Indulge in the smoky, tender perfection of these Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwiches. This recipe takes a hearty beef chuck roast and slowly transforms it into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pulled beef coated in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce. Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or cozy dinners, these sandwiches deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Minimal effort with maximum flavor thanks to the slow cooker.
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Tender, juicy beef that shreds easily and soaks up the smoky sauce.
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Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
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Easy to customize with toppings like coleslaw or pickles.
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A true comfort food classic that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
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2 cups beef broth
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1 medium onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 teaspoons smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Hamburger buns
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Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
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Pickles (optional, for topping)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned (about 4–5 minutes per side).
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Place sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder. Pour over the beef in the slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
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Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir to coat with the sauce.
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Serve the pulled beef on hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw and pickles, if desired.
Servings and timing
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 8–10 hours (low) or 4–6 hours (high)
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Total time: About 8 hours 15 minutes
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Servings: 6–8 sandwiches
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
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Sweet and Tangy: Use a honey or brown sugar BBQ sauce for extra sweetness.
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Cheesy Twist: Add a slice of cheddar or provolone cheese to the sandwich.
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Different Protein: Substitute pork shoulder or chicken thighs for beef.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or BBQ sauce if needed to keep the beef moist.
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Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is ready when it shreds easily with a fork after slow cooking.
Can I skip searing the beef?
You can, but searing locks in flavor and adds depth to the final dish.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky variety complements the beef beautifully, but you can use any flavor you like.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook and shred the beef, then reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove before serving.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for 4–6 hours, but low and slow yields the most tender results.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast is ideal, but brisket or rump roast also work well.
What toppings go well with these sandwiches?
Coleslaw, pickles, jalapeños, or cheese are great additions.
Can I serve this without buns?
Yes, it works well over rice, mashed potatoes, or even in tacos.
How do I prevent the beef from drying out?
Make sure to cook with enough liquid and store leftovers with some sauce.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes, cook in a Dutch oven at 300°F for 3–4 hours until tender.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food—tender, smoky, and packed with flavor. With minimal effort, you can serve up hearty sandwiches that will satisfy a crowd or keep your family happy all week. Whether topped with crunchy coleslaw or served plain, these sandwiches are guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
Print
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwiches
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes – 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
These smoky slow cooker BBQ pulled beef sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food! Tender beef chuck roast is slow-cooked in a smoky BBQ sauce until fall-apart delicious, then piled high on soft buns and topped with crunchy coleslaw and pickles. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or gatherings, this easy recipe brings bold flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
2 cups beef broth
1 medium onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety recommended)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
Hamburger buns
Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
Pickles (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season the beef with salt and black pepper, then sear on all sides until browned (4–5 minutes per side).
Place sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the seared beef on top. In a bowl, whisk beef broth, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, paprika, cumin, and onion powder. Pour over beef.
Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until beef shreds easily.
Remove beef, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker. Stir to coat with sauce.
Serve on hamburger buns with optional coleslaw and pickles. Enjoy warm!
Notes
For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
This recipe freezes well. Store shredded beef with sauce in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours (low) or 4–6 hours (high)
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: American
