Also known as pulled beef, Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Beef on a Bun involves longer cooking times to produce tender strands of meat. Traditionally, a slow cooker shredded bbq beef recipe is prepared by cooking a chuck roast or brisket cut of beef for a long period of time in a slow cooker or an oven to tenderize the meat and allow it to fall apart. When the meat is cooked, it is typically mixed with seasoned sauces and served as a sandwich bun or the main course.
What is the best cut of meat for a shredded beef recipe?
The origins of cooking good bbq pulled beef involved using low-quality or tougher cuts of meat, “cover and cook” for long hours over low heat. The “low and slow” method allows the meat to slowly tenderize, producing amazing flavors. In fact, the resulting roast is so tender you can shred the meat with two forks!
What types of ingredients are added to slow-cooker shredded beef?
Shredded beef is normally prepared with a sweet or barbecue sauce, that contains brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, garlic powder, and onion powder, just to name a few.
While the instant pot does minimize the cooking time, I prefer the crockpot for slow cooker recipes. Yes, cook time is much longer, but the flavors of the beef sandwiches you end up with are incredibly delicious.
How long does it take to make slow cooker shredded beef using a chuck roast?
The magic of slow cooker bbq pulled beef comes when you cook at low temperatures for long periods of time. While the use of an instant pot can greatly reduce the amount of time needed, the typical cooking time is 8 hours.
What to put on shredded beef sandwiches?
After cooking the beef chuck roast all day, you are left with a bbq that needs very little. The flavor of the meat fat combined with the bbq sauce is near perfect.
If there is anything you could consider adding, I might suggest salt and pepper to taste, pickles, or additional barbecue sauce, if needed.
The sandwich pairs well with a bowl of she crab soup!
Main Ingredients Needed
Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef
Ingredients
- 3-pound chuck roast
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 cups of ketchup
- 1 teaspoon of garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dry parsley
- 1 cup of essence
- 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of mustard
- 1/2 cup of chopped celery
- 1 medium red pepper, chopped
Directions
- Cook 3-pound beef chuck roast in a cooking bag or cover in a crockpot for 8-10 hours at low temperature or simmer.
- After the meat is done, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Slice or shred meat and set aside.
- Prepare the barbecue sauce by browning chopped onion at medium heat
- Add remaining ingredients to skillet and allow to cook for 30 minutes on low heat.
- Place shredded beef on a plate or sandwich bun, and liberally spoon bbq sauce over the meat.
FAQ
A tougher cut like beef chuck roast works great for slow cooking as it breaks down and becomes tender over the long cooking period. It’s also budget-friendly and packed full of flavor.
Yes, while beef is traditional, you could substitute it with pork shoulder or chicken for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times as necessary, particularly for chicken, which may require less time to cook.
The key to tender, easy-to-shred beef is slow cooking it at a low temperature for a longer time. When the beef is done, it should be tender enough to fall apart easily with a fork.
You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience, or you can make your own if you prefer. A smoky or tangy sauce usually works well with the flavor of the beef.
Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding additional BBQ sauce if needed.
Classic side dishes include coleslaw, pickles, and fries. You might also consider serving it with a side salad or baked beans for a well-rounded meal.
Yes. However, cooking on low for a longer time generally results in more tender, flavorful meat.
Claudia Faucher is a fitness trainer and lifestyle blogger, who recently started to pursue her other passions… Southern cooking and creating recipes.
