If you’re anything like me, you love the deep, smoky flavors of barbecue but often dread the hours of grilling and tending to the smoker. Well, I have great news for you! Today, I’m going to share my go-to recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Beef. This dish combines the mouthwatering taste of BBQ with the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you just want to set it and forget it. Let’s dive in!
One of the best things about using a slow cooker is how incredibly easy it makes meal prep. Just throw in your ingredients, set the timer, and go about your day. I remember the first time I used a slow cooker; I was skeptical. Could it really be that simple? Spoiler alert: it is! There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day to the tantalizing aroma of BBQ beef that’s been cooking to perfection.
Enhanced Flavors
Slow cooking is all about melding flavors and creating a depth of taste that’s hard to beat. When you cook something low and slow, it allows the flavors to really develop and the meat to become tender and juicy. This is especially true for BBQ beef, where the slow cooker works wonders, making the beef melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Best Cuts for BBQ Beef
When it comes to slow cooker BBQ beef, not all cuts are created equal. My top pick is chuck roast. This cut has the right amount of marbling and connective tissue, which break down beautifully over long, slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Trust me, you’ll want that bit of fat to keep things juicy.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes and Spices
This recipe is incredibly straightforward. Start by searing your beef in a hot pan with a bit of oil until it’s nicely browned on all sides. Once seared, transfer the beef to your slow cooker. Next, pour in the beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and your chosen spices. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
When the cooking time is up, the beef will be wonderfully tender and easy to shred with two forks. Finally, mix in your preferred amount of BBQ sauce, whether it’s store-bought or homemade, and you’re ready to serve!
Low and Slow- Patience is Key
Patience is key here. Cooking on low for a longer period yields the best results, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender. High heat can rush the process and leave you with tough, chewy beef and who wants that?
Avoid Lifting the Lid
Every time you lift the lid, you’re letting heat escape, which can extend the cooking time. I know it’s tempting to peek and see how things are coming along (I’ve been guilty of this myself), but trust the process. Set it and forget it.
Classic Pairings
Serve your BBQ beef on a soft bun with a side of coleslaw for that classic BBQ experience. It’s also fantastic with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or baked beans. I love making a BBQ beef sandwich topped with a slice of cheese. Others prefer it topped with coleslaw. The combination of tender beef with these toppings is simply perfect.
Creative Ideas
The possibilities are endless. Use the BBQ beef as a filling for tacos, sliders, or even a topping for nachos. One of my favorite uses for leftovers is BBQ beef pizza – spread some sauce on a pizza crust, add the beef, and top with cheese and red onions. Bake until bubbly and delicious. It’s a hit every time!
There you have it, a my guide to making mouthwatering Slow Cooker BBQ Beef. This recipe combines simplicity with rich, delicious flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or someone who loves good food with minimal effort, this BBQ beef recipe is for you.
I hope you’re inspired to give it a try and make it a regular part of your meal rotation. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker BBQ Beef: Simple and Flavorful
Choose a beef roast, like the Chuck Roast, that's ready to embrace its destiny of becoming tender, delicious goodness. Rub your Chuck Roast with spices like they're participating in a beef version of a dance-off. Go wild with garlic powder, chili powder, and other secret seasonings from your kitchen treasure chest.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the Pan or Cast Iron Skillet: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or pan over high heat. It's important to choose a pan that can retain and distribute heat evenly. Cast iron skillets are excellent for this purpose. Add 2 Tablespoons Oil, once the pan is hot, swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers and starts to give off a slight wisp of smoke. This indicates that the pan is hot enough for searing.
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Add the Beef: Carefully place the beef into the hot pan. Lay the meat down away from you to prevent oil splatters. Allow the beef to sear without moving it for approximately 2-3 minutes. Using tongs to flip the beef to the other side. Again, let it sear without moving it for the same amount of time as the first side. Remove from pan and place seared beef on a plate while you prepare your slow cooker.
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In the slow cooker combine the beef broth, fire roasted tomatoes bay leaves, salt, pepper and all the seasonings give it a good stir and add the roast. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
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Once the beef has finished cooking remove roast from slow cooker and shred. I like to place roast in a large bowl and shred with 2 forks. Add in your desired amount of bbq sauce. Slap it between to bun and enjoy.
