to shred easily. Remove from oven; let rest until cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes. Shred meat with 2 forks, discarding fat and cartilage as you go. Toss shredded beef in 1/2 cup of the pan liquid to coat. Discard remaining pan liquid. Freeze and thaw as directed above.