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Crockpot BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Crockpot BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Effortless Crockpot BBQ Beef Sandwiches
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker

Ingredients
  

For the Beef:

  • 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika

For the Sauce:

  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke optional

For Serving:

  • 8-10 hamburger buns
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
  • Coleslaw
  • Pickle slices
  • Additional BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

  • Let the beef sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Pat dry, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Heat oil in a skillet and sear beef for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
  • Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create the Sauce Base

  • Sauté onions in the same skillet until soft.
  • Add garlic, cook for 30 seconds.
  • Deglaze with ¼ cup beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
  • Transfer onions to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

  • Whisk remaining broth, BBQ sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and liquid smoke.
  • Pour over beef.
  • Cover and cook (LOW 8-10 hours or HIGH 5-6 hours).

Step 4: Shred and Finish

  • Remove beef, shred with two forks.
  • Reduce sauce if needed.
  • Return shredded beef to slow cooker, mix with sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

  • Toast buns with butter.
  • Pile beef onto buns, add coleslaw, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Best cut: Chuck roast for flavor and tenderness.
  • Sauce too thin? Reduce uncovered or use a cornstarch slurry.
  • Meal prep: Tastes even better the next day!
  • Freezer-friendly: Store in portions for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 18gSugar: 15g
Keyword BBQ beef, Crockpot BBQ Beef Sandwiches, homemade BBQ sandwiches, slow cooker beef
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