Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 8-1/4 hours

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Jul. 22, 2023
Chuck roast makes delicious slow-cooker barbecue beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas

Ingredients

  • 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

Directions

  1. Cut roast in half and place in a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, liquid smoke if desired, and seasonings. Pour over beef.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat; cool slightly. Skim fat from cooking liquid.
  3. Shred beef with 2 forks; return to the slow cooker. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until heated through. Using a slotted spoon, place 1/2 cup on each bun. Serve with onions, pickles and jalapenos if desired.

Can you freeze slow-cooker barbecued beef sandwiches?

Place individual portions of cooled meat mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring; add broth or water if necessary.

Slow-Cooker Barbecued Beef Sandwich Tips

Can you use other cuts of meat for barbecue beef sandwiches?

Yes! Any cut of beef suitable for braising, such as from the round or shoulder, may be used in this recipe. You can also use cooked ground beef for crowd-pleasing barbecue beef sandwiches in the slow cooker. Our favorite slow-cooker beef recipes offer dozens of other tasty ideas. Otherwise, you could substitute a similarly sized boneless venison roast to make barbecue venison sandwiches.

Can you use other sauces for barbecue beef sandwiches?

You bet. This recipe uses a homemade sauce with ketchup, brown sugar and plenty of other spices.

What should you serve with barbecue beef sandwiches?

Go crazy with toppings such as pickles, onions, giardiniera and creamy coleslaw. On the side, any of these potluck salads will make the meal feel like an instant picnic.

—Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 sandwich: 458 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1052mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.