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Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Tender seasoned slow cooked beef basted in BBQ sauce and sandwiched between brioche buns and topped with a crunchy coleslaw
There’s something so warm and comforting about a BBQ Beef Sandwich. Growing up with so many brothers, my Mom was always trying to figure out how to fill them up. We ate a lot of Barbecue Beef Sandwiches in our home! It is still one of my favorite savory sandwiches.
Speaking of favorites, I don’t think I could live without my slow cooker. Is there any better way to cook tender meats? I don’t think so. This Crockpot BBQ Beef is cooked low and slow with spices and then shredded before basting it in BBQ sauce. The spices really help to bring out the juicy flavor of the meat and get it ready for the BBQ sauce.
What type of BBQ sauce to use?
Choosing a BBQ Sauce is a big deal. People are pretty opinionated about the type of BBQ sauce to use. This is a key component to these BBQ sandwiches so choose a high-quality, craftsman BBQ sauce. I tend to reach for Sweet Baby Ray’s or Trader Joe’s Texas BBQ sauce. Also, we pick up a homemade BBQ sauce from our local BBQ joint called Joe’s BBQ in Gilbert, Arizona.
This Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwich is paired with a simple crunchy coleslaw. I make my coleslaw pretty simple with a mix of crunchy cabbage, creamy mayonnaise, a touch of vinegar for tang, and spices. It doesn’t get much easier!
A sturdy bun is a must when putting together the ultimate BBQ Beef Sandwich. A wimpy bun won’t hold up against the saucy meat and creamy coleslaw. I chose a buttery brioche bun from the bakery and it held up perfectly.
What type of beef to use?
I love a good chuck roast because it has a nice balance of meat and fat. When cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, it is tender and juicy. I watch for chuck roasts to go on sale for about $2.97/lb and then stock up. I even found them for $3.97/lb at my local Whole Foods and I stocked up.
How to make the Best BBQ Beef Sandwiches:
- Start by placing the chuck roast in a slow cooker. Generously season the beef with the spices. Set the crockpot on the low setting and cook for 8 hours. If possible, turn halfway through cooking time.
- Once the meat is cooked and tender, take two forks and begin to shred the meat. Taste for seasoning. Add bbq sauce and stir to coat. Heat for another 15 minutes.
- Make a coleslaw by using a mix of cabbage, green onion, mayo, vinegar, a touch of sugar, and spices. When putting together the sandwich, place meat on top of the bun and then stack coleslaw on top.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 - 3 lb. Chuck Roast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- (1) 18-ounce bottle BBQ Sauce
- Coleslaw
- (6) Buns
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, add chuck roast. Generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Once it is tender, drain any excess fat from the slow cooker. Then take two forks and shred meat. Add BBQ sauce. Heat for about 15 minutes in slow cooker over low heat.
- Place meat on top of the bottom of the bun. Top with coleslaw. Serve warm.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Does this BBQ freeze well? Thank you!
Hi Jenna! Yes it does! I recommend to let it cool completely and then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months!
I showed my 15 year old son your slow cooker beef recipes, many of which I already made, and asked him to pick tonight’s dinner. He picked this and all of my boys went absolutely nuts for this and made me promise to make it again. I don’t like using processed ingredients which I probably why I never made before but after their reaction I will definitely make again. I used your recommendation Sweet Baby Rays. Hope you are feeling well Melissa!
Thank you so much Diana! I am so happy you loved this recipe!
Hi, I’m in the UK, is chuck roast basically a beef roasting joint?
Hi Greta! Yes, it looks like those cuts are similar. 🙂
Really good! I seared the roast first with salt and pepper and a little canola oil and then cooked in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours. Instead of a bun served with slaw, baked beans and Texas toast.
Thank you for making this recipe, Camilla! That sounds delicious!
Do you add liquid to the roast during cooking
Hi Michael! You do not need to add liquid, but if you would like a saucier beef you can add a little bit of beef broth when adding the seasonings! I hope you enjoy this recipe.
Hi Melissa, thank you for a wonderful recipe ❤️ greetings from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 I had two slices of chuck steak, seasoned as per the recipe, seared it in a cast iron frypan in butter quickly and cooked it in the slow cooker with a little beef broth for 8 hours on low, shredded it and stirred through the best bbq sauce, Beerenberg Coopers Pale Ale BBQ sauce. Delicious and so worth the wait, great for a party ! Cheers, Jessica
My husband loves extra spice so I add red pepper flakes! One of my favorite easy meals. We love the leftovers on kings Hawaiian rolls for lunches.
Today was the 8th time I’ve used this recipe over the years. My husband, Daniel, practically hovers around the slower cooker all day because the smell alone is so enticing. This is the only recipe I use for bbq sandwiches. 10/10 would recommend.
Do you have to add any liquid to the slow cooker?
I made this just like your picture. I had never made coleslaw for a burger before….but this was SO amazing! Absolutely the best bbq beef sandwich I have ever eaten.