Cut the fat into small pieces, about 1-2 inches in size. This increases the surface area and helps the fat render more efficiently.
Place the chopped beef fat into the crock pot. There’s no need to add water, as the fat will release its own moisture during the cooking process.
Cover the crock pot and set it to low. This allows the fat to slowly melt without burning. Depending on the amount of fat you have, rendering can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
As the fat renders, you’ll notice it separating from the solid bits. Continue to cook until the liquid fat appears clear and the solids turn brown.
Once the fat is fully rendered, it’s time to strain it. Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pot. Carefully pour the liquid fat through the strainer to remove any solid bits. You may want to strain it a second time for a cleaner tallow.
Transfer the strained tallow into glass jars or containers while it’s still warm. Allow the tallow to cool at room temperature, then cover and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Properly rendered and stored tallow can last for several months.