Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker recipe for tender pulled beef soaked in smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for easy family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8–10 sandwich buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Trim any excessive fat from the chuck roast but leave some for flavor. Pat it dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes).
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until the sugar dissolves (5 minutes).
- Spread the thinly sliced onions evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the beef roast on top, then pour the BBQ mixture all over, making sure it covers the beef well (5 minutes).
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and easy to shred. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
- Remove the beef carefully onto a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large chunks of fat (10 minutes). Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
- While the beef finishes, lightly toast your sandwich buns for extra texture and warmth (optional, 5 minutes).
- Pile the shredded beef generously onto each bun. Add optional toppings like coleslaw or pickles to taste.
- Serve warm with your favorite side like crispy fries or a fresh salad.
Notes
Do not lift the slow cooker lid frequently to avoid heat loss and extended cooking time. Shred beef while hot for easier shredding and better sauce absorption. If sauce is too thin after shredding, cook uncovered on HIGH for 15-20 minutes to reduce. Toast buns lightly before assembling to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free BBQ sauce and buns or serve over rice or lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ pulled beef, beef sandwich, comfort food, easy recipe, family dinner, game day, pulled beef sandwich