Crockpot BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Shredded beef loaded with seasonings, smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, and popped into the slow cooker until pull apart tender, these crockpot BBQ beef sandwiches seriously couldn’t be easier to make.

Why this recipe works

When I say easy, I mean easy. Crockpot BBQ beef sandwiches practically melt in your mouth, and there’s hardly any prep work involved aside from measuring out a few seasonings. It’s the quintessential dump and go, set it and forget it crockpot recipe, ideal for a crowd or meal prepping.

This is such a great recipe when having company. Pop everything into the slow cooker and come back to it later, ready to eat. Pull out the buns and coleslaw and let everyone serve themselves. Don’t want large sandwiches? Serve them on slider buns. We had a couple friends over for a football game and these sandwiches went over really well. Paper plates and potato chips meant very little clean up and happy hosts!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BEEF – Chuck roast is my favorite beef to cook in the crock. It’s well marbled and falls apart beautifully when slow cooked. I recommend trimming large excess pieces of fat, however, I still like to keep some fat as it really helps with flavor. A shoulder roast or a rump roast are decent substitutes for a chuck roast in a slow cooker.

BARBECUE SAUCE – While we have used a bottled barbecue sauce in this recipe to keep it quick and easy, a homemade sauce, like our Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce, is always an option! Feel free to use your favorite brand or flavor of barbecue sauce.

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Beef Sandwiches

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Trim off any large chunks of fat from chuck roast and place roast in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle mixture over the chuck roast.
3. Pour barbecue sauce over the roast and place lid on crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours.
5. Shred beef with two forks (or meat claws) and serve on sandwich buns.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

You can keep the finished meat in the crockpot on the warm setting, gently stirring occasionally. Which means you can prepare it a couple of hours beforehand if needed. If sauce begins to thicken, you can add a little bit of water or broth to thin it out. Otherwise, you can prepare everything, allow it to cool, and transfer it to an airtight container kept in the refrigerator up to 2 days ahead of time, though realistically it’ll be good for up to 4 days. Reheat back in the crockpot set to low, skimming any fat off the surface beforehand.

Store cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This is a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week!

It isn’t necessary to do so, but browning the beef will add extra flavor. Feel free to do so if you’d like!

Chuck roast is ideal for shredded beef sandwiches. The fat melts as it cooks, flavoring the beef and keeping it from drying out. Plus, in my experience, it’s the most tender pull-apart cut when it comes to making any kind of shredded beef in the crockpot.

Of course! Allow the beef mixture to fully cool before transferring it to an airtight container or large ziptop bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the slow cooker on low or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or water to help loosen the sauce if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crockpot BBQ beef sandwiches with potato chips, French fries, or baked beans. A side of Mac and cheese is never a bad option. I especially love this recipe for parties. Football games, board game nights, potlucks, summer parties… It’s great whenever.

Allow guests to serve themselves or portion them out, whatever works best for you. Some like their sandwiches topped with coleslaw, while some might enjoy cheese, pickles, or pickled onions. For the spice lover, serve with pickled jalapeno slices on the side!

More Related Recipes

• BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders
• Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

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