If you’re looking for an utterly satisfying crowd-pleaser, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches! Tender, juicy beef simmering all day in a sweet-and-tangy homemade barbecue sauce, piled high on a fluffy bun, and finished with your favorite crunchy toppings—this meal is a true comfort food classic and a real set-it-and-forget-it gem.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the hard work—just toss in the ingredients, then relax while incredible aromas fill your kitchen.
- Ultimate Flavor Fusion: Ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and spices meld with the rich, marbled beef for mouthwateringly bold, balanced flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe makes a generous batch—ideal for game days, family gatherings, or easy meal prep lunches all week long.
- Totally Customizable: Top your sandwiches exactly the way you like, from classic pickles to spicy jalapeños or creamy slaw!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches comes from a handful of pantry staples and a beautiful beef roast. Every ingredient has a job to do, layering flavor, juiciness, and that irresistible barbecue aroma that makes everyone race to the kitchen!
- Boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds): This well-marbled cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours in the slow cooker and soaks up all those saucy flavors.
- Ketchup (1 1/2 cups): Adds the tangy, tomatoey backbone to the barbecue sauce.
- Packed brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a hint of sweetness and depth that balances the tang and spice.
- Barbecue sauce (1/4 cup): Infuses smoky, bold character—use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides an umami punch that rounds out the sauce.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Yields a touch of tang and savory heat, making the sauce sing.
- Liquid smoke (1 teaspoon, optional): Just a splash adds authentic smoky flavor without a smoker!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the meat’s natural taste.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses gentle garlicky notes without overpowering the dish.
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A finishing touch of gentle heat.
- Sandwich buns (12, split): Soft buns are the perfect vehicles for soaking up all that tasty beef and sauce.
- Optional: Sliced onions, dill pickles, pickled jalapeños: Add crunch, tang, and a customizable kick to every sandwich.
Variations
The beauty of Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches is just how adaptable the recipe is! Don’t be afraid to play with flavors or textures based on what you have on hand, favorite regional flavors, or any special dietary needs.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of chipotle powder or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a smoky, fiery twist.
- Carolina Gold: Swap in yellow mustard for Dijon and add a splash of apple cider vinegar to channel classic Carolina-style barbecue.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over lettuce wraps or low-carb buns, and use a reduced-sugar barbecue sauce and sweetener.
- Make it Pork: Substitute a pork shoulder roast instead of beef for an equally fabulous pulled barbecue sandwich!
- Smoky Vegetarian: Try jackfruit or mushrooms in place of beef for a plant-based spin—just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Sauce
Start by cutting the beef chuck roast in half—this helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to shred later on. Place both halves snugly in the bottom of your trusty slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke (if using), salt, garlic powder, and pepper. When the sauce is silky and well-blended, pour every last drop over the beef, making sure the roast is mostly covered. This is where the flavor magic begins!
Step 2: Slow-Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and let the roast cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Low and slow is the secret here—this gentle braise gives tough connective tissue enough time to break down, transforming your roast into tender, pull-apart beef. About halfway through, resist the urge to peek; keeping that lid closed ensures the juiciest results!
Step 3: Shred the Beef and Skim the Sauce
Once the beef is fork-tender, carefully transfer it from the slow cooker to a large bowl or cutting board. Let it cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn your fingers. Meanwhile, skim any excess fat off the top of the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Now, using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces—watch how easily it falls apart!
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, nestling it back into those glorious juices. Cover and let the mixture warm through on low for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the meat to soak up even more saucy goodness. When ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to pile about 1/2 cup of that saucy barbecue beef on each bun. Let everyone add their favorite toppings—this is where Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches truly shine!
Pro Tips for Making Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches
- Lean on Chuck Roast: While you might be tempted by leaner beef, a little marbling in chuck roast is key for melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor—don’t skimp on the fat content!
- Don’t Skip the Skim: Skimming the fat from the sauce before returning the shredded beef keeps the filling richly flavorful but not greasy, so every bite is crave-worthy.
- Make It Ahead: The flavors actually deepen as the beef rests overnight, so you can easily prepare this recipe the day before and reheat for your event.
- Customize the Sauce: Taste the sauce before pouring—it should be bold, tangy, and sweet. Adjust mustard, sugar, or barbecue sauce to match your family’s favorite flavor profile!
How to Serve Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches
Garnishes
No Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwich is complete without those classic toppings! Sliced onions add crisp freshness, dill pickles bring a briny crunch, and pickled jalapeños provide a zippy pop of heat. You could also toss on coleslaw or a handful of fresh cilantro for even more flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve these hearty sandwiches with tangy coleslaw, crunchy potato chips, or classic baked beans for the ultimate backyard barbecue spread. For a lighter touch, try a fresh green salad or grilled corn on the cob—perfect alongside the saucy richness of your sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches the star of any occasion by offering a DIY sandwich bar: lay out buns, beef, and tons of fixings and let guests build their dream sandwich. For parties, try slider buns for cute, crowd-friendly servings. Or, serve the beef over baked potatoes or crispy waffle fries for a fun, family-style twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover barbecued beef keeps wonderfully! Simply store cooled meat (with a bit of sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and mellow, making for even better sandwiches the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooled, shredded beef (with some sauce to keep it juicy) into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. For bigger batches, warm the beef in your slow cooker on low until heated through—no fuss, no drying out!
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is the traditional choice because of its marbling and flavor, you can swap in brisket or round roast—just be aware that leaner cuts may not be quite as tender or juicy.
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Is it possible to make Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s actually encouraged! The flavors continue to improve as they meld overnight. Simply reheat gently in your slow cooker or on the stovetop right before serving.
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How do I prevent my sandwiches from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy buns, use a slotted spoon to lift out the beef and let excess sauce drip off before piling onto your sandwich. Toasting the buns is another great way to add structure and flavor!
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Can I make these sandwiches in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! Brown the beef first for added flavor, then use the “Meat/Stew” function for about 60 minutes, followed by natural release. The beef will be just as tender and delicious for your Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches—the kind of meal you’ll reach for whenever comfort, flavor, and simplicity are on the menu. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite at your table, too. Happy slow cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow-Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These slow-cooker barbecued beef sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal to prepare for a crowd. Tender shredded beef in a tangy, sweet, and smoky sauce piled high on soft buns – a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches:
- 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds)
- 1–1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 12 sandwich buns, split
- Optional: Sliced onions, dill pickles, and pickled jalapenos
Instructions
- Cut and Prepare: Cut roast in half and place in a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, liquid smoke, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Pour over beef.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours until meat is tender. Remove meat, shred, return to the slow cooker, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve: Using a slotted spoon, place shredded beef on split buns. Serve with onions, pickles, and jalapenos if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
