Slow Cooker BBQ Beef

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef: Tender and Flavorful Comfort Food Delight

Get ready to savor the mouthwatering flavors of tender, slow-cooked BBQ beef with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you at home, this Slow Cooker BBQ Beef is sure to become a family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy the rich and smoky taste of homemade barbecue right in your own kitchen. So fire up your slow cooker and get ready to indulge in a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients:

  • Meat:
    • 3 lb Chuck roast
  • Produce:
    • 1 tbsp Dried onion
  • Condiments:
    • 1 1/2 cups Ketchup
    • 1 tsp Liquid smoke
    • 2 tbsp Mustard
    • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Baking & Spices:
    • 1/4 cup Brown sugar
    • 1 tsp Chili powder
    • 1 tsp Pepper
    • 1 tsp Salt
  • Oils & Vinegars:
    • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and place it in the slow cooker.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, liquid smoke, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, pepper, salt, dried onion, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well combined.
  3. Pour the Sauce Over the Beef: Pour the sauce mixture over the chuck roast, ensuring that it is evenly coated.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the beef on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and toss it in the sauce to coat.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker BBQ Beef on buns as sandwiches, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the rich and smoky flavor of this delicious comfort food!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

  • Add Heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Sweeten it Up: If you prefer a sweeter barbecue flavor, add a bit more brown sugar to the sauce.
  • Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less salt, pepper, or chili powder according to your liking.
  • Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce in a saucepan on the stovetop for a few minutes before pouring it over the beef.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

  • Keto Option: Substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Use sugar-free ketchup to reduce the carbohydrate content of the sauce.
  • Low Carb Hack: Serve the Slow Cooker BBQ Beef over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a low-carb meal option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe? A: While chuck roast is traditionally used for slow cooker BBQ beef due to its tender texture when cooked low and slow, you can also use brisket or bottom round roast for similar results.

Q: Can I freeze leftover BBQ beef? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover BBQ beef in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven instead of using a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven cooking. Simply follow the same steps, but instead of using a slow cooker, cook the beef in a covered Dutch oven on the stovetop over low heat or in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 3-4 hours, or until tender.

In conclusion, Slow Cooker BBQ Beef is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its simple preparation and rich, smoky flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served as sandwiches, over rice, or alongside your favorite side dishes, this comforting and satisfying meal is sure to please the whole family. So dust off your slow cooker and give this recipe a try for a taste of homemade barbecue bliss!