Why You’ll Love this Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Recipe
You’re going to love this Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef recipe for so many reasons.
First, it’s incredibly simple; just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you. The aroma that fills your kitchen is absolutely mouthwatering!
Plus, the beef turns out tender and flavorful, perfect for sandwiches or over rice. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
And cleanup? A breeze! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this recipe a regular in your meal rotation.
Ingredients of Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef
When it comes to making Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef, having the right ingredients is key to achieving that tender, flavorful result we all crave. And don’t worry—this recipe doesn’t require any weird or hard-to-find items. Most of these ingredients are staples you might already have in your kitchen.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s plunge into what you’ll need for this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (make sure to trim the fat)
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Now, before you rush off to the store, let’s talk a little more about these ingredients. The beef chuck roast is the star of the show—it’s perfect for slow cooking because it’s tough and fatty, which means it becomes nice and tender after those long hours in the crockpot.
And don’t skip the yellow onion and garlic; they add a depth of flavor that’s just incredible. The ketchup is your base, while the balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard introduce a delightful tanginess.
Oh, and that liquid smoke? It’s a secret weapon for achieving that classic barbecue flavor without having to actually fire up the grill.
How to Make Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and plunge into making that Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef. First things first, grab your 2 lbs of beef chuck roast—this is the meaty hero of our dish. Now, remember to trim any excess fat because nobody wants a greasy barbecue, right? Once it’s all nice and trimmed, plop that bad boy right into your crockpot.
Next, we’re going to add some flavor magic. Toss in 1 cup of diced yellow onion and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Oh, the aroma will be divine—like a warm hug from a friend.
Now, let’s get saucy! Pour in 2 cups of ketchup, followed by 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. This little tangy wonder will brighten everything up. Add in 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, because we all need a little sophistication sometimes, don’t we?
Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar for that sweet balance, and don’t forget 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for an umami punch. For that smoky barbecue flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance, add 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke flavoring. Finally, season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Once you’ve got everything in there, give it a gentle stir to mix it all together—think of it as a little dance party for your ingredients.
Now, cover your crockpot and set it to low for about 6 to 8 hours. Yes, I know, the wait feels like an eternity. Maybe you’ll even find yourself counting down the hours like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
When the timer goes off, check that meat; it should be falling apart at the touch of a fork. Seriously, if it’s not, you might want to double-check your settings.
When it’s done, just shred the beef with two forks and mix it back into that glorious sauce. Serve it up on some buns, with some slaw on the side, and you’ve got a meal that’ll impress everyone, even if you accidentally started a fire last time you cooked. Enjoy!
Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can elevate your dish even further.
For a different flavor, try using pork shoulder instead of beef. If you’re looking for a tangy twist, swap out the ketchup for a smoky barbecue sauce or add some chipotle peppers.
Want a healthier option? Use a leaner cut of beef, like sirloin. You can also experiment with spices—adding cumin or smoked paprika can really enhance the flavor.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar or using honey instead!
What to Serve with Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef
After exploring various ways to customize Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside this flavorful dish.
I love pairing it with creamy coleslaw; its crunch complements the tender beef perfectly. Baked beans are another great choice, adding a hearty side that balances the barbecue flavors.
If you’re craving something lighter, a fresh garden salad can brighten the meal. Don’t forget about cornbread; it’s a classic that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Finally, some pickles or jalapeños can give a zesty kick. Enjoy mixing and matching these sides for a delicious feast!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef turns out perfectly every time, I recommend a few helpful tips.
First, choose a well-marbled beef chuck roast; the fat adds flavor and keeps the meat tender.
Don’t skip the browning step if you have time—it enhances the flavor!
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
If you like a smoky flavor, consider increasing the liquid smoke slightly.
Finally, let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is deliciously juicy!