Barbecued Beef for Sandwiches

Barbecued beef sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious. As the weather cools down, it's time to dust off the crockpot and prepare a meal that will have your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked goodness.

This recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or meal prepping, offering a delicious balance of tangy, smoky, and sweet flavors. We found a great book at the library the other day – 365 Favorite Brand Name Slow Cooker Recipes & More. Recipe number 39 is...., you guessed it, beef that's barbecued in the crockpot!

Why You'll Love This Recipe 

•  Easy to prepare – Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.  
• Feeds a crowd – Serves up to 12, making it great for parties or leftovers.  
• Rich and flavorful – A deep blend of tangy, sweet, smoky, and savory elements.  
• Customizable – Adjust the flavors to your preference with different seasonings or toppings. 

Ingredients & Their Benefits

Main Protein: Boneless Chuck Roast  

Chuck roast is an ideal cut for slow cooking. It’s well-marbled, meaning the fat breaks down beautifully over time, leaving you with incredibly tender and juicy meat.

Benefits:

• High in protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.  
• Contains healthy fats that enhance flavor and satiety.  
• Rich in iron and B vitamins, which contribute to energy production.  

Sauce Ingredients:

Ketchup – The tomato base brings a tangy sweetness to your sauce while offering lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health.

Packed Brown Sugar – Adds a caramel-like sweetness, complementing the smokiness of the dish.

Red Wine Vinegar – A mild acidity that tenderizes the meat and balances the rich flavors. Vinegar also aids your digestion and supports metabolism.

Dijon-Style Mustard – Offers depth of flavor with a slight spice. Mustard contains selenium and omega-3s, which have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Worcestershire Sauce – Contributes a bold, umami richness. It also contains fermented ingredients that enhance digestion.

Liquid Smoke Flavoring – Adds an authentic smoky barbecue flavor without requiring a grill.

Salt – Enhances the natural flavors. While you should be careful of your sodium intake, it is still essential for hydration and proper nerve function.

Black Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and aromatic spiciness that supports digestion as well as a healthy metabolism.

Garlic Powder – A savory touch with antibacterial properties and immune-boosting benefits.

How to Make Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

Prep Time: 10 minutes  

Cook Time: 8-10 hours on Low or 4-5 hours on High  

Total Time: 8-10 hours 

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds boneless chuck roast
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Roast  

• Place the chuck roast in the crockpot. No need to sear, as the slow cooking process will render it tender, juicy, and flavorful.

Step 2: Make the Barbecue Sauce  

• In a bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection  

• Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the roast, ensuring it's fully coated.  
• Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-5 hours.

Step 4: Shred the Beef  

• Once cooked, remove the roast from the crockpot.  
• Using two forks, shred the beef into tender, juicy strands.

Step 5: Mix & Serve  

• Return shredded beef to the crockpot, stirring so it fully absorbs the flavorful sauce.  
• Spoon onto sandwich buns, topping with extra sauce if desired.

The original recipe is from the book 365 Favorite Brand Name Slow Cooker Recipes & More.

Serving Suggestions & Customizations

If you'd like to make this recipe your own, try adding one or more of the following toppings or sides.

Topping Ideas:  

• Coleslaw – Adds crunch and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat.  
• Pickled Jalapeños – For a spicy kick, hot peppers will do the trick.  
• Cheese – Melted cheddar or Swiss pairs beautifully.  
• Caramelized Onions – Adding these will enhance the sweetness of your barbecue sauce.

Side Pairings:  

• Classic potato chips  
• Sweet potato fries  
• Cornbread - you can just serve your barbecued beef over cornbread instead of making a sandwich. 
• Grilled vegetables  
• Macaroni salad

Nutritional Estimates (Per Serving, Approx.):

• Calories - 350 kcal
• Protein - 25g
• Carbohydrates - 30g
• Fat - 12g
• Fiber - 2g
• Sodium - 450mg

(Note: Values can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.) 

 Notes & Variations

• Prefer a spicier version? Add a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. Be sure to taste to make sure you don't overdo it.  
• Want a healthier option? Use whole wheat buns and reduce the sugar slightly. You can even substitute date paste for the brown sugar.  
• Short on time? A pressure cooker or instant pot can speed up the cooking process.  
• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and buns.

A Few Final Thoughts & Your Feedback

This slow-cooked barbecued beef is bound to be a hit! Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a party, it’s easy, delicious, and satisfying.

If you try it, let us know how it turned out. Did you make any customizations? Would you add anything else to enhance the flavor profile? Share your thoughts and let's keep the barbecue magic going.

Enjoy every bite and happy "Barbecuing"!

Hope you enjoyed this recipe and if you have one that you feel is better, by all means add it using the form below. Here's another recipe by Sweet Little Bluebird - for the Best-Ever Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches. (Link opens a new window).

A quick word. This page may contain affiliate links. 

ShareFacebookXRedditMessengerWhatsAppPinterestTumblr

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

1. Click on the HTML link code below.
2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.