Slow Cooker Sweet & Savory Barbecue Beef
This slow cooker barbecue beef is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. Made with just 6 simple ingredients, this easy crockpot recipe transforms an affordable beef chuck roast into tender, pull-apart barbecue beef simmered in a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Inspired by classic Midwest potluck favorites, this crockpot BBQ beef recipe delivers big, cozy flavors while keeping prep time low. As the beef slow cooks, it absorbs the tangy barbecue sauce and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender ideal for sandwiches, mashed potatoes, or hearty comfort meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy slow cooker dinner with minimal prep
Budget-friendly cut of beef made incredibly tender
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Family-friendly flavor everyone loves
Great for sandwiches, sliders, or comfort-style plates
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
3 to 3½ pounds beef chuck roast, excess fat trimmed
2 cups bottled barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
½ cup brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Arrange the sliced onion in an even layer on the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base and prevent sticking.
Pat the beef chuck roast dry, then season all over with salt and black pepper. Place it on top of the onions.
In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the raw beef, making sure the roast is fully coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
Transfer the roast to a bowl and shred using two forks, discarding excess fat.
Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid, then return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce.
Let the beef rest on WARM for 10–15 minutes to absorb even more flavor before serving.
Serving Ideas:
Pile onto soft hamburger buns or slider rolls for easy BBQ beef sandwiches
Serve over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a cozy dinner
Pair with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or corn
Use leftovers on baked potatoes or in wraps for quick meals
Tips & Variations:
For a milder flavor, use a sweeter barbecue sauce and reduce vinegar slightly
Add chili powder or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra veggies
Try a smoky barbecue sauce with a pinch of smoked paprika
Leftovers freeze beautifully, making this ideal for meal prep
