Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches are a staple around here! Beef is cooked in a flavorful homemade barbecue sauce in the crock pot all day. Once fork tender, the beef is shredded and piled high on crusty rolls with a coleslaw mix & cheddar cheese. I don’t add any sauce to my coleslaw mix but you can certainly use your favorite Classic Coleslaw as a topper.
This is the perfect meal to serve to a crowd because once cooked it can be kept on warm in the slow cooker so it’s ready when you are!
Not only are these Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches a crowd pleaser they’re really easy to make! The great thing cooking meat in a slow cooker is that the less expensive cuts of meat tenderize the best and don’t dry out (which is why pulled pork is always so good in the slow cooker)! The low and slow cooking method gives you beef so tender you can easily shared it with a fork.
If you check your meat and it isn’t yet tender, it likely needs more time. I try not to open the slow cooker while it’s on all day to keep the heat in but shortly before serving I always check the beef to make sure it’s on track. Keep in mind that you will want your slow cooker about 1/2 to 3/4 full. This was cooked in a 4qt slow cooker, I used to cook in a much larger slow cooker but have found that I get the best results keeping the slow cooker just over 1/2 full. (Find lots of great slow cooker tips here).
This recipe uses chili sauce which is not spicy… it’s a delicious sauce similar to a flavorful zesty ketchup (and can usually be found in the same area as the ketchup at the store). I use it to top meatloaf (mixed 50/50 with ketchup) and I add it 50/50 to store bought barbecue sauce for the BEST ever bbq sauce perfect for ribs and chicken. It makes it a little bit less sweet and zesty plus it’s full of flavor!
Items You’ll Need For This Recipe
* Slow Cooker * Chili Sauce * Molasses *
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 pounds beef chuck roast boneless
- 1 cup chili sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup finely diced white onion
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons molasses
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tablespoon dried parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
- 12 hamburger buns for serving
- prepared colelsaw optional, for serving
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except rolls & slaw in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat is fork tender.
- Remove beef from the slow cooker and shred with a fork.
- Skim any fat off of the liquid and add beef back into the sauce. Cook an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Serve on rolls with slaw.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beef, Dinner, Slow Cooker
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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I have been using my IP for so long I forgot how much better a chuck, slow cooked like this recipe, is really so much more succulent and tasty. Yes, the IP is quick and good but it really can’t beat the flavor that low and slow gives to the chuck meat.
Thank you for reminding me.
So glad you enjoyed it, PattiAnn!
Fantastic pot luck recipe !!
Would this work with pork tenderloin
Hi Diane, I haven’t tried this recipe with a pork tenderloin but I would love to hear how it turns out for you.
Best bbq beef recipe I’ve tried so far. The combination of flavors is rich and amazing. A tip for those who say the meat’s tough after a few hours. Some chuck cuts require longer cooking times to really break down the fat and tenderize the meat. Mine was 4lbs on high for 7 hours and it’s perfect. Just let it cook as long as it takes to where you can shred it easily with a fork. Now excuse me while I go back for seconds…
Still tough after 6+hours. Sauce is good but wouldn’t make meal again. Takes too long and is too salty.
Hi Regina, we recommend cooking on low for 8-10 hrs to achieve that yummy fall apart texture. Hope that helps!
I love your recipes!! I use them often. They are simple and food is superb!!
Thank you Kira! So glad you’re enjoying the recipes!
Made with a brisket –started it at night-woke me up at midnight smelling delicious throughout the house! I think I might cut into chunks before I cook the brisket so I get shorter shreds! Thanks
Sounds delish Patty!
Can I use a brisket instead? Do I need to adjust the cooking time? thanks–this looks great!
Hi Patty, a brisket should work well in this recipe. I would leave the cooking time the same but check it closer to the 8 hr mark to ensure it isn’t overcooked.
Thanks, can’t wait to make
Can I cook this on high for 4 hours?
That should work just fine, you’ll want to make sure the beef is fork tender.
What a gorgeous looking sandwich! Can’t wait to try it! Beautiful pics!!
Thank you Felesha! :)
I love an easy and delicious crock pot meal and this one looks nothing short of perfection! Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to try it!
Thank you Sarah!
I love my slow cooker …and you’re right, leave the lid closed …. but it’s oohh sooo hardddd! No peeking! sigh.
BBQ beef is a favorite at my house, I’ll be trying your recipe!
Enjoy Noel, my family loves this one!
Holly,
I love a good BBQ recipe. Fantastic idea to use a slow cooker. Love finding new ways to use my crockpot!
Me too Mica, I love coming home to a ready meal!
I usually make slow cooker BBQ pork. I should definitely give this recipe a try next time. It looks absolutely delicious!!
Thank you Brandon! I do love BBQ pulled pork too!
This looks too good to be true!
I can’t wait to try this as it’s got three of my favorite food groups – brown sugar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce in it. Seriously, I can drink Worcestershire sauce straight up out of the bottle! LOL
Thanks for sharing! :)
:) I agree, Worcestershire sauce adds such great flavor!